The Monticellonian., 1899-08-18
Henry Massey Rector,

Hon. Henry M. Rector, the seventh governor of Arkansas, died at his home in Little Rock August 18th, after lin- gering illness.
 Henry Massey Rector was born at Fountains Ferry, near Louisville, ky. May | 1sl6, the eldest son Of Elias and Fannie E. fThurston) Rector His first American ancestor was native of Wurtenberg. Saxony and settled in Fauquier county, Virginia in early colonial days His parents removed from Kentucky to St. Louis where he was brought up In 1822 his father died leaving him heir to 8 large estate. He removed to Arkansas in 1885 to look after leRacies left him in this state In ls3s he received an appointment as teller Of the Arkansas State Bank. but resigned the po- sition is months later and ommenced farming in Saline county. In ls42-48 he acted as United States marshal of the district Of Arkansas; in ls4s after most exciting canvass was elected to the state senate. Subsequently he was ap- pointed United States surveyor-general of Ar kansas and held ofice until the state surveys were completed Having read law in the mean time, he opened law of1ice at Little Rock in 1851 In the following year he was again elected to the legislature. and iii 1859 was elected to the supreme court of Arkansas. In 1860 he as Independent democratic candidate for the office Of governor and after notable canvass was elected. In April, 1861, President Lincoln made his famous call for 0o0 troops to put down the rebellion, and Arkansas was appor- tfoned her quota. Gov. Reetor's reply to this reqnistfon is here given verbatim
 Tn answer to your requisition for troops from Arkansas to subjugate the southern states, have to say that none will be purn- ished the demand adding insult to injury. The people Of this state are free men not slaves, and will defend to the last extremity their honor, lives and property against northern ursurpation. HENRY NJ RECTOR,
 Governor of Arkansas"
 He had already seized the arsenal at Little Rock and the fort at Fort Smith with all rms munitions and stores. In May, 1861, military board Of three members, one Of whom was the governor. was appointed to organize and equip an army, which done to the extent of 40 regiments, to fight for the Confederate cause. The revolutionary convention Of 1881 had omitted in it's enactments to continue the office Of governor, contest arose over the question and the state supreme court declared the office vacant. Thus Gov. Rector became a private citizen two years before the expiration Of his term. He then applied for commission in the regular army, but being denied this. entered the reserve corps as private and participated In frequent engagements until the close Of the war. He was member of the constitutional convention from Garland county. and assisted in framing the states organic law. The de- ceased was twice married in 1888 to Jane Elizabeth, daughter Of Col. Wm. Field clerk Of the United States circuit and district court for Arkansas and grand uece Of Gov Pope. His second marriage was to Ernestina Flora, daughter Of Hon. Albert Linde, Of Memphis, Tenn. She died April 3, 1899. Three daughters, Mrs. Mitchell of Texas Mesdames Brunson and Matheny, of Hot Springs, and two sons Hon. E. W. and Henry NJ. Rector. of Hot Springs, survive him