According to the Benton County Democrat (newspaper) of 2 November 1899, James DRYDEN died at his home near Avoca (Benton County, Arkansas) and he was a half brother of Constable John STOKES (of this city, meaning Bentonville, I think).

Is anyone researching this STOKES family? If so, is Constable his occupation or given name? I assume his occupation.

I find a John A. STOKES, age 50, born SC in 1870 Benton County, Arkansas census (Sugar Creek) with a wife, Maria, 44, and three daughters: Ann E., 25, Sara J., 21, and Laura M., 17.

I believe this Sara J. STOKES is the one who married John R. DUNAGIN in Benton County, Arkansas on 18 Dec. 1873.

Was John STOKES and James DRYDEN really half brothers or were they stepbrothers?


Appreciate any leads or information.