James Thomas Epperson was born June 21, 1853, in what is now Nevada County, Arkansas to Leander Epperson (b. Feb. 8, 1827, 4. 1894) and Nancy Epperson (d. Feb. 17, 1902). Leander Epperson and his brother, William, came from Tennessee to Ouachita County, Arkansas about 1859. Siblings of James were Willian, Matthew, Robert, Eugene, Finis and Cassandra.

 

Two brothers, James and Eugene, were planters near what is now Bluff City. They also operated a smell mercantile business, and Eugene was Postmaster.

 

On Sept. 3, 1878, Thomas was married by the Rev. Barcus to Verelda Elmira Cross (b. Jan 27, 1855), the daughter of Henry Cross and his wife, Martha Ann (Sheffield) Cross who came early from Alabama to Arkansas. Henry Cross was born Oct. 16) 1819 and died 1865. He was a slave owner, a Confederate soldier and died in prison. Martha Ann (Sheffield) Cross was born Aug. 11, 1822 and died Nov. 19, 1909.

 

In the Fall of 1911, Thomas moved his family to Clarksville, Arkansas where he placed his children in Arkansas Cumberland College. He remained there until December of 1913 when he moved back to his home in Nevada County. He had the misfortune of having his home burned down twice and he unfortunately carried no insurance. In 1924, he moved to Chidester, Ouachita County. For many years, he was an Elder of the Presbyterian Church

 

Thomas died Sept. 20, 1936. His wife had preceded him in death, August 10, 1930 and both were buried at Chidister.

 

Children of Thomas James end Verelda Elmira (Cross) Epperson, all born in Nevada County, were:

 

(1) Nora Helen b. July 8, 1974.4 Mar. 20, 1906; married Jim Henry Feb. 22, 1898.

(2) Cora Hattie b. June 21, 1877. Married Reece Marsh Jan. 15, 1901.

(3) Leonard Edger, bs Apr. 7, 1879, mar, Allie Wade, May 15, 1927,

(4) Bynum Carl b, Sept 22, 1880. mar. Willella Sweeney, Feb. 25, 1902.

(5) Cross E. b. Aug. 7, 1885. mar. Lillie Sweatman Nov. 5, 1905.

(6) Gorrie Blanch, b. May 9, 1887. mar. Edgar Long, July 3, 1910.

(7) Lela Pearl b. May 5, 1889, d. Feb. 18, 1929. mar. Dan w. Stott, April 1, 1917.

(8) Sula Lee, b. June 25, 1892. mar. John A. Dewoody, Oct. 14, 1916.

(9) Thomas Watson, b. Oct 7, 1894, mar Nancy Smythe, June 14, 1930.

(10) Mattie Matilda, b. Nov. 4, 1896. Unmarried.

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Data provided to Winnie H. Hamilton, May 1940, by Sula (Epperson) Dewoody, daughter of Thomas.