of
Grant Co.,Arkansas
From a book called Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland and Hot Spring Counties, Arkansas, published by Goodspeed Publishing Co. 1889
Edward W. Gartman is engaged actively and successfully in merchandising at Grape Vine, Grant County. He was born in this county, May 17, 1861, and is the son of Capres A. and Mary Ann (Pocia) Gartman, natives of Lexington, S.C., who came to Arkansas in 1841 and 1843, respectively, locating in this neighborhood. The father died in 1887 in his fifty-fifth year, his wife surviving him eleven months, dying in 1888 at the age of fifty-three. Both were members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and he was a Mason and a member of the Wheel. He served in the late war from July,1861, until its close, in an Arkansas infantry regiment of the Confederate army, and took part in many battles, being taken prisoner at Port Hudson. After his release, in a short time, he was in some severe battles, but escaped without a wound. He was a mechanic and farmer by occupation, working at both callings till his death. By his marriage he became the father of twelve children, of whom Edward W. was the third. The son received his education in Grant County, remaining at home until his twenty-first year, when he commenced to farm. In 1884 he began to teach school, and has continued up to the present day, very satisfactorily directing the young idea and wielding the rod. In 1887 he embarked in the mercantile business, soon giving it up, however. In December of the following year he again resumed commercial life, meeting with better success. He was married to Miss Mattie Waddle on October 18, 1888. She was born in Grant County, and is the daughter of Thomas J. Waddle. One little daughter has blessed this union, Era. Mrs.Gartman is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, while her husband belongs to the Masonic order and the Democratic party. He is very popular as a citizen, being universally respected. During the years 1888 and 1889 he served his county as deputy sheriff, with credit to himself.