I have been asked if I might help find someone who might have a picture of some of the Headlee family. I have recently, several times, come across family photos that have been discarded because no one cares about them. It is sad, sad, sad, to discover this. Check and see if you, being an old-time Searcy person, might have any old pictures of this family. Here is what he wrote and what he is seeking.
I need some advice and possibly a referral to a Searcy person that might be able/willing to do some genealogy research for me.
My great grandfather, John Franklin Headlee (same name as my late brother) lived in Searcy for 40 or so years passing in 1920. I have attached a partial biography that I recently wrote. The problem is that I have no photos of him…or perhaps one blurry one. You would think that there might be some around, but where? I am sure my great aunt Genevieve Headlee had photos of her father, but those were somehow not handed down and are lost. Is there someone you know that could dig around Searcy with clues from the bio and see if they can find a photo. I would be willing to pay them for their time.
Regards - Tom Headlee
Here is what he has discovered so far. If you can help further, let us know!!
J.F.H. moved to Searcy in about 1884 and took a position with P.A. Robertson’s “drug house” at age 26. He married Irene Greer, a fellow Searcy resident, two or three years later.
In 1895 a Little Rock newspaper said that J. F. Headlee, “the druggist, is doing a rushing business”. P. A. Robertson is mentioned separately implying that JFH was working independently of Robertson by this time.
In the 1900 U.S. census J.F.H. (age 42) is living on “East Street” (later called East Park Street) in Searcy. His occupation was listed as “pharmacist” and the home was rented. Other household members were I.G. Headlee (age 32) described as a “music teacher” and “Junior” Headlee age 11 (obviously Genevieve) and Frank J age 10. Both children were described as “student”. Also listed in the household was Sophia Hayden, age 60, black, from South Carolina, illiterate, “washerwoman”.
In 1900 JFH is listed as an alderman in Searcy. In 1901 he is said to have visited his “parental home” in Springfield, MO. 1906 to 1910 JFH is serving as county clerk.
In the 1910 U.S. census the family is still living on East St.. The home is owned “free of mortgage”. JFH occupation is listed as “county clerk”. Irene is 42 with no occupation listed. Genevieve is 21 and a “music teacher” and Frank is 20 and a “drug store clerk”
In 1909-13 JFH and two others were the first commissioners of Searcy Sewer and Waterworks District. A water plant and wells were constructed.
In 1912 JFH was visited in Searcy by Mrs. Carrie D. Headlee (his mother) and Mrs. W.D. Vandiver (his sister, Alice Louise) of St. Louis, MO. Also, in 1912 JFH is noted to be active on the “Democratic Central Committee”.
In 1912 Frank Headlee is said to have returned to Searcy from St. Louis to enter into business with his father, J.F.H. This is likely the beginning of Headlee Drug Co. (or did J.F.H. have his own store prior to F.H. returning to Searcy?)
In 1914 JFH was on the board of directors on the White County Fair Association.
In the 1920 U.S. census JFH (age 61) and Irene are living at 410 W. Arch (next to F.H. at 406 W. Arch). He is said to “own home” and be a druggist in own store. Genevieve was living there (age 31) with “no employment”.
1919 saw a decline in JFH’s health. In January he suffered a severe attack of pneumonia or influenza. Then in St. Louis, MO. on Feb. 6, 1920 JFH died. His obituary published in a LR paper said that he “had accompanied his wife (to St. Louis) for treatment”. The death certificate states that he lived there 7 days prior to his death. His age was 62 years and 7 days. The informant listed was W. D.Vandiver…husband of sister Alice Louise. It is also stated that he had an operation 2 days prior to his death. Cause of death: “lympho-sarcoma of the right neck” of 8 months duration.
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