Col. Morgan Magness, 1796-1871, was the legendary wealthiest man of Independence County before the Civil War. He emigrated from Tennessee with his father, Johnathan Magness, a North Carolinian, when Arkansas was part of Missouri Territory. A prominent pioneer, he built a large brick home on the White River south of Magness post office, which was named for him. He served in both the Territorial and State Legislatures of Arkansas and became owner of nearly 4,000 acres. He is buried in the Magness cemetery. His great-grandson, Robert Morgan, was the last descendant bearing the surname residing in the county. Robert Morgan married Maxine Hayes, and their only son, Robert Morgan Jr., resided in North Little Rock in 1976.