In the latter half of the 19th century, a group of families left the state of South Carolina with the hope of finding a new place with less of the aroma of plantation life.  We are not sure of how many were in the group, but there were 3 particular families whose last names were Qualls.  Each family went to a different part of the country.  Some went to Memphis, TN, another to Popular Grove, AR, and the other to Peter's Island, known as Council.
        The family that landed at Peter's Island was Robert Qualls, his wife Jane, her mother Rosebud, and seven children.  It was said that after a number of years, Robert became ill and returned to South Carolina.  That left the older sons in charge of taking care of their mother, grandmother, and the younger children.  They were sharecroppers and after many years, the four brothers were able to acquire forty acres of land each that had to be cleared for cultivation.
         Our forefather and mother (Robert and Jane) were very proud people and overcame many obstacles.  With perseverance, endurance, and hard work they brought forth the following offspring:

Samuel Qualls was the oldest of the eight children.  He was a medium height man with a strong will.  He was married twice.  His first wife died and he married Maggie B. When he died his land was sold to one of his brothers, as he had no children.

John Qualls was the second son of Robert and Jane.  He was about five feet, six inches tall, and of fair complexion with straight hair. He was quite sporty and a ladies man!  He was married to Fannie and they had two children, Martha and Joe.  When he died, his land was divided between his children.

Emma Qualls was married to Austin Tanner.  They did not have any children of their own, but raised a child named Loretta.  The last months of Emma's life were spent in the home of her brother Buck, as she wanted to be closer to him and her younger brother Joe.  We found her to be a very loving and caring person.  She died in 1951.

Freddie Qualls was married to Will McClain.  They also did not have any children of their own but raised two children, Lillie Bell and John who were related to her husband.

Lawrence "Buck" Qualls was married to Cora Gipson and they had two children, Robert and Lela.  After Cora's death, he married Nancy Strothers and had five children; Texana, Janie, Lucille, James, and Lillian.  His third wife was Mary McGowan.  They did not have any children.

Laura Qualls was married to Mr. Bates and had seven children, Marthelle, Emma, Eddie, Tempra Ray, Freddie, Ida Bea, and Thelma.

Joseph Qualls was married to Magnolia Smith and had only 1 child, Virneeda Theresa.

Ollie Qualls was the youngest of the eight children, the only one born in Arkansas in 1892, and grew up on Council Ridge.  At age sixteen she married Richard Taylor.  To this union eight children were born; Mary Louise, Caporia, Freddie Bernice, Richard Jr., Arvelia, Theo, Jonathan, Herbert, and a granddaughter Helen whom they raised.  Ollie died September 29, 1975.

       Lawrence "Buck" Qualls, Laura Qualls, Joe Qualls, and Ollie Qualls still have living relatives that are represented at the family reunions today.  The branching off of this family has grown enormously.  The generations past, present, and future are what makes the beauty and the connection of this family so awesome.