Born in 1829, D.R. Compton was the oldest of ten children in a family with deep roots in South Central Virginia. He was the only one of his siblings to move west, first to Tennessee and then to Arkansas. He fought in the Civil War, married twice, fathered nine children, and became a successful farmer. His legacy is one of ambition, triumph, and tragedy. While D.R is our primary focus, this book also explores the stories of his parents, siblings, possible ancestors, and many descendants.