Leachville History
General History to Today
Leachville, Arkansas, has a rich history that reflects the development of small-town America. Founded in the late 19th century, the town was established in 1888 and named after its first postmaster, James Leach. Originally, Leachville served as a hub for agriculture and transportation, particularly benefiting from its location along the railroad, which facilitated the movement of goods and people.
The early 1900s saw growth in the area, with the establishment of various businesses, schools, and churches, which contributed to the community's development. The town became known for its agricultural output, with cotton farming being a significant part of the local economy.
In the mid-20th century, Leachville continued to grow and evolve, adapting to the changes in industry and agriculture. The community has faced challenges over the years, including economic shifts and changes in agricultural practices, but it has remained resilient.
Today, Leachville is known for its strong sense of community, small-town charm, and commitment to preserving its history while looking toward the future. The town continues to celebrate its heritage through local events and initiatives, making it a unique place to live and visit in northeastern Arkansas.
The Founding Families
Rev. James Wiseman Honnoll named the city of Leachville, Arkansas, after his good friend and business partner Joshua Giles Leach. These two men along with Sam McNamee started the Leach, McNamee Land and Development Company, in Leachville, Arkansas. All three of these men were members of the First Methodist Church of Holly Springs, Mississippi. Rev. Honnoll was the minister of the church. The parsonage that he and his family lived in is located behind this church in the center of Holly Springs, MS. This company purchased several sections of land around the present area of Leachville.
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Sunday before Thanksgiving, 1897, the two Honnoll families traveled from Garland County to Jonesboro and met J. W. Honnoll. The two families was Tuggle and Peter Honnoll's. Peter "Uncle Bud" Honnoll was injured during this trip. He badly broke his lower leg and as a result he walked with a limp the rest of his life. Honnoll accompanied the families to their new home -- a high spot in a slough thirty miles east of Jonesboro. Preacher Honnoll gave his sons forty acres of land a piece to settle.
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When Honnoll met his sons, he had the name Leachville, already painted on a board and nailed to a sapling outside a make-shift cabin at the new home site. These make-shift houses were shed-like shelters, sometimes having only two sides.
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Leachville soon became a town known as a tent city. The town was laid out and the first streets were named for Honnoll and McNamee. This land is located in the middle of Buffalo Island and was covered with all types of hardwood, ripe for harvesting by the newly formed company in Leachville. The first church service was held Thanksgiving Day under big cypress trees. The first church was named Honnoll's Chapel for J.W. Honnoll.
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In 1898, parts for the sawmill were hauled by wagon. The Cannon family was next move to Leachville. Mr. Cannon helped build the mill. At first mill products had to be hauled to Cardwell and Ardyrd, Missouri to be shipped to market. Mill hands numbered forty. It was hauled 200 yards northwest of where the Frisco Depot now stands. The first boards cut were used to erect the Methodist Church. Rev. James W. Honnoll built the oldest church in Leachville, the building still stands today. It is located at the South end of Church Street on the left side of the road.
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Tuggle, Muncey and Peter Honnoll and their families were pretty well settled when their brother John "K" Honnoll moved to Leachville in 1901, with three of his children, Mary Etta Honnoll remained at Ben Lomand, Arkansas to take care of her grandmother and grandfather, Edward Virgil Bryan and Eliza Ann (Horan) Maxcy.
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K. Honnoll was a good with grafting trees. He learned the trade and Mississippi and perfected it in Sevier County around the Ben Lomand area. Most of the Honnoll's that have moved away from the Ben Lomand community had good memories of the area. They talked about the rolling hills and friendly folks that lived in the hills.
