John Wesley Polson

POLSON, John W. - Mr. John Wesley Polson died at his home at Viney Grove Monday evening, October 13th at 6 o’clock. He has been in infirm health for a number of years but his death was due to a fall he received about three weeks ago, breaking his left hip. The story of this man’s affliction and misfortune would make a long one, as one who has known him a long has said, “ He has had nearly every bone in his body broken by accident,” nevertheless until the infirmities of old age overtook him he was a strong healthy old gentleman. He had such an active and such an industrious life that it was hard for him to give up its battles. Mr. Polson was a native of Tennessee, having been born in that State February 19, 1833. When an infant four years of age his parents moved to Arkansas, settling at Farmington in this county. In the year 1849 he migrated to California, making the journey in a wagon drawn by a yoke of oxen. There he remained ten years, returning just before the beginning of the Civil War. He enlisted in the service and served the entire four years as a Confederate soldier. At the close of the war he located at Viney Grove on the farm where he has since lived and died. In 1872 he was united in marriage to Miss Sallie M. Perry, who died a few years ago from injuries received from fire while burning trash in her yard. Possessed of strong body and constitution, he dared to have a purpose in life and to that end he always strived. No piece of work was too difficult for him. He had a determination to accomplish what ever he undertook, and this was the secret to his successful farm life. About 30 years ago when the Christian church was organized at this place he was one of its charter members and was one of its elders at the time of his death. In late years he has been debarred by ill health from church worship. He was a good neighbor, a kind husband and a loving and indulgent father. He was a sturdy old landmark that has passed beyond. The funeral service was held from the Cumberland Presbyterian Church here Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock, Rev. F.A. Lark assisted by Rev. J.F. McCuistion conducting it, and the remains were buried in the family square in the Prairie Grove cemetery. He is survived by three children, Mrs. S.R. Wilson, of Prairie Grove; Mr. Hugh Polson of Fairbanks, Alaska and Mr. Clarence Polson, who has always lived at home with his father, who gave him every attention in his last years. He is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Mary Zellner, who now is the only surviving member of her father’s family. [Prairie Grove Herald 10/16/1913]

Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Polson, who live one mile northwest of Viney Grove were severely hurt last Monday morning by being thrown from a buggy in which they were riding. They were on their way to Farmington, and when near the home of Mr. Hugh Pettigrew, two miles west of Farmington, a small bolt that holds the buggy shafts in place, broke and frightened the horse, which ran away and threw Mr. Mrs. Polson out of the buggy. Mr. Polson’s collar bone was broken and also one rib was broken. It is thought the broken rib punctured one lung. Mrs. Polson was also severely bruised and had one or two ribs fractured. Mrs. Hugh Pettigrew witnessed the accident and the aged couple were taken in to her home where medical attention was given to them. [Fayetteville Democrat 9/24/1908]

A message from Prairie Grove to the Daily this afternoon states that John Polson, whose wife was burned to death Saturday, is seriously ill at the home of S.R. Wilson, his son-in-law, at Prairie Grove. Mr. Polson received a nervous relapse and is unconscious. Unless he can be revived, his death is expected in a few hours. [Fayetteville Democrat 4/6/1911]