The James Henry Cotton Family

Facts given by Helen Cotton Cain

James Henry Cotton, born in 1862 near Rocky Comfort, Sevier County, Arkansas, was two years old when he moved with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Cotton, to a farm in Union Grove community near Jacksonville. In 1884, he married Mary Josephine Williams, daughter of F. Lafayette Williams, and sister of J. D. Williams. They resided in the Antioch community and he engaged in farming. J. H. Cotton died in 1944. His wife died in 1931.

They were parents of eight children. Eula married Robert O. Puntch (deceased), and the family of four children, resided in Jacksonville until moving to Houston, where Mrs. Puntch continues to live. Edgar Ray, a World War I veteran, taught school in the Jacksonville area before moving to Houston, where he lived at the time of his death. Blanche married Charlie Bridges, a grandson of Jackson Smith, the man Jacksonville was named for, and resides in Alto. Audie Cotton Dorris is deceased. Clyde Henry is married to Ruby Nolley and they live near Dialville. Hayes, retired, lives in Jacksonville, and Everett S. is employed by the City of Jacksonville.

Jesse C. Cotton moved into Jacksonville as a young man. He married Myram Deason, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Deason. He owned a grocery store on Main Street for a number of years before becoming associated with the City of Jacksonville in charge of the City Water Plant. He became the first licensed plant operator to get a "Grade A" designation for water for Jacksonville, and is a charter member of the Water Works Association. He retired in 1964.

Mrs. J. C. Cotton owned and operated a ladies' apparel shop, "The Helen Cotton Shop," named for their only child, Helen, now Mrs. Robert Cain of Houston. The shop was sold when the old First National Bank Building was enlarged and took the space it occupied.

"Miny" and "Jess" Cotton were known for the success in growing gladiolus, first as a hobby, and later commercially. These were shipped to many states as well as sold locally. Mrs. Cotton was an active member of the Jacksonville Garden Club from its organization until her death October 24, 1970.

Both Methodists, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Cotton, retired to their home at 546 San Antonio Street, where he still resides.

"Jess" and "Miny" Cotton in early photo with their daughter, Helen.

J. C. Cotton grocery store on Main Street 50 years ago; Mrs. Cotton at the counter.