Sheriff David Hardin Lay


Sheriff David Hardin Lay
Term: 1864-1867

David Hardin Lay was born April 1, 1837 in Roane County, Tennessee, and was Van Buren County Sheriff from 1864-1867. He had served in County B, 31st Arkansas Infantry, Confederate (Quitman Sharpshooters) during the civil war. He began as 2nd Lt. and was discharged as Captain.  David married Rachel Billings in Quitman in 1866. He died March 24-1896, and he and Rachel are buried in Ware Cemetery, Sharp County, Arkansas. In 1882 he ran against Richard R. Roe and Zack Thompson for another term. Richard Poe was re-elected to a second term.