TidBit in time

In the same year W. D. Leiper came to Arkansas, 1856, Priscilla Jones Macon moved with her family to Tulip, Dallas County, Arkansas.

The romance of William Leiper and Pricilla Macon began when they were guests at a wedding for which the thirteen- year- old Priscilla wore her first long evening dress. William, many years her senior, became very seriously interested and stated his intention of waiting for her to attain age for marriage. This was in 1860. In 1865, when he returned from the War, he immediately came to remind her of his promise. They were married December 19, 1865.

William and Priscilla Leiper were married for fifty- two years and served their community and their Lord in a very effective way. They helped organize the Presbyterian Church of Malvern, AR. He was an elder there until his death and was its Representative in the 1889 General Assembly held in Chattanooga, TN. He served as the first minister and Mrs. Leiper was in charge of the music. She was an accomplished musician and for that is well remembered. She taught numbers of people to play the piano and at different social events she would play the piano. Often in their later years, she and Mrs. Duffie would play duets and were well received.

Mrs. Leiper was a charter member of the Presbyterian Church, and also a charter member of the Women’s Auxiliary, then known as the Ladies Aid Society, organized in 1888. She served as organist of the church, taught Sunday School and was president of the Aid Society. A mother of a large family, she was noted for her hospitality. She was the last living charter member of the church.

Mrs. Leiper was leader in civic affairs and a charter member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, organized in 1900.

Eight children blessed the home; five lived to maturity and had families.

This Tidbit in Time shared by the Hot Spring County

Historical Society

The Heritage, Vol. 26, p. 127