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CENTENNIAL HISTORY

O F

ARKANSAS

VOLUME I]

CHICAGO — LITTLE ROCK
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY

1922

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HON. HARMON L. EEMMEL

BIOGRAPHICAL

HON. HARMON L. REMMKL.

Capability, resourcefulness and high ideals have made Harmon L. Renimel one
of the foremost financiers and business men of Arkansas and a recognized leader in
republican ranks in the state. His devotion to civic interests and the progress and
upbuilding of the commonwealth has been manifest in many tangible ways. His suc-
cess is that which brings intellectual liberty, making him a citizen of the wider
world of thought and knowledge. His plans and purposes have ever found expres-
sion in practical methods for their achievement and that he reaches his goal is per-
haps best evidenced in the high positions which he occupies as a citizen, as a political
leader and as a banker.

Those who know Mr. Remmel feel that prophetic vision must have influenced
the choice of his middle name, for they feel that it is a synonym of his entire career.
Harmon Liveright Remmel was born in Stratford, Fulton county. New York, January
15, 1852, his parents being Godlove and Henrietta (Bever) Remmel, both of whom were
natives of Germany. The father was a manufacturer of Bruchhausen, near Cologne,
Prussia, but left that country at the time of the revolution of 1848 and sailed for the
United States that he might enjoy the liberty and freedom of the new world. He came
to America to be an American citizen and not to give a divided allegiance to the country,
so that when the Civil war broke out he gave three of his sons to the cause of the
Union. He followed farming as a life work and both he and his wife spent their remain-
ing days in the Empire state.

Harmon L. Remmel, the only surviving son of the family, obtained his early educa-
tion in his native town and afterward studied in the Fairfield Seminary at Fairfield,
New York, subsequent to which time he took up the profession of teaching, which he
followed for a year in his native state. In 1871 he became a resident of Fort Wayne,
Indiana, and there engaged in business until 1874, when he returned to New York and
devoted his attention to the lumber trade in the eastern metropolis. It was by reason
of that line of business that he became interested in the great lumber resources of
Arkansas and eventually came to this state to make his home in 1876. For a time he
resided at Newport, Jackson county, where he engaged extensively in the manufacture
of lumber, being associated for several years with his brother, Augustus C. Remmel,
under the firm style of Remmel Brothers, the partnership being maintained until 1883,
when the brother died in Newport.

Harmon L. Remmel continued an active factor in the business life of Newport for
two decades and then in 1896 removed to Little Rock, where he has since made his
home. In the meantime he had contributed to the development of the former city,
doing much to upbuild its material interests and to further its civic welfare and
progress. He was twice elected a member of the village council and for eight years served
on the board of education, being chosen president of the first school board formed at
Newport. Since those early days Mr. Remmel has never hesitated to manifest the
keenest interest in public affairs and has cooperated in many plans and projects which
have been fruitful of splendid results in the upbuilding of the commonwealth. At the
same time he has conducted important and extensive business interests, being particu-
larly well known in financial circles. For a considerable period he occupied the presi
dency of the Mercantile Trust Company of Little Rock, retiring from that position in
1912, while in 1914 he assisted in organizing the Bankers Trust Company of Little Rock
and has since been at the head of the corporation. In addition to his banking interests
Mr. Remmel has been state manager for Arkansas of the Mutual Life Insurance Com-
pany of New York for twenty-six years.

Mr. Remmel has been married twice. On the 13th of March, 1878, he wedded Laura

Lee Stafford of Staunton, Virginia, member of one of the old and prominent families

of that state and a daughter of John Stafford, who was a soldier of the Confederate

army in the Civil war, as were his three sons. Mrs. Remmel died in October, 1913, and

6 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

in 1915 Mr. Remmel was married in Fort Covington, New York, to Elizabeth I. Cameron,
of a prominent family in tliat community. Prior to lier marriage she was a teacher
of music in the Presbyterian College at Asheville, North Carolina. Afterward tor sev-
eral years she was traveling secretary of the Presbyterian Board of Home Missions,
covering a number of states. Since her marriage she has been deeply interested in the
Young Women's Christian Association work and at the close of the v^ar she was chair-
man of the Assyrian and Armenian Drive of Little Rock and Pulaski county, having
over four hundred women in her organization, and secured more than the quota of
funds assigned to her to raise. She was also active in the Jewish Relief Drive ot
1918-19. They have one son, Harmon L., born November 14, 1916. Mr. Remmel and
his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and manifest a helpful
interest in its work. They are also prominent in the social circles of the city and the
hospitality of their own home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. Mr. Remmel
has long manifested most appreciative interest in the Young Men's Christian Associa-
tion and has served as a director thereof for many years. He belongs to the American
Bankers Association and has been a member of the executive council of the savings
bank section. He was made a member ot the state capitol co.iimission, which had in
charge the erection of the state capitol building.

A stanch republican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, Mr.
Remmel has become a national figure in republican politics, not as an oflSce holder,
for he has had no ambition to fill political positions, but as one who has stood loyally
back of the principles upon which the party is based. At times he has consented to
become a candidate for office, but this has been really as a means of helping his party.
In early manhood he was elected from Jackson county to the state legislature. In
1884 he was nominated for congress but was unable to overcome the large normal
democratic majority. It was two years after this time, however, that he was elected
to the general assembly, being one of the first regularly elected republican members
of the legislature following the reconstruction period after the Civil war. In 1894 the
republicans named him as their candidate for governor, and while defeated by the
Hon. James P. Clarke, the latter, after becoming chief executive, manifested his appre-
ciation of the sterling qualities and distinctive abilities of his former opponent b\
naming him as the only republican member ot the state board of charities. When in
1896 Mr. Remmel again became candidate for governor he was defeated by Hon. Daniel
W. Jones and in 1900, when he was a third time a candidate, his successful opponent
was the Hon. Jeff Davis, although on each occasion Mr. Remmel received a vote far
in advance of that usually accorded the republican party. On the last occasion of his
candidacy his vote was about forty-eight per cent above that of the republican candidate
of two years before. It was by Governor George W. Donaghey. also a democrat, that
Mr. Remmel was made a member of the state capitol commission, which completed the
present magnificent statehouse. Mr. Remmel served as collector of internal revenue
during President McKinley's first administration and President Roosevelt appointed
him in 1906 to the office of United States marshal for the eastern district of Arkansas.
Upon the expiration of his term in May, 1910, he was reappointed by President Taft.
For fourteen years Mr. Remmel was chairman of the republican state central committee
and wisely directed the activities of tlie party (UuiuK slate and national campaigns.
In 1916 Mr. Remmel was tlie lepulilican nominee fur the Inited States senate against
W. F. Kirby, who was elected. He made a most creditable race. In January, 1921, he
was reelected chairman of the state central committee. He was a delegate-at-large to
the national conventions which named Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, Theodore
Roosevelt and William H. Taft as presidential candidates, and he also acted as a mem-
ber of the notification committee which officially carried the news of nomination to
McKinley and Roosevelt. In the national convention which made Taft the standard
bearer of the party he served as a member ot the committee on resolutions. He w'as
a delegate-at-large to the republican national convention in 1920 and member of the
sub-committee on arrangements which prepared for the meeting of the national con
vention in Chicago. He has done much effective and valuable service tor Arkansas
along many lines of improvement and progress. WTiile serving in the general assembly
in 1887 he was made a member of the joint committee which formulated and carried
out the plan under which the long standing debt against the state, amounting to more
than one million dollars, was adjusted and paid, much to the relief and benefit of the
taxpayers of the commonwealth, and thereby upholding the integrity of the state. In
January, 1910, Mr. Remmel was made member ot a committee, by appointment of the
governor, that visited the national capital and brought to the attention of the proper
federal authorities the matter of securing a federal government appropriation for
Arkansas whereby there would be met the expense of a thorough survey ot the wet
and overflowed lands in the northeastern section of the state, that the district might
be rendered onltivatable and transformed into a valuable agricultural region. In con-

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OP ARKANSAS 7

nection with this committee's work at Washington a state drainage convention was
held at Little Rock in February, 1910, Mr. Remmel acting as chairman o£ the conven-
tion. He has long been one of the foremost factors in the promotion of good roads
and for one year served as president of the Arkansas Good Roads and Drainage Asso-
ciation. Wliile filling the office of president of the Little Rock Board of Trade he did
much to maintain high civic ideals and to advance the various departments of practical
work undertaken by that body. On the 20th of May, 1921, he was nominated by Presi-
dent Harding as collector of internal revenue for Arkansas to succeed Jack Walker.
Mr. Remmel was selected for the office at the recent meeting of the republican state
central committee, and according to arrangement with Mr. Walker he took office at the
beginning of the fiscal year, July 1, 1921. Since 1913 he has been the member of the
republican national committee from Arkansas.

Mr. Remmel was a close personal friend of Presidents Harrison, McKinley, Roosevelt
and Taft. During the summer of 1918 President Taft visited the various cantonments
throughout the United States to inspire and instruct the young soldiers in lessons of
patriotism in their duty to their country before their departure to the front. During
his visits to Camp Pike he was entertained by Mr. Remmel. After the death of Chief
Justice White, Mr. Remmel probably was one of the first men in the United States to
wire President Harding, urging the appointment of e.x-President Taft as the successor
of the chief justice. He followed up his message by a personal visit to the president
and was given the assurance by him that Taft would be appointed. Governor Jones
appointed Mr. Remmel a colonel on his staff.

There has been no period in the history of Arkansas when she has needed the aid
and support of her loyal sons that Mr. Remmel has not stood with the foremost in
promoting her interests and welfare; and when the nation needed his aid he was found
equally ready to the call of duty. He took a very helpful part in all of the activities
relating to the World war and became chairman of the Four-Minute men of the state.
perfecting an organization of one hundred and seventy-five speakers in the different
counties. He campaigned the state three times in the interests of Liberty Loans and
was the largest subscriber for Liberty bonds of any man in Arkansas. He served on
the committee that went to Washington, D. C, to secure the location of Camp Pike and
on another committee to protest against Camp Pike being removed from the state and
he served on the State Council of Defense. In the summer of 1918 a plan was evolved
to have each farmer give a bushel of wheat, corn, cottonseed or other product for the
benefit of the United States and the allied countries. Colonel Remmel took up this
matter and went to Washington, where he secured the approval of President Wilson
and, returning to Little Rock, started operations. Products to the value of forty
thousand dollars were given by farmers by the time the armistice was signed, at which
time the work was dropped. Another official honor that has come to Mr. Remmel has
been the election to the presidency of the Arkansas Bankers Association. In every-
thing that he has attempted, quick discernment and the faculty of separation of the
Important features of any subject from its incidental or accidental circumstances have
characterized his work. When he presents any cause before an audience it is a dull
mind that does not respond to the touch of his thought, to the play of his fancy, to the
force of his logic. His business has ever balanced up with the principles of truth and
honor, while his public service has been of a most far-reaching and resultant character.
Anyone meeting Mr. Remmel face to face would know at once that he is an individual
embodying all the elements of what in this country we term a "square" man — one in
whom to have confidence, a dependable man in any relation and any emergency. His
quietude of deportment, his easy dignity, his frankness and cordiality of address, with
the total absence of anything sinister or anything to conceal, foretoken a man who is
ready to meet any obligation of life with the confidence and courage that come of
conscious personal ability, right conception of things and an haliitual regard for what
is l)est in the exercise of human activities.

M. L. PRICE.

M. L. Price, of the Ozark Poultry & Egg Company and recognized as one of the
alert, energetic and farsighted business men of the city, was born in Bates county,
Missouri, June 8, 1880. and is a son of George and Mary Elizabeth (Warford) Price.
The father was born in northern Missouri and was a representative of one of the old
families of Virginia, his father, who was a native of the Old Dominion, removing to
Missouri during the pioneer epoch in the history of the latter state. There George
Price was reared to manhood and after attaining adult age he wedded Mary Elizabeth
Warford, who was born in Kentucky and was a daughter of Mitchell Warford. also

8 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

a native of Kentucky, whence he removed to Missouri prior to the Civil war. George
Price served with the Confederate army during the war between the two sections of
the country and he always gave his political allegiance to the democratic party. He
devoted many years to farming and stock raising, thus providing for the support of
his family. Fraternally he was connected with the Masons and his religious belief
was that of the Methodist Episcopal church, while his wife held membership in the
Baptist church. The death of Mr. Price occurred in 1920 and his widow now resides
in Fort Smith, Arkansas. They became the parents of six children: M. Burge, con-
ducting a grocery and meat market at Bartlesville, Oklahoma; M. L., of this review;
J. L., who is manager of the Poultry Company of Fort Smith; Veaze, who is engaged
in the poultry business at Fort Smith; L. V., who is connected with the American
Express office at Fort Smith; and Cora May, the wife of Dr. Anthony of Fort Smith,
who was formerly a practicing physician at Maryville, Missouri.

M. L. Price obtained his education in the schools of his native state and was
trained to the work of the home farm which claimed his attention in youth and early
manhood. Later he became identified with mercantile interests at Ballard, Missouri,
and about twenty years ago engaged in the poultry business there. He also worked
for other firms in the same line. In January, 1914, he came to Fayetteville and in the
following year purchased the business of the Aaron Poultry Company, Incorporated,
of Kansas City, Missouri, the business being here carried on under the style of the
Ozark Poultry & Egg Company. It was capitalized for twenty thousand dollars and
incorporated by Jay Fulbright, M. L. Price, F. M. Patrick and R. M. Clark. Mr. Price
has continuously served as manager since the incorporation. The business has steadily
grown and developed and the company now maintains branch houses at Fort Smith
and at Rogers. Their success is assured by reason of the progressive business
methods they have ever followed and the close application and unremitting energy of
Mr. Price, who is the active head of the concern. Recently the Ozark Poultry & Egg
Company has made several improvements in its plant and it is the intention to make
the business the largest of the kind in the south. Already it has far outdistanced
many competitors and is regarded as one of the leading commercial enterprises of
Fayetteville and this section of the state. Mr. Price also owns a half interest in the
Security Motor Company.

In 1900 was celebrated the marriage of M. L. Price and Miss Ruey Patrick, who
was born in Kentucky, a daughter of F. M. Patrick, who is engaged in the poultry
and egg business in Elkins, Arkansas. Mr. and Mrs. Price have one daughter, Marvine,
who is attending high school. The parents belong to the Methodist Episcopal church
and Mr. Price is also identified with the Chamber of Commerce. In politics he has
ever been a democrat and is now serving as a member of the city council of Fayette-
ville, exercising his official prerogatives in support of many plans and measures hav-
ing to do with civic betterment and improvement. Starting out in the business world
on his own account when a youth of sixteen years he has since depended entirely upon
his own resources, and his thoroughness, capability and energy have been the dominant
factors in bringing him the success which is now his.

CAPTAIN DIGBY B. WEST.

Captain Digby B. West, who became well known as one of the successful farmers of
Arkansas, established his home in the vicinity of Berryville in 1889 and there resided to
the time of his demise in 1902. He was fifty-six years of age when death called him, for
his birth occurred in Ireland in 1846. He was a son of Dean West, who was a dean of
the Episcopal church of Ardagh, Ireland, and later in Presteign, Wales.

Digby B. West was the third in order of birth in a family of eight children. He
acquired a good education in an agricultural college at Cirencester, England, and was
a magistrate in County Roscommon, Ireland, and also became captain of the Royal
Longford Rifies of Ireland. He came to America in 1882, settling on a farm in Texas,
and remained in that state for seven years, but his experience there was anything but
encouraging. His family were all sick and he lost considerable money while attempt-
ing to found a home in the Lone Star state. He had enough left to bring his family
to Arkansas, when in 1889 he decided to try his fortune in this state and settled on a
farm which he purchased near Berryville. Immediately he began to prosper and be
continued to live on his farm throughout his remaining days, devoting his attention to
the work of further improvement and development. In 1900 he set out a nice apple
orchard of fifty acres and in 1920 Mrs. West shipped sixteen carloads of fine apples.

It was in England, in 1868, that Mr. West was united in marriage to Miss Fanny
Louisa Swindell, who was born in England, near London. She is a daughter of John

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 9

S. and Mary Louisa (Bond) Swindell. Her father was a highly educated man, being
a graduate of the Royal Engineers College of England, and he devoted his life to the
profession of civil engineering. Mr. and Mrs. West became the parents of thirteen
children, of whom eight are living: Francis married W. J. Jamison of Baltimore, and
they are now living in Berryville. He has devoted his attention to the hotel and
banking business and he also managed Deer Park Hotel, Maryland, in the summer sea-
sons; Digby West, the second of the family, is mentioned elsewhere in this work;
Sidney is an engineer on an ocean steamship and makes his home at San Francisco,
California; Charles is a druggist of Minnesota; Fred is a railroad man, living at
Eureka Springs, Arkansas; Heyrick C. follows farming in the vicinity of Berryville;
Lucy is the wife of E. V. Wier, conducting a dry goods store in the vicinity of San
Diego, California; John lives on his mother's farm and manages the orchard. All are
members of the Episcopal church, but as there is no church of that denomination in
Berryville, Mrs. West attends the Methodist Episcopal church and is pianist for the
congregation. In politics Mr. West was an ardent democrat. Mrs. West lives in a
comfortable home in Berryville. The family is most highly esteemed and Mr. West
left to his wife and children not only a comfortable competence but also that priceless
heritage of an untarnished name.

DIGBY JOHN WEST.

Digby John West, who for twenty-eight years has been connected with the First
National Bank of Berryville, was born in Ireland, April 22, 1871, a son of Digby _B.
West, mentioned elsewhere in this work. He obtained a public school education "in
Texas and also attended Clarke's Academy at Berryville, a time-honored institution,
while later he spent two years as a student in the military academy at Sweet Springs,
Missouri. He entered upon his business career when a young man as an employe in
the Carroll County Bank, which was converted into The First National Bank of Berry-
ville and he has been connected with the institution throughout the intervening period,
covering twenty-six years. Steadily he has worked his way upward until for the past
five years he has been president of the bank and active in directing the policy of the
institution, which is notably sound and reliable and most carefully safeguards the inter-
ests of its depositors.

In 1897 Mr. West was married to Miss Fannie Clarke, who was born in Berryville
and is a daughter of Professor Isaac A. Clarke, to whom extended reference is made
on another page of this work, her father having for many years been one of the lead-
ing educators of this state. To Mr. and Mrs. West have been born six children: Helen
Maude; Digby Clarke, who is now in school at Columbia, Tennessee; Herbert Brooke,
Rollo Granger and Virginia Frances, all in school; and Vinnie Ream. Mr. West is a
member of the Episcopal church, while his wife holds membership in the Christian church.
Fraternally he is a Royal Arch Mason and is a loyal follower of the teachings and
purposes of the craft. In politics he has always been a democrat and keeps well in-
formed on the questions and issues of the day but has never been an aspirant for public
office. He devotes his time to the bank and is leading a most active life in connection
with the business interests of Berryville, where the sterling worth of hii; character is
widely recognized and where the circle of his friends is almost coextensive v.''*h the circle
of his acquaintances.

BURTON 0. GEORGE.

Burton 0. George, vice president of the First National Bank of Berryville. was
born November 24, 1872, in the house in which he now resides, his parents being
William Patrick and Mary (Burton) George, both of whom were natives of Barry
county, Missouri. The father was born near Cassville in 1846 and died on the 13th
of October. 1915. The mother's birth occurred in the same neighborhood in 1850 and
she now makes her home in Berryville. They were the parents of four children, of
whom two are living. Burton O. and Charles A., the latter a physician of Berryville
who is mentioned on another page of this work. William Patrick and Mary (Bur-
ton) George were reared and educated in Missouri, the father coming to Berryville,
Arkansas, in 1868, a year or two before they were married. Here he engaged in the
practice of medicine to the time of his death and he died in the faith of the Baptist
church, of which he had long been a devoted member. Fraternally he was a Knights
Templar Mason and politically a democrat. He enlisted in the Confederate army at

10 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

the age of fifteen years and served as a member of Parson's Brigade for a period of
three years and while at the front was captured and imprisoned at Memphis. With
his return home he studied medicine and graduated from the St. Louis Medical School.
He was a most capable and successful physician, recognized as well as one of the fore-
most surgeons of northern Arkansas. The first amputation which he made was with
a Disston saw. As the years passed and great improvements were made in the methods
of surgery he kept in touch with these and was ever abreast with the times in his pro-
fessional work. He also was one of the foremost builders and promoters of Berry-
ville. He assisted in organizing the First National Bank and remained president of
the institution to the time of his demise.

The George family has long been represented in the south. The grandfather of
Burton 0. George was David O. George, who was born in Tennessee and in an early
day removed to Missouri, where he spent the remainder of his life, devoting his at-
tention to the occupation of farming. The Burton family, of which Burton O. George
is a representative through the maternal line, was also an old family of Tennessee.
His grandfather died when Mrs. Mary (Burton) George was but a young girl and
thus much of the family history has been lost.

Burton 0. George was educated in Clarke's Academy at Berryville, one of the old,
substantial schools of the state. His first commercial venture was in connection with
the drug business, in which he engaged for twenty years, associated with his father.
He made a success in that line but eventually sold his drug store in 1912 and became
actively identified with the First National Bank as cashier. Later he was elected to
the position of vice president and has been the active vice president of the institution
since that date. The First National Bank was organized by his father in 1889 and
is one of the strong financial institutions of Arkansas. It is capitalized for sixty
thousand dollars and has a surplus of thirty thousand dollars, with average annual
deposits amounting to three hundred and fifty thousand dollars. He was also at one
time a director of the Farmers & Merchants Bank at Green Forest but sold his interest
in that institution, which, however, he conducted for six months in 1915. He now
acts as guardian for the children of his deceased brother.

Mr. George is a member of the Masonic fraternity, loyal to the teachings and pur-
poses of the craft. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party, but the
honors and emoluments of office have no attraction tor him. He devotes his time to
the bank and to the management of his father's estate and is thus leading a busy,
active and useful life.

ISAAC ASBURY CLARKE.

Professor Isaac Asbury Clarke, who for years was principal of Clarke's Academy
of Ben-yville and was one of the most widely known and ablest educators of the state,
was born in Overton county. Tennessee, March 22, 1837. He acquired his early educa-
tion in Rhea's Academy at Berryville, which he attended for several years, and he
later became a student in the University of Missouri at Columbia in the year 1860.
He left school the following year, however, to enlist in the Confederate army, with
which he served until the close of the war. He was on duty with the First Creek
Regiment of the Indian Territory under General Standwatie and participated in the
battle of Pea Ridge and of Honey Springs. He received his discharge at the close
of the war. at which time he had risen to the rank of captain.

It was less than two years after the close of hostilities that Professor Clarke
opened an academy at Berryville. The institution began with twenty-five pupils on
the 14th of January. 1867, and such was the success of the new enterprise that the
number of pupils had increased to one hundred before the first term had closed. From
the beginning the school was a success and Professor Clarke continued his educa-
tional work until within a year and a half of his death. He was a most capable edu-
cator, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired,
and many of the ablest men of the state and of the west received at least a part of
their training under his direction and bear testimony to the thoroughness of the work
and the inspiration of his own career over their lives.

In 1871 Professor Clarke was united in marriage to Miss Virginia G. Layton and
they became the parents of a son and two daughters. The mother, Mrs. Clarke, was
killed on the 8th of August, 1879, while on an outing trip with her husband and chil-
dren. They were camped at Eureka Springs when a tree fell upon Mrs. Clarke, caus-
ing her death almost instantly. Professor Clarke remained true to her memory, never
marrying again. His son, Cuthbert Clarke, resided for k time at Victor, Colorado,
but is now deceased. The daughters are: Vinnie, now the wife of Malone Lewis of

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OP ARKANSAS 11

Denver. Colorado; and Fannie, the wife of Digby John West of Berryville. In the
summer of 1905 Professor Clarice made an extended trip through the west and at every
stop was greeted and entertained by his old students, many of whom are now men of
prominence in business circles and in the councils of state and federal government.
It was the arduous duty that he imposed upon himself in carrying on the school and
in writing nights and evenings concerning his western trip that finally caused the
breakdown resulting in his death. He was for many years teacher of the Bible class
in the Sunday school of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and his entire life
was guided by a most earnest belief in the Christian faith, although he did not unite
with any church. However, he closely followed the Golden Rule and there are few
men whose lives have been such a force for intellectual and moral advancement in
the state of Arkansas. One of the local papers said: "He has, through his personal
influence and the influence of his school, done more to advance the educational inter-
ests of the county than any other individual. It would be an impossibility to estimate
the loss Carroll county has sustained in the death of Professor Clarke. Always public-
spirited, he was ready at all times to give of his effort and his means to any enter-
prise that promised good to his county or state, and his voice will be missed in those
councils that are called upon to act for the good of the people. The moment of his
death — sunset — was emblematic, for with the going out of this life a source of both
light and warmth was withdrawn from a large section of the earth." He lived and
labored long for the benefit of his fellowmen and his influence remains as a power and
a benediction among those with whom he was associated.

WYLIE BLOUNT MILLER.

Wylie Blount Miller, manager of the insurance department of the Union & Mer-
cantile Trust Company of Little Rock and a well known figure in the insurance circles
of the state, was born in Memphis. Tennessee. July 16, 1878, and is one of a family
of five children, four sons and a daughter, of whom one son is deceased. The parents
were James Russell and Geraldine (Hill) Miller. The father was born in Rogersville,
Tennessee, in 1842, while the mother's birth occurred in Mount Sterling, Kentucky,
and they were married in Memphis. Tennessee, in 1877. Mr. Miller served in the
Confederate army during the Civil war, organizing a company at Nashville, Tennessee,
soon after the outbreak of hostilities. He was chosen captain and served for four
years in General A. S. Johnson's command. His political endorsement was always
given to the democratic party. He followed various lines of business to the time of
his death, which occurred in Saratoga. New York, in September, 1892. His widow
survives and now makes her home in Little Rock.

Wylie B. Miller was quite young when he became a resident of the capital city
and in private schools here he pursued his early education, while later he attended
St. Alban's College at Radford, Virginia, and for a time was a student in the Univer-
sity of Virginia. After leaving the University he was engaged in looking after his
father's estate until it was settled up. In his liusiness career he has steadily advanced
and now occupies the responsible position of manager of the insurance department of
the Union & Mercantile Trust Company.

On the 1st of June, 1904, in Staunton, Virginia. Mr. Miller was married to Miss
Helena Hunter Spitler, who was born in Staunton, Virginia, in 1881. Mr. Miller has
always voted with the democratic party but has never been an office seeker. During
the World war he assisted the welfare committee and took active part in promoting
the Liberty Bond and Red Cross drives. He and his wife are members of Christ Episco-
pal church and he also belongs to the Country Club, through which avenue he derives
much social pleasure.

HARRISON E. CRILL.

The enterprising little city of Gillett numbers among its wide-awake, progressive
and energetic merchants the gentleman whose name introduces this review. Harri-
son E. Crill succeeded in business William J. Stillwell, one of the oldest merchants
of Gillett, his present establishment being the outgrowth of the business that had
been founded by Mr. Stillwell many years before. In the conduct of his store Mr.
Crill displays a most progressive spirit, carrying a well selected and attractive line
of goods and employing modern-day business methods in the management of the trade.

12 ■ CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

while his thorough reliability has been one of the potent elements in the attainment
of his present-day success.

Mr. Crill was born in McDonough county, Illinois, in 1875 and is a son of E. J.
and Phoebe (Walker) Crill. The father was a native of Oneida county, New York,
where his father was a well known capitalist. He purchased land in Illinois and
other western states at a very early day and E. J. Crill made visits to these places
in the interest of his father and ultimately became identified with the middle west.
It was while on one of these trips looking after his father's business affairs that he
met and married Phoebe Walker, a native of New York, and for a time they resided
in Illinois, the birth of their son, Harrison E., there occurring. Subsequently they
became residents of Oneida county, New York. To them were born the following
named: Arthur, who is now living in Gillett; Harrison E.. of this review; and John
W., deceased. The father removed with his family to Arkansas and established his
permanent residence in 18S7 where the town of Gillett now stands. He was a civil
engineer by profession and at one time served as surveyor of Arkansas county.

Harrison E. Crill was reared and educated in this state and in early life became
identified with farming interests. In 1902, however, he entered into association with Mr.
Stillwell, pioneer merchant of Gillett, and later became one of the organizers of the Still-
well Mercantile Company, which succeeded to the individual ownership of Mr. Stillwell.
Mr. Crill became president and general manager of the business and in January, 1920,
he took over the interests of his associates in the store, becoming sole owner of what
is today one of the leading mercantile establishments in his part of the county. His
stock is attractive, his business methods thoroughly reliable and progressive and his
trade is steadily growing.

Mr. Crill has been married twice. He first wedded Dasie McGraw of Gillett, a
daughter of George and Sally McGraw. His second wife was Roberta Branstetter and
in the social circles of the city they occupy an enviable position, having a legion
of warm friends. Fraternally Mr. Crill is connected with the Woodmen of the World
and his entire life has been guided by the teachings of the Methodist Episcopal church,
in which he holds membership.

HON. JAMES P. CLARKE.

Hon. James P. Clarke of Little Rock, who died October 1, 1916. was serving at
the time of his death, for the third term as a member of the United States congress.
He had previously been governor of Arkansas and he left the impress of his individ-
uality and marked ability upon the history of state and nation, being connected
with various important legislative measures while a member of congress.

A native of Mississippi, James P. Clarke was born in Yazoo City, August 18, 1854,
and was the eldest son of Walter and Ellen (White) Clarke, the latter the daughter
of a prominent family of New Jersey. The father was a civil engineer and architect.
After attending the public schools of Yazoo City, James P. Clarke became a student
in Professor Tutwilder's Academy at Greenbrier, Alabama, and completed his prep-
aration for the bar as a law student in the University of Virginia in 1878. Before
becoming a university student he had edited a small newspaper in Yazoo City and
this constituted his initial step in the business world.

It was in 1879 that Senator Clarke became a resident of Arkansas, taking up
his abode in Ozark, later moving to Helena, Phillips county, where he opened a law
office and had soon gained a large and distinctively representative clientage. He
possessed a keen, analytical and logical mind and his reasoning was always sound,
while he was seldom, if ever, at fault in the application of a legal principle.

Senator Clarke was well known through his political activity. In 1886 he was
elected to represent Phillips county in the twenty-sixth general assembly of Arkansas
and after two years' service in the lower house he was elected to the senate from
the fourteenth district, continuing a member of that body until 1892 and serving as
president of the senate in 1891. In the succeeding year he received the nomination
of the democratic party for the ofBce of attorney general and was elected by a large
majority, continuing to serve in that position in 1893 and 1894, vigorously prosecuting
the duties of the office. He declined a second term, to which he would without doubt
have been elected, had he so desired. In September, 1894, he was made a candidate
for governor on the democratic ticket and entered upon one of the most bitterly con-
tested campaigns in the political history of the state. He was elected, however, and
inaugurated in January. 1895. He declined reelection as governor and it was while
serving as chief executive of the state that he established a precedent in the matter
of preventing prize fighting. Some prize fight promoters undertook to arrange a bout

HON. JAMES P. CLAKKE

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OP ARKANSAS 15

between James J. Corbett and Robert Fitzsimmons at Hot Springs, whereupon Governor
Clarke announced that no prize fights should take place in Arkansas while he was
governor and that he would call out the militia if necessary to prevent the match.
His unyielding determination to protect the good name of the state caused the aban-
donment of the project by its promoters. In 1896 Senator Clarke became a candidate
of the United States senate against Senator James K. Jones of Garland county,
but withdrew from that contest and devoted the next six years to the active practice
of law. In 1902 he again became a senatorial candidate against Senator Jones, whom
he defeated, taking his seat in Washington, March 9, 1903. So valuable was the
service which he rendered to the state that he was reelected in 1909 without opposi-
tion, for another six years' term. In 1914 he was again chosen for the office and was
filling the position for the third term at the time of his demise. He was regarded as
one of the influential members of the senate and in 1913 after a bitter contest he was
elected president pro tempore of that body, being the first Arkansas man to receive
this honor. In 1915 he was again chosen for the same position. During his last
term he served as a member of three of the most important committees in the
senate, being chairman of the commerce committee and a member of the foreign
relations and military affairs committee. He was closely associated with the passage
of some of the most important legislation enacted during his connection with the
United States senate. He introduced and was responsible for the passage of the
Philippine bill, also of the cotton futures bill and he had opposed the ship purchase
bill introduced by the administration in the sixty-third congress. He was also
one of the two democratic senators who voted against the Adamson bill passed in
September, 1916, to stop the threatened national railroad strike. It was largely
through his efforts, at a most strenuous contest in both house and senate, that the
rivers and harbors committee recommended a substantial appropriation for Arkansas
rivers. Senator Clarke was a student of men and events. He watched the trend
of the times and with notable prescience foresaw what might be accomplished in
the future. He looked beyond the exigencies of the moment to the opportunities
of oncoming times and labored to meet the needs which would arrive with the passing
years. None ever doubted the integrity of his position. Those who opposed him
politically had the keenest respect for the sterling worth of his character and his
fidelity to a cause in which he believed.

On the 15th of November, 1883, Senator Clarke was married to Mrs. Sallie
(Moore) Wooten of Moon Lake, Mississippi, a daughter of Francis Marion and Nannie
B. Moore, members of a prominent family in eastern Arkansas. They became the
parents of two daughters and a son: Julia, now the wife of Joseph W. House, Jr.,
and they have a daughter, Ellen Clarke House; Marion, now the wife of Robert
Monroe Williams, and they have one child, Francis Marion Williams; and James
P., Jr., who was a captain in the late war and died while serving his country
at Camp Bowie, Fort Worth, Texas, October 28, 1917. Senator Clarke was a
prominent member of Albert Pike Consistory, in which he attained the thirty-second
degree of the Scottish Rite in Masonry and he also belonged to Al-Amin Temple
of the Mystic Shrine and was a past exalted ruler of Little Rock No. 29, B. P. O.
E. He died on the 1st of October, 1916, leaving behind him a memory that is en-
shrined in the hearts of those who knew him because of the sterling traits of his
character, his upright manhood, his fidelity to principle and the broad vision which
he always displayed in connection with public affairs. The state honored Senator
Clarke by placing his statue in Statuary Hall of the capitol at Washington, D. C.
The statue stands between those of Jackson and Lee.

J. L. WRAPE.

J. L. Wrape, manager of the Henry Wrape Co., and thus closely associated with
the productive industries of the city, was born in Jennings county, Indiana, November 1,
1877, and is a son of John and Mary (Meeley) Wrape, the former a native of New
York and the latter of Ireland. The father went to Indiana prior to the Civil war and
there engaged in farming. To him and his wife were born twelve children, of whom
nine are living: Henry J., who is engaged in the stave milling business throughout
Arkansas and is treasurer of the Henry Wrape Company of this state, makes his home
in St. Louis. W. R. is also engaged in the stave milling business as a member of the
Wilson Wrape Stave Company of Little Rock. F. S. is a director of the Henry Wrape
Stave Company of St. Louis. Three sisters, Mrs. John Fahy, Mrs. John Reichle and
Mrs. Richart, are all residents of Indiana, the two former living in North Vernon and

16 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OP ARKANSAS

the latter making her home in Seymour. Bob and Louis are in Paragould, Arkansas,
where they are engaged in the stave business connected with the Henry Wrape Company.

J. L. Wrape of this review was educated in North Vernon, Indiana, where he pursued
a public school course and then came to Arkansas, settling in Jonesboro. He had charge
of the Henry Wrape Stave factory there, thus becoming actively identified with the
business that has been in active operation in Arkansas since 1880. This business was
founded by the uncle, Henry Wrape, St., and the first factory was at Paragould, built
in 1880. Mills were also established at Searcy and at Walnut Ridge, but the principal
mills were at Searcy and Paragould. The factory at Searcy was constructed in 1909
and J. L. Wrape is in charge here, employing sixty men in the operation of the plant.
The business has been incorporated and is confined to the manufacture of staves and
headings. It is a mammoth enterprise, shipment being made to all parts of the United
States from the various branches situated in Arkansas and St. Louis. J. L. Wrape has
continuously served as manager at Searcy and has most carefully and wisely directed
the business, which is one of the most important productive industries of this section.

In 1902 Mr. Wrape was married at Jonesboro, Arkansas, to Miss Anna Higgins, a
native of this state and a daughter of Carlton Higgins, manager of a hotel at Jonesboro.
In religious faith Mr. Wrape is a Catholic. He belongs to the Benevolent Protective
Order of Elks and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party but he devotes
practically his entire time and attention to his business affairs. Thoroughness, close
application and indefatigable energy have been the salient features in his growing

success and Searcy regards him as a valuable asset in connection with the ' -~'

development of the city.

JOHN H. WHARTON.

John H. Wharton, living in El Dorado, was born on a farm in Union county,
Arkansas, February 23, 1883, his father being John U. H. Wharton, of whom extended
mention is made on another page of this work in connection with a sketch of his son,
Dr. J. B. Wharton. In the public schools of Louisiana John H. Wharton acquired his
early education and afterward attended Ouachita College at Arkadelphia, in which he
completed a classical course, winning the Bachelor of Arts degree at his graduation in
1905. Following the completion of his studies he entered the employ of the Ritchie
Grocery Company, a wholesale house, with which he was associated for fifteen years.
He worked in every department, winning promotion from time to time until he reached
the position of assistant to the manager. On the 1st of May, 1921, he resigned and
accepted a position with the Arkansas Wholesale Grocery Company, with which he is
still associated, being now the head of the sales department. This is a position of
responsibility and importance and Mr. Wharton is proving thoroughly adequate to the
duties devolving upon him.

On the 15th of October, 1915, Mr. Wharton was united In marriage to Miss Lucy
Gibney, a native of El Dorado. They are highly esteemed in the city, where they make
their home. Mr. Wharton belongs to El Dorado Lodge, No. 13, A. F. & A. M., also to
El Dorado Lodge, No. 1129, B. P. O. E. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce
and is heartily in sympathy with the purposes and plans of that organization for the
ctiy's development and improvement. He belongs to the Baptist church, while his wife
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. South. Mr. Wharton is a young man
who has made steady progress since starting out in the business world. He early
recognized the eternal principle that industry wins and industry became the beacon
light of his life. He has won his advancement through earnest labor and close applica-
tion and his record illustrates what can be accomplished by a young man of laudable
ambition and determined effort.

JAMES DRAYTON DrBARD.

One of the representative business men in Marked Tree is James Drayton DuBard.
cashier of the Farmers & Merchants Bank, of which institution he is likewise a director.
He was born in Grenada, Mississippi, on the 2d of December, 1889, a son of Charles R.
and Celie Emma (Bernhardt) DuBard. The father was born and reared to young
manhood in Vaden, Mississippi, and in early life engaged in farming. He has become
one of the successful agriculturists of that state and is now living retired in Charleston.
At Vaden, Mississippi, in 1885, Charles R. DuBard was united in marriage to- Miss
Celie Emma Bernhardt, who is likewise a native of that state. To their union four

CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 17

children were born, three girls and one boy. • Two of the daughters and the son are
living. James Drayton, whose name introduces this review, was the second in order
of birth.

James Drayton DuBard attended the grade and high schools of Grenada, Mississippi,
and later took a course in the Macon & Andrews Business College at Memphis, Ten-
nessee. He made his initial step into the business world in 1910. when he became
assistant cashier of the Bank of Marked Tree. In January, 1911, he was promoted to
the position of cashier and was active in that capacity until 1914, when he tendered his
resignation. On the 1st of September, 1914, he accepted a position as bookkeeper for
Ritter & Company and was active in that connection until the 1st of January, 1915,
when he became manager of. the Marked Tree Telephone Company. He remained with
the telephone company until the 1st of February of the following year, when he came
to the Farmers & Merchants Bank as cashier, which position he now holds, as well
as that of a director in the institution. The Farmers & Merchants Bank, which was
organized in 1911, is one of the most reliable institutions of its kind in the county.
During Mr. DuBard's service as cashier the capital and surplus has been increased
from thirteen thousand, five hundred dollars to sixty-two thousand dollars and the
deposits from fifty thousand to two hundred and twenty thousand dollars. Mr.
DuBard is well fitted for his present position and his genial and pleasing personality
have won for the bank many stanch friends.

At Lebanon. Ohio, on the 2d of September, 1914, was celebrated the marriage of
Mr. DuBard to Miss Ida Dilatush, a daughter of Walter Dilatush, a well known resi-
dent of that community. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. DuBard two children have
been born: Ann, five years of age; and James Drayton. Jr., aged three.

Mr. DuBard gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, having firm belief
in the principles of that party as factors in good government. Fraternally he is iden-
tified with the Masons, belonging to Marked Tree Lodge, No. 668, F. & A. M. He is
planning to complete the Scottish Rite in the near future. The religious faith of the
family is that of the Methodist church, to the support of which Mr. DuBard is a gen-
erous conributor. During the World war he was tireless in promoting the govern-
ment's interests and not only served as county chairman of the War Savings Stamps
drive, but was on the various Liberty Loan committees and as one of the Four-Minute
men he made speeches throughout the county. He is one of Marked Tree's most pub-
lic-spirited and progressive citizens and is connected with every organization that has
for its- purpose the development and improvement of the general welfare.

HENRY GRADY MANNING.

Henry Grady Manning is displaying marked efficiency as the manager of the
Goldman Hotel of Fort Smith, although one of the youngest hotel managers in the
United States in charge of a hotel of this size and character. Back of his present work,
however, there has been long practical experience in hotel service from the position of
check boy to that of control of all the business interests of the hostelry. Throughout
the intervening period Mr. Manning, has made a close study of the desires, wishes and
demands of the public as to hotel service.

Mr. Manning is a native son of Arkansas, his birth having occurred in Scott county,
his parents being Dr. Henry G. and Virginia (Fuller) Manning. After completing his
early education in the public schools near his home Mr. Manning came to Fort Smith
to pursue a commercial course in a business college and while thus employed he
accepted the position of check boy in the dining-room of a hotel in order to pay for
his meals. He afterward entered the serivce of the Eastman Hotel at Hot Springs,
Arkansas, and there learned to cater to a very fastidious and discriminating patronage.
Subsequently he was employed in the Queen Royal Hotel at Niagara, Canada, which
received the wealthiest and most exclusive patronage of any hotel in the Dominion.
He served there as room clerk and his painstaking efforts and unfailing courtesy
marked him as one "to the manner born." Since that time he has been widely recog-
nized as a most desirable man in connection with hotel management. His tact and
agreeable qualities in meeting the public have been most potent forces in his success in
hotel life. In 1917 he became assistant manager of the Marion Hotel at Little Rock,
Arkansas, taking that position during the momentous days which marked the early
preparations for war with Germany. Camp Pike was situated near Little Rock and
his duties were increased to a notable degree in caring for relatives who came to the
city in order to visit the boys who were training at Camp Pike. In 1919 Mr. Man-
ning accepted the management of the Basin Park Hotel at Eureka Springs, Arkansas,
a popular summer resort in the Ozark mountains. A little later he was offered and

18 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

accepted the management of the Goldman Hotel, the leading hostelry of Fort Smith.
and has brought this hotel up to the present high standard, which he has maintained
in connection with all of his hotel ventures. The Goldman has one hundred and fifty
rooms, well appointed, maintains a splendid cuisine and excellent service in the cafe
and is the center of almost all of the important social affairs, balls and other inter-
ests of similar nature in Fort Smith. Mr. Manning always demands that the high-
est type of service be rendered to patrons and by reason of this the business of the
hotel has constantly increased. He has introduced many improved methods into the
Goldman and has made it a hotel which would be a credit to a city of much larger
size than Fort Smith. He is at all times energetic and alert, watchful of the interests
and comfort of patrons and quick to adopt any new method or improvement that he
believes will be of advantage in hotel management.

WILLIAM W. WOOD.

William W. Wood, of El Dorado, now a partner in the Southern Ice Company,
was born in Roanoke, Alabama, August 15, 1877. His parents, Wyatt H. and Mary J.
(Moody) Wood, were natives of Georgia, where they were reared, educated and mar-
ried. Soon afterward they removed to Alabama where the father took up the occu-
pation of farming. In 1883 he went to Hill county, Texas. There the mother died in
1887, and Wyatt H. Wood removed in 1901 to El Dorado, Arkansas, where he lived
retired up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1902.

William W. Wood was educated in the Waco, Texas, public schools and when
eighteen years of age entered upon an apprenticeship to the blacksmith and wagon
making trade in Waco. In 1901 he came to El Dorado, where he opened a blacksmith
and wagon making shop, which he conducted for nineteen years. In January, 1921.
he secured the agency for the Buick cars and engaged in the automobile business until
January 1, 1922, when he became one of the proprietors of the Southern Ice Company.

In 1901 Mr. Wood was united in marriage to Miss Thula Steadman, a daughter of
Robert C. Steadman, who was the founder of what is now the El Dorado Times. For
six years he published the paper as the Union County Populist and then two or three
years ago changed the name to the El Dorado Times. Prior to her marriage this
paper was edited by Mrs. Wood, who since her marriage has given her attention to
household affairs and the rearing of her two children: Emory D. and Mary A.

Mr. and Mrs. Wood and their children are all members of the Methodist Episco-
pal church. South, and he is serving on the board of stewards. They take an active
interest in church work and contribute generously to its support and do everything
in their power to advance the cause. Mr. Wood belongs also to El Dorado Lodge,
No. 13, A. F. & A. M.; El Dorado Chapter, No. 14, R. A. M.; Albert Pike Consistory,
No. 1, A. & A. S. R., of Little Rock; and Al-Amin Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Little
Rock. He is likewise identified with the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce, and his
interest centers at all times in those channels through which flow the greatest good
to the greatest number.

ALGERNON SIDNEY GARNETT, M. D.

For forty-five years Dr. Algernon Sidney Garnett was one of the most noted
representatives of the medical profession in Hot Springs, where he continued in active
practice almost to the time of his death, which occurred October 30. 1919, when he
was in his eighty-fifth year. He was born on Wakefield plantation, in Westmoreland
county, Virginia, April 11, 1834, and was the son of Colonel Henry Garnett. at one
time a member of the Virginia state legislature and one of the most prominent and
influential residents of the Old Dominion. The mother, who bore the maiden name
of Elizabeth Bankhead, was a daughter of Mrs. Eveline (Fermicelli) Bankhead. who
was a ward of Lord Dunmore, the colonial governor of Virginia.

Dr. Garnett was educated in the University of Virginia and subsequently attended
the Medical College of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from which he received his M. D.
degree. He then went to New Orleans to take the examination for admission to the
United States navy and passed the examination by the highest average ever made by
any applicant up to that time. He was assigned to duty on the U. S. Man of War Saranac
and was on a three years' cruise. During that time he secured a leave of absence
and it was while he was making a trip ashore on the coast of Mexico that President

CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 1!)

Diaz was shot by an assassin. Dr. Garnett being the only surgeon near, he was called
upon and operated on the president, cutting out the bullet. Being an American, he
was placed in a delicate position, for had the patient died under the operation, it was
doubtful what the outcome might have been. Likely it would have resulted in his
own death at the hands of some of the Mexicans, because of the feeling existing against
the Americans.

Following the expiration of this three years' cruise Dr. Garnett was stationed at
the Washington city navy yards for six months and was then assigned to duty on the
Man of War Wyandotte for service in the Gulf waters off the coast of Mexico. There
he was stationed at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war. When Virginia seceded
from the Union he resigned his postiion and returned home to oiler his services to
the Confederacy. He enlisted in the Confederate navy and was later assigned to duty
in the army, where his services as a surgeon were more urgently needed. He acted
as surgeon on board the Merrimac when that vessel had its memorable fight with the
Monitor and he was stationed in the bay of Mobile when the war closed.

Following the cessation of hostilities Dr. Garnett engaged in cotton gi-owing in
Alabama and while there he was offered the chair of physiology and hygiene in the
University of Alabama and continued to fill that professorship for three years. He
then came to Hot Springs, Arkansas, about 1873 or 1874 and continued to practice in
this city to the time of his death, becoming one of its most noted physicians and sur-
geons. Here he remained in active and successful practice for forty-five years, enjoy-
ing the honor and respect of colleagues and contemporaries in the profession and of
the general public as well. On the day that he was stricken with illness, only two
days prior to his death, he was at his office in seemingly good health and attended an
unusual number of patients, notwithstanding he had passed the eighty-fourth mile-
stone on life's journey.

On the 30th of October. 1861, Dr. Garnett was married to Miss Alice Evelyn Scott
of Washington, D. C, the marriage being celebrated in Richmond, where the mother
of Miss Scott was a refugee, having run the blockade to return to the south. Dr.
and Mrs. Garnett became the parents of five children three of whom are living: Wil-
liam Henry, a resident of Little Rock; Evelyn Sidney, attorney at law, for many
years located in New York city but now in the south; and Rita, the widow of Thomas
Scott Boykin of Hot Springs. She has a son, Aubrey Boykin. Dr. Garnett was a
member of the Hot Springs Medical Society, the Garland County Medical Society,
the Arkansas State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He was
long regarded as a man of pronounced ability in his profession in this city and his
services were in constant demand not only by the permanent residents of Hot Springs
but by many of the hundreds of visitors who annually come to the city in search of
health. He was most careful in the diagnosis of his cases and most conscientious in
the performance of his professional duties, and his sterling personal worth combined
with his professional skill to bring him to his place of high standing in the regard of
his fellowmen.

JULES BELKNAP, M. D.

Dr. Jules Belknap, who has been an active and successful representative of the
medical profession at Sulphur Springs for more than three decades, has been engaged
in practice as a physician and surgeon in different cities of Arkansas since 1875, or
for a period covering forty-six years. His birth occurred in New Orleans, Louisiana,
in 1855, his parents being Gideon and Elizabeth Belknap, both of whom were born near
Versailles, France. After crossing the Atlantic to the United States in 1849 they
settled in New Orleans, where the father conducted a millinery establishment to the
time of his death, which occurred in 1864. The mother passed away in Greene county,
Missouri. Their family numbered five children, two of whom survive: David, residing
at Harold, Missouri; and Jules, of this review.

When a little lad of ten years the latter was taken to Shelbyville, Illinois, by his
mother, who had been left penniless at her husband's demise and who there rented a
hotel which she conducted for a number of years. In this way she made sufliicient
money to purchase a farm. Having determined upon a professional career, Jules
Belknap entered the medical department of the University of Missouri, which conferred
upon him the degree of M. D. at his graduation with the class of 1873. He first located
for practice in Springfield, Missouri, but at the end of two years removed to Arka-
delphia, Arkansas, where he followed his profession for three years. On the expira-
tion of that period he went to Little Rock, where he continued in practice for six
years, while subsequently he spent four years as a physician of Scottsville, Arkansas.

20 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

The year 1890 witnessed his arrival at Sulphur Springs, where he has remained continu-
ously since and has built up a practice of most extensive and gratifying proportions
as his professional skill and ability has become more and more widely recognized.

At Hot Springs, Arkansas, Dr. Belknap was united in marriage to Miss Bessie
Blenker, a native of Springfield, Missouri, who passed away in 1889. For his second
wife he chose Miss Lydia Johnson, of Scottsville, Arkansas, and they became parents
of four children who are yet living as follows: Mrs. .Beatrice Bagby of Gulfport,
Mississippi, who is a college teacher of music, while her husband is leader of a band;
J. Rousseau, who is a graduate of the University of Arkansas and is now principal
of the machine department as well as a director of the Reo Motor Company; Ray L.,
who is also a graduate of the University of Arkansas and is now employed in the New
York office of the Allis-Chalmers Company; and Mrs. Anna Lee, a wido\M, living in
Oklahoma City.

Dr. Belknap has always given his political allegiance to the democratic party and
has served as health officer, in which position he is still active. His wife is a devoted
and consistent member of the Baptist church. They are widely and favorably known
throughout the community in which they reside and in which Dr. Belknap has long
enjoyed an enviable reputation as a leading representative of the medical fraternity.

REV. T. A. PARK.

Rev. T. A. Park, a minister of the Presbyterian church, now engaged in preaching
the gospel at Mena, was born in Greeneville, Tennessee, in October, 1873, and comes
of Irish ancestry. His grandfather, James Blair Park, was born in Ireland and was
but four years of age when brought to the United States by his parents, who settled
on what became known as the old Park homestead near Greeneville, Tennessee. There
James B. Park was reared and became a farmer, devoting his entire life to agricultural
pursuits and his was the proud boast that he had assisted in raising eighty-four crops
of corn. He died on the old home place at the age of eighty-eight years. His son,
Robert D. Park, was born on the farm and in young manhood entered the Presbyterian
ministry, devoting his efforts to the work of preaching the gospel for a number of
years. He was a graduate of the Union and Jefferson College near Knoxville, Tennessee,
and afterward spent four years as president of that institution of learning. He also
became the owner of farm property near Greeneville, Tennessee, his son, T. A. Park,
being a partner with him in the ownership of that property. The father gave his
political endorsement to the democratic party and he served as a chaplain in the
Federal army during the Civil war. He wedded Mary Ann Alexander, who was also
born in the vicinity of Greeneville, Tennessee, and was a graduate of a young ladies'
college at McMinnville, that state. Her father was Thomas Alexander, who became
one of the pioneers of Tennessee, where he owned a good farm property, spending the
major part of his life thereon. He was of Scotch lineage. To Mr. and Mrs. Robert
D. Park there were born live children, four of whom are living: Mrs. S. B. White,
whose husband is a merchant of Johnson City. Tennessee; J. B., a farmer living at
Tusculum, Tennessee; T. A., of this review; and Roy D., who occupies the old home-
stead farm near Greeneville, which his father had formerly owned.

T. A. Park obtained his early education in the schools of Tusculum, Tennessee,
completing his high school work there, after which he pursued a theological course
at the Cumberland University at Lebanon, Tennessee, and was graduated with the
class of 1902. Ordained to the ministry of the Presbyterian church he entered upon
pastoral duties at Mason, Tennessee, where he engaged in preaching for seven years.
In 1909 he came to Mena, where he has remained, so that he has had but two charges.
He has done splendid work in the church, both congregations growing under his
administration and guidance, while his labors are constituting a forceful element in
the moral progress of this community.

In 1906 Rev. Mr. Park was married to Miss Annie Jean Whitten, who was born
in Covington, Tennessee, and supplemented her early education by a year's study in
the Normal School at Knoxville, Tennessee, while for a year she also studied at Nash-
ville. She is a daughter of J. C. Whitten, a native of Lynchburg, Virginia, who In
his boyhood days removed to Covington, Tennessee, and later entered mercantile circles
there. He was reared by Major Morgan, his uncle. By his second marriage he had
four children and by a previous marriage there were two children: Mrs. B. B. Good-
man, whose husband is a traveling salesman at Memphis, Tennessee; and Mrs. J. K.
Marshall of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, whose husband is a professor in a college. The
children horn of Mr. Whitten's second marriage are: J. G. Whitten, who now edits a
paper at Greenwood, Arkansas; Mrs. T. A. Park; Mrs. H. M. Euart of England. Arkansas,

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 21

where her husband is engaged in the lumber business; and K. H., an electrician of
Jackson, Tennessee, who married Miss Hollan Greene, a native of Covington, Tennessee,
and a daughter of J. U. Greene, who was a colonel under General Forrest in the
Confederate army.

Rev. Mr. Park is a member of the Masonic fraternity and both he and his wife are
connected with the Order of the Eastern Star. He also belonged to the Knights of
Pythias and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and in politics he has always
given his allegiance to the democratic party. He has served on the board of health
in Mena and is now a scoutmaster. His wife taught school in western Tennessee
and was principal of the Mena high school during two years of the World war — 1917
and 1918. Like her husband she is most actively interested in the work of the church
and as pastor of the Presbyterian church at Mena Rev. Mr. Park is contributing in
notable measure to the moral development of the community, taking active part in
fixing the standards of right and wrong as enunciated in Biblical teachings. A man
of most earnest purpose, his labors are far-reaching and resultant and Mena is largely
indebted to him for the advanced standards of living which many of her citizens follow.

JOHN W. MAXWELL.

John W. Maxwell, banker and merchant at Pouke, Arkansas, with residence at
No. 1017 Pecan street in Texarkana, is a native of West Virginia, his birth having
occurred near Ravenswood in that state on the 27th of August, 1866. He enjoyed
good educational opportunities and came to Arkansas when eighteen years of age.
Here he began teaching school in Miller county and was recognized as one of the
popular, proficient and prominent educators of the state through a period of seventeen
years. In 1902 he established a general store at Fouke, where he has built up a large
mercantile business, and he also became a factor in its banking circles, organizing
the State Bank of Fouke, of which he was elected president, and also serving as
director of the Merchant & Planters Bank of Texarkana. In 1914 he purchased a
beautiful home on Pecan street in Texarkana and removed his family to the city but
has continued to conduct his mercantile and banking interests at Fouke.

On the 11th of October, 1892, Mr. Maxwell was united in marriage to Miss Aro
K. Mitchell and they have become parents of four children: Nellie, Alice, Robert
and John W., to whom they have given good educational advantages.

Mr. Maxwell and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. South,
taking a deep interest in the growth of the church and doing everything to expand
its influence. In politics Mr. Maxwell has always been a democrat and has served
on the central committee. He has never sought or desired oflSce but served for several
years on the school board at Fouke. the cause of education finding in him a stalwart
champion. He belongs to the Woodmen of the World and also to the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and the Maccabees. His interests center in those lines through
which flow the greatest good to the greatest number and he has been a contributing
factor to many of those forces which make tor the benefit, upbuilding and progress
of the community.

CHARLES F. KING.

The drug business of Huntington finds a worthy representative in Charles F.
King, part owner of the Kirkland Drug Store, and he is known as one of the sub-
stantial men of the community. Mr. King is a native of Arkansas, his birth having
occurred at Lonoke in 1896, and he is a son of Charles and Betty (Bange) King.

In the acquirement of an education Charles F. King attended the schools of Little
Rock. Upon the completion of his course he engaged in the drug business in Hunt-
ington and he has been active in that connection here ever since. He is now part
owner of the Kirkland Drug Company, of which Frank Kirkland is the president,
operating three drug stores. In April, 1917, Mr. King enlisted for service in the World
war, was assigned to the Medical Corps as first-class private and was sent to Camp
Pike for his training. He was in active service until the signing of the armistice,
when he received his discharge and returned to Huntington and his business interests.
Efficient in the administration of his business affairs, Mr. King has a comprehensive
grasp of details and is also thoroughly competent in handling large situations in-
volving the solution of intricate problems. Among his business associates he is re-

22 CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

garded as conscientious and trustwortliy, never stooping to do anything not in accord
with the highest standards o£ business ethics.

On June 14, 1921, Mr. King was united in marriage to Miss Cathleen Hudson of
England. Mrs. King is prominent in the club and social circles of Huntington and
her husband is identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

JUDGE WILLIAM THOMAS MARTIN.

Judge William Thomas Martin, attorney at law o£ Camden, was born in Carthage,
Lake county, Mississippi, July 16, 1851, and is of Scotch-Irish descent. He is a son
of James S. and Jane (Mann) Martin, the former a native of South Carolina and the
latter of Alabama. They were married in Carthage, Mississippi, and in 1856 came
to Arkansas, settling in Bradley county, where the father purchased a plantation,
bringing his slaves with him to this state and carrying on the work of developing
his place with their aid. His wife died when their son. Judge Martin, was but two
years of age. The father afterward married a sister of his first wife, Penina Mann.
He died in 1884 at the age of sixty-three years.

Judge Martin pursued his early education in the common schools of Bradley county
and was fortunate in having among his instructors Professor Hogue, a noted educator
of that day. In his youth he began reading law and finished his studies under the
preceptorship of Colonel Ben Johnson of Camden, being admitted to the bar in 1888.
Prior to this time he had been engaged in farming with the exception of the year 1876.
when he was employed by an uncle, G. D. Bustaumante of Jackson, Mississippi, in
the machinery business. After his admission to the bar he maintained a law office
in Camden but lived on the farm and continued to have the place cultivated with
the aid of others. In 1888 he went on the road as a representative of the Memphis
Appeal Avalanche, a prominent newspaper of the south, continuing with that publica-
tion for six years, following which he was with the Scimitar of Memphis for a year.
Later he went to Nashville, Tennessee, and took charge of the circulation department
of the Nashville Sun upon the organization of that paper, with which he remained
for a year. He had made a splendid record as an advertising man and by reason of
this he decided to engage in the advertising business on his own account, his operations
covering the entire country east of the Rocky mountains through a period of sixteen
years, during which time he became one of the best known advertising men of the
United States. In 1904, however, he left the road and that year was elected county
judge of Ouachita county. During his term of office, in the face of strong opposition
from west of the river, he induced the court to allow a one-mill assessment as a sinking
fund to build the Ouachita bridge at Camden, and before the expiration of his term
of office he appointed the commissioners and the bridge was built during the follow-
ing term at a cost of sixty thousand dollars and was named the Martin bridge, in
honor of Judge Martin. It is a public improvement of the greatest value to the
community, as even those who opposed the move now acknowledge. Judge Martin,
in 1912, originated a plan to build a number of parallel levees a mile or less apart,
back from the Mississippi river to the mainland from above Cairo to above New
Orleans, as spillways to let the water through in an overflow, when it gets above
the danger line, into the rivers and bayous and smaller streams in the Mississippi
valley, not allowing enough to go through to overflow their banks, which would
relieve the pressure on the main levees on the Mississippi river front during a big
overflow, being a kind of safety valve for the water above the danger line. This
method would throw most of the water from the western watershed through the
Atchafalaya river into the Gulf, and a good deal of the water on the eastern side
of the river through Lake Pontchartrain into the Gulf. This was published as a
front page item by the St. Louis Republic and later published by all the leading
newspapers of the south and by this means was called to the attention of the gov-
ernment. The measure was discussed in congress and congratulatory letters were
written him by the war department with the compliments of President William H.
Taft. He has always been a close student of public needs and opportunities and has
ever stood for progress and all that pertains to the general welfare.

In November, 1876, Judge Martin was united in marriage to Miss Emma V.
Broughton of Camden, Arkansas, and they have become the parents of seven chil-
dren, six of whom are living: Henry S., a real estate man of Fort Worth, Texas;
Margaret, the wife of Napoleon L. Broughton of Pine wood. South Carolina; Lucy,
the wife of the Rev. Thomas Harkin, chaplain of the United States army now sta-
tioned at Riverside, California; Charles M.. an attorney at law, associated in prac-
tice with his father; Lillian, the wife of E. B. McConnell, a commercial salesman of
Tulsa, Oklahoma; Willie L., who became the wife of Joe F. Arnold of Fort Worth.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 23

and died in 1919, leaving a daughter, Josephine, who is being reared by her grand-
parents. Judge and Mrs. Martin; and Annie, not married.

In addition to his home in Camden, Judge Martin has extensive land holdings
in Bradley and Ouachita counties. He is giving the major part o( his attention,
however, to the practice of law and lias gained a large clientage here since his re-
tirement from the bench. He prepares his cases with great thoroughness and care
and his presentation of a cause is always clear and forceful. Fraternally he is con-
nected with Camden Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and also with the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, while his religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church.
South. He is widely known by reason of the important work that he has done, not
only along professional lines but in the way of public improvement, and he is ac-
counted one of the most substantial and valued citizens of Ouachita county and
one of the best scientists and writers in "Arkansas.

HARRY LASKER.

Harry Lasker, president of the Commercial Trust Company of Little Rock, is
one of those strong and resourceful business men who seem to possess almost intuitive
perception as to the value of any business opportunity, and, carefully directing his
efforts at all times, he has advanced steadily step by step until he now occupies
an enviable position in financial circles. Mr. Lasker was born in Little Rock, March
11, 1865, and is a son of Samuel and Augusta (Sheik) Lasker, both of whom were
natives of Germany. Coming to America, they here reared their family of two sons
and three daughters, all of whom are yet living. The parents are now deceased,
the father dying in the year 1888, while the mother's death occurred in 1913.

Harry Lasker obtained a public school education in his native city. Otherwise
he has learned the lessons of life in the school of experience and his training there
has been thorough and comprehensive. Activity and enterprise have constituted the
rounds of the ladder on which he has climbed to success. No special advantages
aided him at the outset of his career. He has worked persistently and steadily
upward and is today recognized as one of the prominent figures in business and
financial circles in the capital city. He is president of the city market and Arcade
Company, is a director in many corporations and is an outstanding figure in financial
circles. He was made the president of the Lasker-Morris Company Bank in 1915
and in January, 1920. the name of the institution was changed to the Commercial
Trust Company. Mr. Lasker remained as president of this institution and is re-
garded as one of the strong representatives of financial interests in Little Rock. He
is thoroughly familiar with every phase of the banking business and has always rec-
ognized the fact that the bank which most carefully safeguards the interests of its
depositors is most worthy of public support. He has always followed a business
policy that will l)ear the closest investigation and scrutiny, and the success of the
Commercial Trust Company is attributable in large measure to his efforts.

On the 28th of June, 1888, in Little Rock, Mr. Lasker was united in marriage
to Miss Bertie Louchheim, who was born in Galena, Illinois, a daughter of A. Louch-
heim, now deceased, who was a Confederate soldier in the Civil war. Mr. and Mrs.
Lasker have one child, Harry, Jr., born October 29, 1908.

The parents are of the Jewish faith, and politically Mr. Lasker is a democrat.
He belongs to the B'nai B'rith, the Knights of Pythias and to the Benevolent Pro-
tective Order of Elks and is loyal to the high purposes of these organizations. His
entire life has been passed in the city which is yet his home, and those who know
him bear testimony to the fact that he has ever manifested those sterling qualities
which in every land and clime awaken confidence and regard.

SIMON BLOOM.

Intense business activity and marked devotion to the public good, through his
terms of oflSce and as a private citizen as well, have placed Simon Bloom in the front
rank of the representative residents of Pine Bluff. He rendered valuable aid to his
city for several years during his mayoralty service, giving a businesslike and pro-
gressive administration that brought about various needed reforms and improvement.
His life history stands in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is not
without honor save in his own country, for Simon Bloom has won distinctive prefer-
ment in Pine Bluff, where his birth occurred in the year 1861. He is a son of John
and Fannie ( Aschoffenberg) Bloom, both of whom were born in Alsace, now a part

24 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

of France. They were reared and married there and on coming to the new world
settled at Arkansas Post, being among the pioneers to establish homes in that
locality. About 1857 they removed to Pine Bluff and here John Bloom entered busi-
ness circles, but during the period o£ the Civil war his losses were very heavy, for
his goods were confiscated and his cotton burned. He reestablished business fol-
lowing the close of hostilities between the north and the south and again he won a
substantial measure of success through his wise and capable management of business
affairs. He died in 1878, having for two years survived his wife. He, too, was
prominent in the public life of the community, serving as one of the first aldermen
of Pine Bluff and giving his aid and support to every plan and project for the city's
upbuilding and advancement. He was a man of determined purpose, whose well
formulated plans were carried forward to successful completion, while his personal
qualities made for popularity wherever he was known. To him and his wife were
born seven children; Moses, deceased; Theresa; Charles, who was a banker of Pine
Bluff for thirty years but has passed to the home beyond; Sallie and Emma, also
deceased; Simon, of this review; and E. B., who at one lime was county clerk of Jef-
ferson county and lives in Pine Bluff.

In the public schools of his native city Simon Bloom pursued his education and
afterward became secretary to Congressman Clifton Breckenridge. At a subsequent
period he was with the Iron Mountain Railway as commercial agent at Pine Bluff'
and in 1904 he became associated with the W. R. Kirby Company at Varner, Arkansas,
continuing in active connection with that business for a period of eight years. In
1912 he again came to Pine Bluff and the following year was elected mayor of the
city. So efficiently and capably did he discharge the duties of the position that he
was reelected at each biennial period until he had served until 1919 — retiring from
ofiice as he had entered it, with the confidence and goodwill of all concerned. He is
now fiscal agent for the city and again he is proving his loyalty and fidelity to the
interests and welfare of the district which he represents. He is, moreover, known
as one of the most prominent representatives of cotton raising in the south. He has
thirty-two hundred acres of cotton land and he is now actively interested in securing
a cotton spinning plant tor Pine Bluff', acting with the same determination and
energy that have always characterized him. There is little doubt as to the success
of his efforts in this connection. Situated at Pine Bluff, he is in the midst of a
great cotton growing district and there is no doubt but what such an enterprise
could be made a splendidly paying investment here.

In 1888, Mr. Bloom was married to Miss Sophia Rhine, a daughter of Sol and
Fredericka Rhine of Memphis, Tennessee. They have one child, Sol N., now living
at Varner, Arkansas, where he is engaged in merchandising and cotton raising. He
was a second lieutenant, serving at Camp Pike during the 'World war. Mr. Bloom
belongs to the Independent Order of B'nai B'rith and is also identified with the
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Ancient
Order of United Workmen, loyally following the teachings and purposes of these
different societies. He is an alert, energetic, progressive man and one whose con-
tribution to Pine Bluff''s upbuilding and advancement has been of most substantial
and valuable character.

COLOXEL JOSEPH WARREN HOUSE.

The name of Colonel Joseph Warren House, Sr., is known to nearly everyone
throughout the whole of the state of Arkansas. No man is more truly or generally
beloved by those who know him well. Indeed, the esteem in which he is universally
held is closely akin to reverence. He has, during the many years of an eventful life,
rounded out a career distinguished by public and private virtues. His outstanding
characteristics are a simple and unpretentious manner, a keen sense of humor, a kindly,
sympathetic interest in all children, marked chivalry toward women and the highest
sense of personal honor. It would seem, therefore, that he comes as near to summing
up in himself all the best virtues of the old-fashioned, ideal southern gentleman as ever
did any individual.

Colonel House was born June 12, 1847, in Hardeman county, Tennessee, the son
of A. B. and Eliza (Wilkes) House, who in 1858 left Tennessee and became residents
of White county, Arkansas, where their remaining days were passed, the father fol-
lowing the occupation of farming. The son, Joseph Warren House, attended such
country schools as then existed in White county and was a youth of but sixteen years,
when in May, 1863, he responded to the call of the Confederacy and enlisted in Colonel
Moseley's Regiment, with which he served for two years, or until after the cessation of

■OLONEL JOSEPH W. HOUSE

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 27

hostilities. He then returned to his home and soon afterward entered upon the study
ot law in the town of West Point, White county, receiving instruction from an able
representative of the bar at that place until admitted to practice in May, 1869. He
then entered upon the active work of his profession in Searcy, the county seat of
White county, and in 1885 removed to Little Rock, where he has since resided. For
fifty-two years Colonel House has been a member ot the Arkansas bar. Advancement
in the law is proverbially slow, but surely and steadily Colonel House worked his way
upward, proving his ability by the capable manner in which he handled involved and
intricate legal problems. His clientage steadily grew in volume and importance and
for many years he has occupied a foremost place in the ranks of the leading lawyers
of the commonwealth.

Colonel House has long left the impress of his individuality and his ability upon
the political history of the state, yet he has never been a seeker for public office. He
has been active in shaping many events which have had to do with political progress
in Arkansas from the Civil war period on through the days of reconstruction, through
the Brooks-Baxter war and in later periods molding the political history of the present
decade. In 1871 he was elected to represent his county in the lower house of the state
legislature and gave most thoughtful and earnest consideration to all the vital ques-
tions which came up for settlement while he served in the general assembly. He
was elected to the constitutional convention in 1874, being one of the youngest men
elected to that now historic body. In spite of his youth he took an active and highly
creditable part in framing the fundamental law of Arkansas, under which the state
has been resurrected from the ashes of reconstruction. He is one of two or three
members of that convention who still survive. In 1874-75 he represented the twenty-
seventh senatorial district, composed of White and Faulkner counties, in the state
senate and during his connection therewith was chairman of the committee on edu-
cation and as such had a large share in shaping the public school system of the state.
He served as United States district attorney for the eastern district of Arkansas during
the first and second administrations of President Cleveland and in 1917 he was elected
without opposition as delegate to the state constitutional convention, which convened
the following year. He delves deep into any question which elicits his attention, study-
ing the problems of the commonwealth from every angle and his support of any meas-
ure is based upon a firm belief in its value and efficacy as a factor in good government.
The democratic party has long regarded him as one of its ablest exponents in Arkan-
sas and there are few men who have figured so long in connection with the political
history of the state, while the record of none has been more faultless in honor, fear-
less in conduct, or stainless in reputation.

With the establishment of his home in Little Rock in 1885, Colonel House entered
upon the active practice of his profession in the capital city, in which he has made
a most notable record. His prominence is indicated in the fact that he was lionored
with the presidency of the Arkansas State Bar Association for the year 1906-07. For
a time he was associated with his nephew, Menefee House (now deceased), in law
practice, under the style of House & House, but for the greater part of his career he
has practiced independently.

In 1882 Colonel House was united in marriage to Miss Ina Dowdy, a native of
Memphis, Tennessee, and to them have been born two sons, Joseph W. and Archie F.,
and three daughters, Arline, Mary and Ina. The daughter Arline was married to
Alfred M. Lund of the engineering firm of Lund & Hill of Little Rock; Mary became
the wife of Horace G. Mitchell, president of the Democrat Printing & Lithographing
Company of Little Rock; Joseph W., Jr., was married to Julia Clarke, daughter ol
the late United States Senator James P. Clarke of Little Rock. The family has long
occupied a most prominent social position, their residence in Little Rock covering a
period of more than a third of a century. Moreover, Colonel House is a representa-
tive of one of the old southern families, holding to the high traditions and ideals of
the south and ever standing as a splendid example of American manhood and chivalry.

M. E. BURGESS, M. D.

Dr. M. E. Burgess, successfully engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery
in Clarksville, was born in Pope county, Arkansas, August 26, 1879, and is a son of
Iverson Carter and Dulcenia (Jolly) Burgess both of whom were natives of North
Carolina, where they were reared and married. Removing westward they settled in
what was then Johnson hut is now Pope county, Arkansas, taking up their abode in
this state soon after the Civil war, in which I. C. Burgess had served as a Confederate
soldier. He was in limited financial circumstances when he arrived in this state

28 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

and here he devoted his attention to farming and to school teaching, winning a sub-
stantial measure of success and continuing active in business until his health failed
about six years prior to his demise. He always voted with the democratic party and
both he and his wife were members of the Missionary Baptist church. They became
parents of eight children, seven of whom are living: Gilford B., who is a farmer of
Pope county, Arkansas; Henry, who is teaching in Oklahoma; I. C an attorney and
abstractor of western Texas; T. E. and M. E., twins, the former a physician of Lamar,
Arkansas; Marinda, the widow of Finis Burns and a resident of Texas; and Arah,
the wife of H. Kennedy, living in Doyle, Oklahoma.

Dr. Burgess of this review was a student in the State University of Arkansas at
Little Rock, where he pursued his medical studies for two years. Later he was gradu-
ated from the Gates Medical College at Texarkana, with the class of 1903. He also
attended the Arkansas Normal College at Sulphur Rock before entering upon his medi-
cal studies, having thus laid broad and deep the foundation upon which to build the
superstructure of professional knowledge. In early manhood he taught school for
three or four years, so that he had some experiences in life before entering upon his
chosen professional career. After completing his studies he practiced medicine for three
years in the Indian Territory and then removed to Lamar, Arkansas, where he remained
for seventeen years. In December, 1920, he came to Clarksville, where he already
has gained a large practice, his ability being known to the public even before he
took up his abode here. He Is thorough and most careful in his diagnosis of a case and
is seldom, if ever, at fault in planning a course of treatment. The results that he has
achieved have been most gratifying and his professional colleagues and contemporaries
acknowledge his ability in his chosen field.

On the 31st of December, 1904, Dr. Burgess was married to Miss Alice Cowan,
who was born in Johnson county, Arkansas, a daughter of Dr. J. M. Cowan, who
practiced medicine at Lamar, Arkansas, for a number of years. Dr. and Mrs. Burgess
are parents of three children: Roy, who was graduated from the high school at Clarks-
ville at the age of fourteen years and is now a pupil in the College of the Ozarks;
Glenn, who is attending high school; and Truett, also in school here. Dr. and Mrs.
Burgess have ever been deeply interested in educational progress and in all those
forces which make for the uplift of the individual and the benefit of the community
at large. They belong to the Baptist church and Dr. Burgess is a member of the
state executive board of the church, being the only representative on the board be-
tween Fort Smith and Conway. In all branches of the church work he takes deep and
helpful interest and is now serving as superintendent of the Sunday school, a posi-
tion which he also occupied at Lamar for fifteen years. He was elected superintendent
in Clarksville almost immediately after his arrival here and has been continued in that
position, his labors being an effective force in holding the interests of the pupils and
in working out a plan of instruction that will be of the greatest possible benefit. Fra-
ternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Woodmen
of the World and the Ancient Order of United Workman. In politics he is a democrat
and is now filling the position of county health oflScer. His time is divided between his
church work and his professional interests and in the latter connection he has mem-
bership in the County and State Medical Societies and is secretary of the former. He
has taken postgraduate work in Little Rock on diseases of women and he engages In
general practice, his patronage steadily growing.

ALBERT JOSEPH DeMERS

Through a decade Albert Joseph DeMers has been connected with the Little
Rock bar, entering upon practice here in 1911, following the completion of his prep-
aration for his calling. He is a native of the state of New York, his birth having
occurred in the city of Buffalo, April 3, 1884. His father. Albert Norbert DeMers,
was also a native of Buffalo, born in 1869, and after arriving at man's estate he
wedded Rosalie Thomas, whose birth occurred in Canada, the same year. Their
marriage was celebrated in Buffalo in 18 83 and they became the parents of four sons
and two daughters, all of whom died in infancy, with the exception of Albert J.
DeMers. The father in 1884 removed with his family to Montreal, Canada, and in
later years became a resident of Little Rock, where he continued in the practice of
law from 1902 until 1914, when h& retired and is now enjoying a well earned rest.
His political endorsement has ever been given to the democratic party. His wife
died while residing in Montreal, in 1895.

Albert J. DeMers was only six months old when the family home was established
in Montreal, Canada, where he remained until 1900. He was a pupil in the Montreal

CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS -29

schools, completing his course, there in the Montcalm school. Then he came to Little
Rock in 1901, two years after the arrival of his father, who had taken up his abode in
the capital city in 1899. In 1909 Albert J. DeMers entered upon the study of law, which
he pursued in the law department of the University of Arkansas, from which he was
graduated with the class of 1911. He then entered upon active practice, and while
advancement at the bar is proverbially slow he has steadily progressed and is now
accorded a good clientage, which is indicative of his ability in the trial of cases before the
court. He is now local attorney for the Security Benefit Association, is attorney for
the Eclair Oil Company of Arkansas and secretary of the Arkansas Oil Exchange. He is
likewise financier of the Security Benefit Association.

Mr. DeMers was married to Miss Anna Elizabeth Penzel, who was born in Little
Rock in September, 1886, a daughter of Adam C. Penzel of Little Rock. They have
become parents of three children: Albert Penzel, Adam William, and Rosalie Charlotte.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church, and politically Mr.
DeMers is connected with the democratic party. He is a master workman of Capitol
Lodge, No. 26, A. 0. U. W., and he is the secretary and treasurer of the Alumni Associa-
tion of the Arkansas Law School. A resident of Little Rock from the age of sixteen
years, he has become widely known in this city and has made for himself a creditable
name and place through his professional connections.

RICHARD HANCOCK ALLEN.

Richard Hancock Allen, circuit clei-k of Arkansas county and a resident of De Witt,
is well known in this part of the state, by reason of his stalwart championship of all
those interests which make for public progress and improvement. His devotion to the
general welfare has, therefore, led to his selection for office, the duties of which he
has promptly and efficiently performed. Mr. Allen was born on a farm five miles east
nf De Witt in 1881 and is a son of R. C. and Belle (Williamson) Allen. The father
was a native of Shelby county, Mississippi, and his father became one of the pioneer
settlers of this state, arriving in 1858 and taking up his abode on a farm in Arkansas
county, while the Williamson family had previously been established in this county
and was also connected with the agricultural life of the community.

Richard H. Allen acquired his education in the common schools and later pursued a
commercial course, after which he took up the business of bookkeeping. His interest
in public affairs, his capability and his devotion to the general welfare caused him
to be selected for official duties and he was elected county treasurer in 1912, continuing
in that office for four years. He has also served as deputy collector for four years and
with his retirement from the office of deputy collector in 1920 he was elected circuit
clerk and is the incumbent in that position.

Mr. Allen was married to Miss Bertie Parker, a daughter of Joseph Parker of St.
Charles, Arkansas, and they have three sons: Robert, R. H., Jr., and Gleason. Mr.
Allen is identified with the Masonic order, being a member of Albert Pike Consistory
at Little Rock, Arkansas; also the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and the Benevo-
lent Protective Order of Elks. His fellow members in these societies attest his sterling
worth and give him their warm friendship and kindly regard, while his official record
has also gained him high position in the esteem of his fellow townsmen.

ALBERT M. BYRNES.

Albert M. Byrnes, a contractor of Fayetteville, is numbered among the sons of
the Emerald isle who have sought the opportunities of the new world and have made
good here in the attainment of success through untiring industry and progressive busi-
ness methods. Mr. Byrnes was born in Dublin, Ireland, August 2, 1849, and is a son
of Michael and Charlotte (Hatton) Byrnes, also natives of that country, in which they
Michael Byrnes early learned the wagon maker's trade and in 1852 he came to the
were reared and married. The grandfather was Peter Byrnes, a farmer of Ireland,
and he and all of his descendants have been faithful followers of the Catholic church.
United States, making his way first to California, while later he went to New Orleans,
where he became a victim of the yellow fever.

Albert M. Byrnes is the only survivor of the family which numbered parents and
two children. His educational opportunities were very limited and in early youth he
learned the carpenter's trade after his mother brought him to Fayetteville in 1866, fol-
lowing the death of her husband. Here she was married to Joseph Zilleh, and they became

30 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OP ARKANSAS

the parents of two children: John Zilleh, who is now street commissiouer of Fayette-
ville; and Mrs. Mary Goss, whose husband is an electrician of Fayetteville.

Albert M. Byrnes was married in 1872, when twenty-three years of age, to Miss
Mary E. McCoy, who was born in Providence, Rhode Island, a daughter of Phillip and
Mary McCoy, who are mentioned in connection with the sketch of their son, W. J.
McCoy, on another page of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Byrnes became the parents of seven
children, of whom five are living: Mrs. D. M. Benbrook, a widow residing at Krebs,
Oklahoma, where she is teaching music, having a very large class; Mrs. J. Wythe Walker,
living in Fayetteville; Mrs. R. L. Putman of Chicago, whose husband is general man-
ager of the National Lumber Association; Mrs. B. H. Barnes, a widow residing with
her parents; and A. H., who is cashier in the office of the Frisco Railroad at Spring-
field, Missouri, having been connected with the company for many years.

In the year in which he was married Mr. Byrnes began contracting and building
in Fayetteville. He has done much work for the railroads and for the government.
He had contracts with the Frisco Railroad which amounted to thousands of dollars. He
is now engaged in the construction of a large dormitory and other school buildings for
the government in Oklahoma, the contract being for one hundred and tvi'enty thousand
dollars. This was awarded him over several competitors. He has been very success-
ful in his building operations and is today numbered among the prominent contractors
of western Arkansas. In 1873 Mr. Byrnes purchased two beautiful lots in Fayetteville
at a cost of sixty-six dollars and a half each. He built thereon a home in 1876 and
has since bccupied it. The lots are today worth several thousand dollars, showing
something of the growth and development of Fayetteville, resulting in the rapid rise
in realty values. Mr. Byrnes has erected all of the school buildings in Fayetteville
and he removed the Arkansas building to this city from the Louisiana Purchase Exposi-
tion, held in St. Louis in 1904. He has built hundreds of the homes in the city, was
the builder of the Engineers Hall in connection with the state university and also the
boys' dormitory. In various localities stand substantial structures which are a monu-
ment to the enterprise, skill and ability of Mr. Byrnes and all recognize the fact that
he well deserves the success which has come to him. He owns a large block of stock
in the Northwest Arkansas Lumber Company and is serving on its board of directors.

Mr. Byrnes and his family are communicants of the Catholic church and his political
endorsement is given to the republican party, but while he keeps well informed on the
questions and issues of the day, he has never sought or desired office, preferring to
concentrate his efforts and attention upon his building operations. He was brought to
the United States when fifteen years of age and has always remained on this side of the
Atlantic. The spirit of western enterprise and progress has actuated him in everything
that he has undertaken and step by step he has advanced until he has climbed to the
plane of affluence and now has the opportunity to select those business contracts which
he desires to execute.

T. J. BOWERS.

T. J. Bowers, editor of the Searcy News, was born in Greene county, Tennessee,
August 19, 1861. He is a representative of one of the oldest families of Pennsylvania,
his ancestors coming to the new world during William Penn's time. The family is
noted for longevity. The grandfather, Lewis Bowers, was born in the Keystone state
and removed to Tennessee, where he followed the occupation of farming. His son
and namesake, Lewis Bowers, was born in Greene county, Tennessee, and after arriving
at adult age, there married Barbara A. Cobble, who was also born in that county. Jlr.
Bowers was actively interested in politics prior to the Civil war and was serving as
sheriff of Greene county when the war broke out. He enlisted for service with the Con-
federate troops while seven of his eight brothers fought against him, being members
of the Union army. He was under Bragg and participated in many of the most impor-
tant battles of the war. On one occasion a bullet struck a Bible which he carried in his
pocket and thus prevented him from being wounded. He served with the infantry
forces and on one occasion was captured. At another time he saved the life of a Union
general by carrying him off the field. He was court-martialed for furnishing arms to
the Confederate army but was paroled. He had become quite wealthy prior to the war
but lost everything during that conflict, having been an extensive landholder and slave-
owner. Later he went to Huntsville, Alabama, where he engaged in farming, leasing a
plantation there for eight years. He shipped his first crop of cotton but never received
anything for it. He then removed to St. Francis county, Arkansas, settling in Forrest
City in 1874, and was there engaged in farming until he took up his abode in Cushman,
Arkansas, where he conducted a hotel and also served as justice of the peace. He after-

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OP ARKANSAS 31

ward removed to Washington, D. C, where he died in 1910, at the advanced age of eighty-
five years, while his wife departed this life in 1908 at the age of eighty-one years. They
were the parents of ten children, of whom the eldest died in infancy. The others are:
Sarah E., who is the widow of J. A. McGall and is living in Washington, D. C, at the
age of seventy-six years; Rebecca, the wife of J. F. Engles of Washington, D. C; Mat-
tie, who became the wife of J. F. Eslinger, but both are now deceased; Mary E., who
is the wife of I. D. W. Cobb, living near Huntsville, Alabama; Andrew J., a machinist,
residing at Batesville, Arkansas; T. J., of this review; C. C, a stockman, residing in
Comanche, Texas: Fay I., the wife of F. J. Headstream, living near Roby. Texas, where
he owns land and is engaged in dairying; and Lillie A., the wife of J. W. Simmons of
Washington, D. C. The parents were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal
church. South, and Mr. Bowers was a democrat in his political views and fraternally
was connected with the Odd Fellows and the Masons. The mother was a daughter of
William Cobble, who was a carpenter and contractor of Tennessee.

T. J. Bowers pursued his advanced education in a college at La Crosse, Arkansas,
under Professor Kennard, there studying in 1883 and 1884, while in 1885 and 1886 he
attended the State University at Fayetteville. He then returned to Independence county
and became a teacher in the rural districts, after which he spent three years as a teacher
in Cushman, Arkansas. He next turned his attention to merchandising at that place,
where he remained until 1896, when he came to Searcy and here entered the grocery
business. Later he spent three years in Blue Mountain, Arkansas, but in 1904 he re-
turned to Searcy and for three years was on the road as a traveling salesman. He
afterward purchased a general merchandise business in Searcy, which he conducted
for a time and then sold. Subsequently he concentrated his efforts and attention upon
the insurance and real estate business and at the same time filled the office of justice
of the peace. In June, 1918, he purchased the Searcy News and has continued as its
manager and editor. This is a weekly paper of merit, devoted to the dissemination of
general and local news and in addition to printing the paper Mr. Bowers does job work
of all kinds. He has improved the equipment of the office, so that excellent work is
turned out and he has largely built up the paper, which today has a circulation of one
thousand. He devotes his entire time to his newspaper interests and real estate busi-
ness and for many years he has figured prominently in connection with the business
development and progress of the community.

In 1894 Mr. Bowers was married to Miss Quilla Crow, who was born in Arkansas,
a daughter of Joe Crow. They have many friends in Searcy and the hospitality of their
home is greatly enjoyed by their large circle of acquaintances. Mr. Bowers is a democrat
in his political views and he and his wife hold membership in the Missionary Baptist
church, its teachings constituting the basic principles of all their acts.

PROFESSOR DONALD MacQUEEN.

Professor Donald MacQueen, city superintendent of schools of El Dorado, was born
in Milledgeville, Georgia, on the 26th of March, 1886, and is a son of Dr. Donald and
Martha (Windsor) MacQueen. The father is a native of South Carolina and the mother
is a native of Georgia. They were married in Milledgeville of the latter state, in the
year 1883. Dr. MacQueen is a Presbyterian minister, upon whom has been conferred
the degree of Doctor of Divinity and he is now filling a pulpit at Palatka, Florida.

Professor MacQueen of this review was educated in Center College at Danville.
Kentucky, and in the University of Wisconsin, which conferred upon him the degree
of Bachelor of Arts in 1906 and that of Master of Arts in 1916. Following his gradua-
tion he began his educational work as principal of the high school at Carlisle, Kentucky,
and later he was made superintendent of the city schools at that place. He remained
in Carlisle for four years, giving excellent satisfaction in his administration of educa-
tional affairs. While there residing he was married on the 23d of December. 1909, to
Miss Elizabeth Taylor Calliver of that place, and to them has been born a son, Donald
(IV).

In 1910 Professor MacQueen was called to Fredericksburg College at Fredericksburg,
Virginia, to fill the chair of English and remained there for a year, at the end of which
time he resigned and came to Arkansas for the benefit of his health. In 1911 he accepted
the presidency of the Warren Presbyterian Training School at Warren, Arkansas, where
he remained for two years. In 1913 he went to Monticello as head of the department
of English in the Arkansas State Agricultural School, in which capacity he served for
five years and in 1918 he was offered and accepted the superintendency of the El Dorado
schools, in which important position he has remained. He has always held to the highest

32 CEXTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

standards of his profession, ever making it liis purpose so to instruct that his training
shall be of practical value as a preparation for life's responsible duties.

Professor MacQueen is well known in fraternal circles, being a Knights Templar
Mason, a member of El Dorado Lodge, No. 1129, B. P. 0. E., and also of the Knights
of Pythias. Of the Rotary Club of El Dorado he is the president and is keenly interested
in the high purposes and plans of that organization for the benefit of the city along
material and civic lines. He has membership in the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce
and is a member of the board of directors of the Warner Brown Hospital. Keenly
interested in the work of the Presbyterian church he is serving as one of the elders,
also as superintendent of the Sunday school and is likewise president of the County
Sunday School Association. He is scout-master of the Boy Scouts, Troop No. 1, and
he gives his hearty aid and support to all measures which tend to uplift the individual
and promote the welfare of the community at large. His labors in the field of his pro-
fession have been far-reaching and highly resultant and he ranks today among the most
capable of the educators connected with the public school system of Arkansas.

J. P. WOMACK.

Among the well known educators of Arkansas is J. P. Womack, superintendent of
the schools of Jonesboro. He was born at Centerton, Arkansas on the 25th of July,
1871, a son of James W. and Elizabeth Jane (Gamble) Womack. The father, who is now
in his seventieth year, is living retired in Centerton. He was for many years engaged
in farming near that point and achieved more than gratifying success. He was born
in Tennessee and located in Centerton with his parents when a boy of six years. The
Womacks were among the pioneer settlers of that community and Richard Womack,
grandfather of our subject, built the first church at that point, of Methodist denomina-
tion. In 1868, in Centerton, was celebrated the marriage of James W. Womack to Miss
Elizabeth Jane Gamble, whose demise occurred in 1916. She was born and reared in
Arkansas, her parents having come from Northern Alabama and located near Centerton
at an early day. Grandfather Alex G. Gamble served as assessor of Benton county for
many years. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Womack, nine children were born, five boys
and four girls. All are living except one boy who died in infancy. J. P , whose name
initiates this review, was the second in order of birth.

In the acquirement of an education J. P. Womack attended Pea Ridge Academy at
Pea Ridge, Arkansas, and later Rogers Academy at Rogers, this state. He spent three
years at the State University, studying for the A. B. degree, having received the L. I.
certificate from that institution in 1902. He was thirty-two years of age at the time
the A. B. degree was conferred upon him. His higher education was acquired by work-
ing his way through college. He went to high school after his marriage and taught
school for seven years to obtain enough money to begin his college career. In 1903 he
went to Stephens, Arkansas, as principal of the school, there, a position in which he
was active until 1909, when he became superintendent of the Magnolia schools. For
four years he remained in that place. At the termination of that time he removed to
Conway and was superintendent of the schools at that point until 1917. In that year
he came to Jonesboro and has been active in educational circles here since. He is now
serving his sixth consecutive year as superintendent of the local schools. He has won
for himself a prominent place among the educators in Arkansas, for since coming here
he has doubled the attendance of the high school and placed it in the Southern Asso-
ciation of Schools and Colleges. The high school has a normal attendance of four hundred.
The school term has also been lengthened from eight to nine months. During the five
years, 1913-18, Mr. Womack attended the summer sessions of the Peabody College and
he received the M. A. degi-ee from that institution in 191S. In 1912 he was president
of the State Teacher's Association and he is director for Arkansas of the National
Moral Educational Association. He is a member of the education commission of the
North Arkansas conference, secretary of the Board of Education of the North Arkansas
conference, and has been delegate to the General Conferences of the Methodist Church,
South.

On the 21st of May, 1891, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Womack to Miss
Lottie Belle Lee, a daughter of James C. Lee, a prominent resident of Pea Ridge.

Since age conferred upon Mr. Womack the right of franchise he has been a stanch
supporter of the democratic party and the principles for which it stands. Fraternally
he is identified with the Masons, holding membership in Conway Lodge, A. F. & A. M.
and Conway chapter. Royal Arch Masons. Mr. Womack is a consistent member of the
Methodist church and active in all church and Sunday school work. He is lay leader,
steward and a teacher in the Sunday school. He is an accredited Sunday school teacher.

CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 33

having received his training under the supervision of the general Sunday School Board
of the Methodist Episcopal church. During the World war Mr. Womack gave generously
of his time and money in promoting his government's interests and as one of the Four-
Minute men made many speeches throughout the county. There is no movement tor the
development and improvement of the general welfare which seeks Mr. Womack's aid
in vain and he is readily conceded to be one of the most public-spirited and substantial
citizens of Jonesboro and Craighead county.

NOBLE ROBERT TOWNSEND, M. D.

Dr. Noble Robert Townsend, a physician and surgeon, who is now senior member
of the firm of Townsend & Townsend, practicing successfully at Arkadelphia. has been
a lifelong resident of Arkansas, his birth having occurred in Lawrence county, Feb-
ruary 28, 1866. His parents were John Woods and Anna E. (McGee) Townsend, natives
of Alabama and of Tennessee, respectively. The father came to Arkansas some years
prior to the Civil war, settling in Lawrence county. He was twice married, the mother
of Dr. Townsend being his second wife. The father was also a physician and for some
years after coming to Arkansas he practiced his profession but on account of failing
health he gave up active work of that character. Later he entered the ministry of
the Baptist church and was one of the pioneer preachers of that faith in the state.
He became one of the founders and the moderator of the Spring River Association.
He was also the editor and publisher of a small newspaper at Smithville for many
ye?rs, this paper being known as the Sketch Book. Rev. Dr. Townsend was a man
of broad education and liberal culture for his day and wielded a wide influence tor
good in the communities in which he lived and labored, his efforts being most effective
in connection with the intellectual and moral progress of the state.

Dr. Noble R. Townsend was educated in the public schools of Smithville and in
the La Crosse Collegiate Institute and in 1888 he took up the study of medicine, being
graduated from the Hospital School of Medicine at Louisville, Kentucky, as a member
of the class of 1889. Following his graduation he located at Black Rock, Arkansas,
where he remained in active practice until 1903. He then came to Arkadelphia, where
he has continued and through the intervening period has built up an extensive practice
of a most important character. In 1892 he took up a special course of study at Louis-
ville, Kentucky, covering six months and in 1896-7 he pursued a course in the medical
department of Tulane University at New Orleans, Louisiana. He was graduated from
the medical department of that institution in 1897. For some years he was associated
in Black Rock with Dr. C. E. Witt, now of Little Rock, and for a considerable period
was in partnership with Dr. J. C. Wallace of Arkadelphia. who is deceased. Dr. Town-
send has always held to high professional standards and his capability is widely
recognized. He is a member of the Clark County Medical Society, also of the Arkansas
State Medical Society and belongs to the Southern Medical Association.

On the 16th of October, 1887, Dr. Townsend was married to Miss Roxie Creekmore
of La Crosse, Arkansas, and they became parents of three children, a daughter and
two sons, but the daughter died in infancy. The sons are: Dr. Charles Kennard
Townsend and Ernest Witt Townsend, the latter now a senior In the medical depart-
ment in Tulane University.

Like his father. Dr. Noble R. Townsend is not only a physician tor the body but
also tor the soul as he is an ordained minister of the Baptist church and at the present
writing Is doing supply work for a small suburban church. Occasionally he fills the
pulpit for a brother minister and in all possible ways aids in the promotion of the
church work. His life is characterized by high and lofty ideals and as a representative
of the medical profession he holds to the most advanced professional ethics and standards.
In 1919 Dr. Townsend established a private sanitarium in association with his son
and Dr. Rowland and Dr. Doane. He is continually extending a helping hand where
aid is needed and he is prominently known as one of the representatives and honored
residents of Arkadelphia.

H. L. THOMPSON.

It is a noticeable fact that a great majority of men who have operated successfully
at the oil fields of the southwest have come to this section of the state from Pennsylvania,
where the first oil discoveries of the country were made. They are men who have become
familiar with the oil industry in the east and have recognized the possibilities and

Vol. II— 3

34 CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

opportunities in this direction in this section of the country. To this class belongs
H. L. Thompson, a well known oil operator of Fort Smith. He was born in Sugar Grove,
Warren county, Pennsylvania, his parents being John H. and Ella (Phillips) Thompson,
the former a newspaper man. The son was educated in the public schools of Irvington,
Pennsylvania, and became a drilling operator in the oil fields of his native state. To
this business he has since given his attention and has done a contracting business in
drilling wells, following the business successfully in Ohio, West Virginia, New York,
Illinois, Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas. Thus he has made his way westward in con-
nection with the discovery and development of oil fields in various sections of the
country, at length turning his attention to the southwest when operations were begun in
the oil fields of this part of the country. He has made his home in Fort Smith since
1916. He is thoroughly familiar with the oil industry in every department and his
sound judgment, persistency of purpose and undaunted energy have brought him
gratifying success.

Mr. Thompson has been married twice. He first wedded Neva English and they
became the parents of three children: 'Winona, who is now a student in Wellesley College
near Boston, Massachusetts; Edwin; and Harry. The wife and mother died and later
Mr. Thompson married Elizabeth Garner of Clarendon, Pennsylvania. His life history
is an interesting one, for opportunity has ever been to him a call to action — a call to
which he has made ready response. At the outset of his career he recognized the
qualities which are essential to success and has cultivated those qualities in the conduct
of his business affairs until activity and energy have made him one of the representative
oil men of Arkansas.

G. N. GILLEY.

G. N. Gilley, who conducted one of the large and profitable automobile sales agencies
of Hot Springs, to the time of his death on November 7, 1921, established business in
August, 1918, and had handled the Franklin, Paige and Hupmobile cars. He had de-
veloped a large business in this connection and was thoroughly acquainted with every
phase of the automobile trade. Mr. Gilley was born in Alabama and spent his youth in
Dalton, that state. He was educated in the public schools and when he started out in
the business world he became proprietor of a furniture store in Jackson, Alabama. Later
he continued in the same line of business at Birmingham and afterward was identified
with the furniture trade in both Texas and Louisiana. In the latter state he conducted
a general mercantile business at Lake Charles.

Mr. Gilley dated his residence in Arkansas from 1906, in which year he took up his
abode at Fort Smith, there residing until his removal to Hot Springs in 1914. Here
in 1918 he established his sales agency for handling the Hupmobile, Paige and Franklin
cars and his business had grown to large and gratifying proportions. He was very
thorough and energetic in all that he undertook and strictly reliable in all of his business
transactions. Aside from conducting his sales agency he was identified with the
Superior Bath House as vice president and one of the directors. Mr. Gilley belonged to
the Rotary Club and was also a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.
He had gained many friends during the period of his residence in Arkansas and had
made for himself a creditable position in business circles. His entire record was
characterized by steady progress since he started out in business on his own account.
He always carefully utilized his opportunities and chances for advancement and step
by step he had reached the position which he occupied as a prominent representative of
the commercial interests of Hot Springs.

JULIUS GIGER.

Julius Giger, who dates his arrival in Benton county from 1896, has been well known
in business circles of Bentonville as the owner of a first-class garage and in association
with his brother. Henry Giger, he has become the owner of a fine fruit farm of two
hundred and sixty-five acres, constituting one of the best improved and most valuable
agricultural properties in the county. He has recently exchanged the garage for a large
stock farm in the northwest corner of the county. He is an enterprising and pro-
gressive business man whose plans are carefully formulated and in their execution he
is prompt and determined. Mr. Giger is a native of Illinois, his birth having occurred
in Madison county on the 31st of March, 1865. His parents were Daniel and Marietta
(Todd) Giger. who were also natives of that county. In 1884 they removed to Kansas,
where the father purchased a farm, which he continued to cultivate until 1901, when

CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 35

lie naade his way to Arkansas, but subsequently returned to the Sunflower state, where
he spent his remaining years, departing this life in Lyon county, wliere the mother's
demise also occurred. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and in
his political views Mr. Giger was a republican, while fraternally he was connected with
the Masons. In their family were six children: Julius, the subject of this review;
Mildred Alberta, the wife of John Boosinger, who follows farming in Lyon county,
Kansas; Emma, who married C. L. Saffer, a farmer residing at Bentonville; James, who
is operating a farm in the state of Kansas; Clem, a farmer in Allen, Kansas; and
Henry, who resides in Bentonville and is associated in business with the subject of
this review.

In the schools of 'Illinois Julius Giger acquired his education and on starting out
in life independently took up the occupation of farming, which he followed in Lyon
county, Kansas, until 1896, when he came to Arkansas, purchasing eighty acres of un-
improved land in Benton county, and in order to gain a start he was obliged to borrow
money, having a capital of less than three hundred dollars when he arrived in this
locality. He devoted every energy to the cultivation of his land, utilizing the most
modern and progressive methods and gradually converting it into a rich and productive
property. He was at length able to discharge all of his indebtedness and as his resources
increased he gi-adually enlarged his holdings, until he now has in all six hundred and
eighty acres, of which sixty-five acres is devoted to the raising of fine apples. He is
interested in all modern developments along agricultural lines and has equipped his
farm with the most labor saving machinery. He formerly had the best horses in the
county but now utilizes three trucks and two tractors and has also installed a water-
works system on the place, keeping abreast of the times in every way. He has wrought
a remarkable transformation in the appearance of the property, which at the time it came
into his possession was the poorest piece of land in the county but is now classed with
the most highly developed and valuable farms of this section. His brother, Henry Giger,
is part owner of the property and is also associated with him in his other business
interests. In 1920 he took up his residence in Bentonville, where he at first became
connected with the feed business, later opening a garage and also engaging in the lumber
business. He now devotes all of his attention to the management of his farms and his
his efforts have been crowned with a substantial measure of success.

In 1889 occurred the marriage of Julius Giger and Miss Alice H. Curt, a native of
Vermilion county, Illinois, and a daughter of Thomas H. Curt, who served as a captain
in the Civil war, receiving two severe wounds. Mr. and Mrs. Giger have had no children
of their own but reared an adopted daughter, Cora Hatcher, who is now residing in
Benton county. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. South, and his
political allegiance Is given to the republican party. The cause of education has ever
found in him a strong advocate and he is deeply interested in the schools of the county.
For a number of years he was a director of the country schools and is now serving as
school director of Bentonville, in which connection he is doing effective work. Energy,
perseverance and thrift are recognized the world over as the foundation of material
prosperity and these three qualities are possessed by Mr. Giger. He enjoys the esteem
of many friends and fully deserves the honor that is accordt-d the fortunate individual
who has fought and won in the great battle of life.

JAMES YOUNG STEVENS.

1131999

James Young Stevens, one of the prominent attorneys of Arkansas and chancellor
of the seventh chancery circuit, was born near Haynesville, Louisiana, on the 30th day
of April, 1856, a son of James Bailey and Mary Elizabeth (Foster) Stevens. The Stevens
family are of English origin, members of the family having come to America at an early
date. The father was born in Alabama and was carried by his parents to Mississippi.
He lived there until manhood and with his father went to Claiborne Parish, Louisiana,
in 1851. He followed farming the greater part of his life. His demise occurred at Mag-
nolia, Arkansas in 1909, when seventy-six years of age. In 1861, upon the outbreak of
the Civil war, he enlisted in the Confederate army and was in the active service for
nearly the entire tour years. He was wounded at the seige of Vicksburg. He was a
noncommissioned officer in the infantry. Near Gordon, Louisiana, in 1855, was cele-
brated the marriage of Mr. Stevens to Miss Mary Elizabeth Foster, and to their union
five children were born, one boy and one girl dying in infancy. Of the three remaining
children, all sons, James Young is the eldest. Mrs. Stevens died in 1902 at Magnolia.

In the acquirement of an education, James Young Stevens attended the country
schools of Louisiana and the Haynesville Academy at Haynesville in said state, and
after putting his textbooks aside he engaged in educational work for some time. From

36 CENTEXNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

1880 to 1886 he taught in the public schools ot Louisiana and Arkansas, the most of the
time being at Center Point, a country schoolhouse in Louisiana, and one year at
Chalebyate Springs in Columbia county, Arkansas. About 1884 Mr. Stevens began
the study of law at night and in his spare time, and in September, 1886, he came to
Magnolia, continuing his studies under the preceptorship ot Col. H. P. Smead, one of
the leading attorneys of that day. In June, 1887, he went to Camden, Arkansas, and
after passing an examination as provided by law he was admitted by the court to practice
his chosen profession. He then returned to Magnolia and has since practiced here.
He has an extensive general practice, and handles much important litigation before
the courts. In 1908 Mr. Stevens was called to his first public office, being elected prose-
cuting attorney of the thirteenth judicial circuit comprising Columbia, Ouachita, Calhoun
and Union counties, and he served for two terms with no opposition, the last term ex-
piring in 1912. In 1920 he was elected chancellor for the seventh chancery circuit for a
term of six years and he took over the duties ot that oifice on the 1st of January, 1921.
His circuit comprises Lafayette, Columbia, Ouachita, Union, Calhoun and Dallas coun-
ties. In addition to his legal and political interests he is a director in the Columbia
County Bank of Magnolia and occupies a prominent place in financial circles.

On the 15th ot November, 1894, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Stevens to Miss
Effie J. Mullins, a native ot Columbia county and a daughter of J. W. Mullins. Mr.
Mullins was a successful farmer for many years in the county and afterwards moved
to Magnolia and became a merchant. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Stevens two children
have been born: Ethel May, who married Herbert Jones of Pine Bluff, where she is now
residing; and James Curtis, who is a student in Henderson-Brown College, Arkadelphia.
He enlisted in the navy on the 1st of February, 1919, and served until receiving his
honorable discharge in June or July, 1921.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Methodist church and Mr. Stevens
is now serving as a steward. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias.
Upon the entrance of the United States into the World war Mr. Stevens put all personal
interest aside and took a prominent and active part in promoting his government's
interest. He was a director ot most of the Liberty Loan drives and served on the
committee of the Three-Minute men and made speeches for the cause he represented. The
success that has come to Mr. Stevens in a professional way is evidenced by the clientage
accorded him. He has won a creditable position as a representative of the Arkansas bar.
He is one of the estimable citizens of Magnolia who can always be depended upon to
meet his obligations in both public and private life.

HON. THOMAS CHIFMAN M( RAE.

Hon. Thomas Chipman McRae, whose political career has extended over a period
covering almost half a century and who has long been recognized as one of the dis-
tinguished statesmen of Arkansas, is now serving as the twenty-sixth governor of the
commonwealth, having been elected in November, 1920. His birth occurred at Mount
Holly, Union county, Arkansas, on the 21st of December, 1851, his parents being Duncan
L. and Mary Ann (Chipman) McRae, who were natives of North Carolina and Georgia,
respectively. In the paternal line the family comes of Scotch ancestry. Duncan L.
McRae took up his abode among the pioneer settlers of this state, here becoming a
successful planter and a citizen of prominence and influence whose efforts contributed
in no inconsiderable degree to the work of general improvement and progress. He
died July 30, 1863, while his wife, surviving him for a third of a century, was
called to her final rest on the 19th of April, 1897. Both were residents of Columbia
county, Arkansas, at the time of their demise. Two sons of the family still survive.

Thomas C. McRae largely acquired his early education in private schools of Shady
Grove, Mount Holly and Falcon, Arkansas, and subsequently spent one year as clerk
in a general store at Shreveport, Louisiana. He next removed to New Orleans, where
he completed a course in the Soule Business College by graduation with the class of
1869, after which he was employed in a store at Falcon, Arkansas, for a year. Having
determined upon a professional career, he then entered the law department of the Wash-
ington and Lee University at Lexington, Virginia, in 1871, this institution conferring
upon him the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1872. In January, 1873, at Rosston, which
was then the county seat of Nevada county, Arkansas, he was admitted to the bar and
there commenced his work as a representative of the legal fraternity. In January,
1876, he was admitted to practice in the supreme court of the state and in January,
1886, to the supreme court of the United States. In 1917 he was elected president ot
the Arkansas Bar Association.

The county seat of Nevada county was changed from Rosston to Prescott in 1877

HON. THOMAS C. McEAE

PEXTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS P,!)

and in July of the same year Mr. McRae established his home in the latter place, where
he won notable distinction in the practice of law. His political career began in 1874,
when he was appointed election supervisor for Nevada county. In 1876 he was elected to
represent that county in the lower house of the state legislature, while three years later
he became a member of the city council of Prescott, of which he was likewise chosen
recorder and city attorney in 1879. He has always remained a stanch supporter of
democratic principles and has long been one of the leaders of the party in Arkansas.
In 1880 he was made presidentiaJ elector on the democratic ticket and in 1884 he
served as chairman of the democratic state central committee of Arkansis, while in
the latter year he was also sent as a delegate to the democratic national convention.
From 1896 until 1900 he was the democratic national committeeman from Arkansas.
During the period between 1890 and 1893 he acted as school director and for several
terms was special judge of the district composed of Lafayette and Pike counties. At
a special election in 1885 he was elected representative of the third congressional dis-
trict of Arkansas in the United States congress. By successive reelections he remained
in the national halls of legislation for eighteen consecutive years or until he volun-
tarily retired in 1903 — a record that has not been equaled by that of any other con-
gressman from this state. Popular appreciation of his services was thus shown in
an unequivocal way, and as a diligent, conscientious and able member of the United
States congress his record became an integral part of the history of that body during
the long period of his active and effective service therein. He was appointed a mem-
ber of the state board of charities in April, 1909. and was elected as a delegate to the
constitutional convention of 1917. The highest honor within the gift of the state was
conferred upon him when he was elected governor in November, 1920, and is now ably
guiding the destinies of the commonwealth. He is now a candidate for reelection.

While engaged in law practice at Prescott, Mr. McRae also became identified
with varied and extensive business interests there and he is still the president of the
Bank of Prescott. In 1909 he was honored with the presidency of the Arkansas Bank-
ers' Association.

On the 17th of December, 1874, Mr. McRae was united in marriage to Miss Amelia
Ann White, daughter of Captain William R. and Mary Jane (Clarke) White, of Ross-
ton, Arkansas. Her father, one of the honored citizens of Nevada county, was at that
time serving as county clerk. Mr. and Mrs. ;\lcRae became the parents of nine chil-
dren, six daughters and three sons: Ethel, who is the widow of Horace Bemis of
Prescott, Arkansas; Herbert, who died at the age of five years; M.uy. who is the
widow of Dr. F. H. Montgomery and resides in Prescott, Arkansas; Alice, twin sister
of Mary, who died in infancy; Corrie, who died at the age of seventeen years; Thomas
C. Jr., who is cashier of the Bank of Prescott at Prescott. Arkansas; Norvelle, who
died at the age of eleven years; Duncan L., an attorney practicing as a member of
the firm of Tompkins, McRae & Tompkins; and Mildred, the wife of John D. Barlow
of Hope, Arkansas.

Fraternally Governor McRae is well known as a representative of the Masonic
order, in which he has attained the Knights Templar degree of the York Rite and the
thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He is likewise identified with the Knights
of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Woodmen of the World. His
religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presl)yterian church, in which
he is an elder and to which his wife also belongs. Nut seeking honor but simply
endeavoring to do his duty, honors have yet been multi|iliiil le him and prosperity has
followed all his undertakings. No man in public life iieiliaiis has had so few ene-
mies. Even those opposed to him politically entertain tor liini the war;iiest personal
regard and admiration. His life record finds embodiment in the words of Pope:
"Statesman, yet friend to truth, of soul sincere.
In action faithful and in honor clear;
Who broke no promise, served no private end.
Who gained no title and who lost no friend."

HON. W. K. OLDHAM.

On the pages of Arkansas' history the name of the Hon. W. K. Oldham stands
prominently forth, for he has rendered to the state important public service as a member
of the upper house of the general assembly and also as acting governor. He makes
his home in Pettus, from which point he superintends his business interests, although
his political activity has called him into many sections of the state. A native of
Kentucky, he was born in Richmond, in 1865, and Is a son of W. K. and Catherine
(Brown) Oldham. His father was also a Kentuckian by birth, the place of his nativity

40 CENTEXxXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

being in Madison county. He was a son of Hezekiali Oldham, who was born in central
Kentucky, the family having resided in that state from pioneer times. W. K. Oldham
was a soldier of the Confederate army during the Civil war, serving under General
John Morgan. His wife was a daughter of Dr. R. Brown and her people, too, were
well known in the Blue Grass state. Hezekiah Oldham, the gi-andfather, married Polly
Cavanaugh and in Kentucky they reared their family, as did also W. K. Oldham and his
wife, who became the parents of six children: Mary, the wife of Governor Eagle of
Arkansas; Kate, who became the wife of W. H. Miller; Margaret, the wife of John
Doty; W. K., of this review; Kie, who was a lawyer of Little Rock and also a member
of the state senate of Arkansas but has now departed this life; and Ira B., a physician,
living in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

W. K. Oldham, whose name introduces this review, was accorded liberal educational
opportunities in preparation lor his life work. He supplemented his early studies by
attending fhe Central University at Richmand. Kentucky. Following his graduation he
came to Arkansas, arriving in Pettus in 1885. Throughout the intervening period of
thirty-seven years he has resided in this city and has been closely associated not only
with the development of his locality but of the state as well. He rode horseback to
Pettus on coming to Arkansas, where he joined his sister, who had become the wife
of Governor Eagle and their home was in this place. In the years which have since
been added to the cycle of the centuries Mr. Oldham has become an important factor in
connection with the agi'icultural progress of the state and today controls fifteen hundred
acres of land. He follows diversified farming and is prominently known as an extensive
cotton planter. He also raises blooded live stock and along various lines has led to
the improvement of the live stock industry and to the advancement of agricultural
methods in this state. He has at all times been actuated by a spirit of progress and
his labors have brought most satisfactory results.

Mr. Oldham was united in marriage to Miss Lillian Munroe, a daughter of L. W.
and America (Thompson) Munroe. They have become the parents of two children: W. K.,
who served during the World war; and Lillian, who was educated at Rome, Georgia,
and is now teaching in Fordyce, Arkansas.

Mr. Oldham is a Baptist in religious faith and has served as moderator of the
Caroline Baptist Association, also as president of the Baptist state board of Arkansas.
In other words he has been a most active and earnest worker in the church and in many
ways has promoted its welfare and success. He has also been most active in advancing
the interests of the schools in and near Pettus. Fifteen years ago the school in his
neighborhood had an attendance of only six white children. Mr. Oldham liberally
donated funds for the establishment of a modern grade school, which is called the
Oldham school. A building was erected and there is now an attendance of three hundred
pupils. Mr. Oldham has exerted a widely felt and beneficial influence over public affairs
through his political labors. He served in the Arkansas house of representatives in
1907 and from 1911 until 1913 he was state senator, acting as president of the senate
in 1913 and proving most fair and impartial in his rulings. In the spring of that year
he also became acting governor. While a member of the house he introduced a bill
repealing the anti-trust law, thus allowing insuranec companies to reenter the state and
the public to benefit by insurance, while in the senate he was the promulgator of goo;l
road legislation and introduced bills that resulted in the first road being built in Lonoke
county. He has done everything in his power to promote the building of good roads, his
labors have been an effective force in improving the public highways in the state and
his influence in this direction can scarcely be overestimated, as good roads are a founda-
tion upon which is built much of the prosperity and development of a community. Mr.
Oldham also served on the state board of charities and in this connection aided in
carrying through an extensive building program, furnishing adequate care for the un-
fortunate. His life has, indeed, reached out along many lines of service and of usefulness
and as the years have passed the state's indebtedness to him for valuable aid has been
piled up until today Arkansas acknowledges her obligations to him in large measure
for the progress that has been brought about through his labors.

JAMES W. BUTLER.

J'ames W. Butler, cashier of the Washington State Bank, is proving a capable and
obliging official of that institution and the thoroughness with which he takes up his
work and carries on his duties day by day constitutes a contributing factor to the
success of the business. Mr. Butler was born in Batesville, Arkansas, November 9,
1869. His youthful days were spent in the town and his education was acquired in
the public schools, supplemented by study in Arkansas College. Starting out in the

CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 41

business world, he was employed on the Cotton Belt Railroad for a period of fourteen
years and, removing from Texarkana to Washington in 1909, he here became associated
with the Lesser-Goldman Cotton Company of St. Louis, having charge of their plantation
of sixteen hundred acres as manager. Though the duties were heavy and manifold, he
measured up to the standards demanded by his employers, giving to them the benefit
of capable and efficient service. In 191S he became cashier of the Washington State
Bank and is now one of its stockholders. He is also one of the stockholders of the W. J.
Johnson Mercantile Company and is thus closely associated with the commercial and
financial interests of the town.

In 1913 Mr. Butler was united in marriage to Miss Lenora Trimble and their circle
of friends in Washington is almost coextensive with the circle of their acqunintance.
Mr. Butler is a member of the Masonic fraternity, recognizing the brutlnrliuiMl ..| man
and the obligations thereby imposed. He is also a faithful member of tlic rirhMciian
church and his aid and influence are ever on the side of reform, right ami prdgi-.ss

IVERSON H. JEWELL, M. D.

Dr. Iverson H. Jewell, who since 1908 has been a representative of the medical pro-
fession in Arkansas and who has been successfully practicing in Paris as a surgeon since
1911, was born in West Tennessee, April 18, 1878, and is a son of I. C. and Frances
(James) Jewell, who were natives of Middle Tennessee, and the former was of Scotch
descent. The grandfather, Elihu Jewell, was born in Scotland and on coming to America
in young manhood settled in Tennessee, where he followed the blacksmith's trade. The
grandfather in the maternal line was Alva James, a native of Virginia, who spent most
of his life in Tennessee, where he departed this life. The birth of I. C. Jewell occurred
in 1852 and his death in 1897. His wife, who was born in 1848, died in 1904. They were
married in Middle Tennessee, whence they removed to the western part of the state and
in 1880 came to Logan county, Arkansas, where Mr. Jewell homesteaded and began farm-
ing. He purchased more land from time to time and at his death was the owner of an
excellent property, both he and his wife dying on the farm. They had a family of eleven
children, seven of whom are living: I. H.; N. C, a farmer of Sugar Grove, Arkansas;
E. v., who was for a time engaged in the oil business and is now farming at Chickasha,
Oklahoma; A. C, who is occupying the old homestead; J. B., living on a farm near
Paris: V. C, who has charge of the commissary tor the farmers' union in Oklahoma;
and V. L., who is practicing medicine in Blaine, Arkansas. The parents were members
of the Methodist Episcopal church. South, in Paris, and Mr. Jewell gave his political
endorsement to the democratic party.

Iverson H. Jewell pursued his early education in the rural schools of Logan county
and continued his studies in the high school at Paris, after which he spent a year in
the State University of Arkansas. For six or eight years he engaged successfully in
teaching school but regarded this merely as an initial step to other professional labor
and eagerly availed himself of the opportunity to become a student in the medical col-
lege of the State University at Little Rock, where he was graduated in 1908, receiving
the medal from the medical department of the university tor the highest standing in the
four-year course. He then began practice in the capital city, where he remained for three
years and was in the city hospital at Little Rock from 1907 until 1910. In 1911 he as-
sisted in organizing the hospital at Paris and still owns a third interest in this institu-
tion. He makes a specialty of surgery and is particularly capable and successful in this
branch of the profession. He entered the army and was commissioned a first lieu-
tenant of the Reserve Corps of the regular army in 1914. He was called out for active
service on the Mexican border in 1916 and following his return home was appointed a
member of the draft board, on which he served in 1917 and 1918. In the latter year he
was commissioned a captain in the regular army and did laboratory work at Whipple Bar-
racks in Arizona for a time, after which he was transferred to Camp Pike and served
on the surgical staff there until after the signing of the armistice. Later he returned
home and began the active practice of medicine and surgery at Paris, was commissioned
a captain in the Medical Reserve Corps and was also commissioned examiner of the war
bureau insurance and was made county health officer in 1914, serving until June, 1921,
except while in active service. He has done much important public work in the field
of his profession in addition to a large private practice and is regarded as one of the
foremost physicians and surgeons of Logan county.

In September, 1913, Dr. Jewell was married to Miss Mosella Lauhon, who was born
in Ozark, Arkansas, a daughter of J.W. Lauhon, an early settler and well known farmer
of Franklin county. Dr. Jewell and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church. South, and he belongs also to the Knights of Pythias, the Woodmen of the World

42 CKXTKXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

and to the American Legion. His political endorsement has always been given to the
democratic party and he is most loyal to any cause which he espouses. He belongs to
the Pulaski County Medical Society, the Arkansas State Medical Society, and is a mem-
ber of the American Medical Association, and he devotes his entire time to the practice
of medicine and surgery, having a liberal patronage. His ability, which has been devel-
oped through earnest study and broad experience, is today widely acknowledged not only
by the laity but by his professional colleagues and contemporaries as well.

LUM WILLIAMS.

One of the substantial business men of Huntington, Arkansas, is Lum Williams,
who has engaged in the grocery business here for some time. He was born in Shamokin,
Pennsylvania, in 1881, a son of Nels and Elizabeth (Burgett) Williams. His father
was a well known and successful physician and his demise occurred in Oklahoma, to
which state he had removed. The maternal grandfather came from Alabama. Dr.
Williams was an army surgeon during the Civil war, having offered his services to the
Union upon the outbreak of the conflict. To the union of Dr. and Mrs. Williams four
children were born: Martha, Mary, Nell and Lum, whose name initiates this review.

In the acquirement of an education Lum Williams attended the schools of Mc-
Alester, Oklahoma, and upon putting his textbooks aside made his initial step into the
business world in connection with the meat business. In 1913 he came to Huntington.
Previous to locating here, however, he engaged in the grocery and meat market busi-
ness at Bonanza. Mr. Williams has built up an extensive patronage and has a well
equipped store with a butcher shop in connection. He is one of the prominent and
representative business men in Huntington and has contributed much to the growth
and development of that place.

Mr. Williams was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Hayes of Barling, this state,
and to them three children have been born: Harry, Morris, and Louise. Fraternally
Mr. Williams is identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Inde-
pendent Order of A. M. He takes the interest of an intelligent and wide-awake citizen
in public affairs and in the selection of competent men for office. He has never
become actively engaged in politics, nor has he sought nor held public oflSce, preferring
the quiet home life and the association of a select circle of friends.

WILLIAM W. BETHELL.

William W. Bethell, an alert and energetic merchant of Des Arc was born in
Prairie county, a son of B. B. Bethell, also a native of this county. The father married
Miss Mary Walsh, a daughter of the well known Dr. William Walsh, who practiced
medicine in Prairie county for many years and who was a soldier of the Confederate
army during the Civil war. B. B. Bethell also served with the Confederate forces
during the period of hostilities between the north and the south and afterward became
a river pilot at a time when all traffic and transportation was conducted by means of
the river route. He afterward worked as a salesman and subsequently opened a store,
in which connection he developed a business of splendid proportions, becoming one
of the prominent and representative merchants of Des Arc. B. B. Bethell served
during the Civil war in General William Siemens' brigade, in Colonel Crawford's regi-
ment and in Company E. under Captain A. S. Erwin, the commander of a Cavalry Com-
pany. To him and his wife were born four children: William W„ Henry B., Erwin
and Bedford. The last named joined the American army during the World war, en-
listing at Jacksonville, Florida, and was sent to France with the Motor Transpor-
tation Corps, dying of illness on the western front. His death greatly affected his
mother, who gradually succumbed to her gi-ief and it seemed as though the summons
from the other side was clearly manifest to her as she made a will a few days prior to
her death mentioning in the legal document that the Father in heaven, the Master,
had called her. She died a few days after making this will, although she was in her
usual health at the time she penned the document.

W. W. Bethell served as chiirm?n of the United War Work campaign in Prairie
county and the family always registered one hundred per cent in everything having
to do with the prosecution of the war and the maintenance of high civic standards in
relation to community, commonwealth and country. W. W. Bethell was reared under
the parental roof with the usual experiences of the lad of the period, who largely
devotes his boyhood to the acquirement of a public school education. The present

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 4:!

Belhell store was organized in 1902 and W. W. Betliell is now the active head of the
concern, having devoted many years to the conduct of the Inisiness in association with
his fatlier. He is a progressive and enterprising business man, who closely studies the
demands o£ the trade and who, in his energy and enterprise, is meeting with most
substantial success.

W. W. Bethell was united in marriage to Miss Bertie Greer, a daughter of T. F.
Greer of Des Arc, and they have two children: Preston and Mary Nell. Henry B.
Bethell, a brother of W. W. Bethell. married Clara Pride; and Irwin Bethell wedded Katie
Sides, their children being. Mary, Virginia and Caroline. The family is widely and
prominently known in this section of the state, where their activities have constituted
an important element in the material development and in the social, intellectual and
moral progress of the community. Their record is closely interwoven with the history
of Prairie county and the work of father and son has been of decided l}eiiefit ^md value
to the community. Both W. W. Bethell and his father are men of marked initiative
and they, have left and are leaving the impress of their individuality in marked manner
upon the development of Prairie county.

VIRGIL CARPENTER PBTTIE.

Virgil Carpenter Pettie, vice president of the England National Bank and president
of the Arkansas Hydro-Electric Development Company, is one of the most alei't and
progressive business men of Little Rock. His activities have ever been of a character
that have contributed to public progress and advancement as well as to individual
success, and the value of his service in connection with the upbuilding of the capital is
widely acknowledged. Mr. Pettie was born in Eminence, Henry county, Kentucky,
November 2, 1878, and is a son of the Rev. Albert S. and Louella (Tinsley) Pettie, both
of whom are Kentuckians. The father was born in Versailles, that state, in 1851, while
the mother's birth occurred in Eminence in 1857. They were married at the latter
place on the 9th of January, 1878, and they are now residents of Hickman, Kentucky.
The father. has devoted his life to the work of the ministi-y of the Baptist church and
he has always given his political endorsement to the democratic party. To him and
his wife have been born seven children, a son and six daughters, all of whom are yet
living.

Virgil Carpenter Pettie, the only son, pursued his early education in the public
schools of- Mayfield, Clinton and Hopkinsville, Kentucky. He also attended the Clinton
(Ky.) College and in 1897 he came with the family to Arkansas, settlement being made
in Jonesboro. In the year 1900, however, the father returned to Kentucky and is now
pastor of the First Baptist church in Hickman.

Remaining in Arkansas, Mr. Pettie has through the intervening years made for
himself a very prominent position in business and financial circles in his adopted state.
When he became identified with the England National Bank of Little Rock, the Arkansas
Gazette said: "Virgil C. Pettie, vice president of the Bank of Jonesboro, has been
elected an active vice president by the board of directors of the England National Bank.
Mr. Pettie is one of the most widely known bankers in Arkansas. He was president
of the Arkansas Bankers Association in 1917 and was vice chairman and in active charge
of the Victory Liberty Loan campaign in Arkansas in the spring of 1919. He is the
president of the Jonesboro Building & Loan Association and of the Jonesboro Rotary
Club and is secretary of the A. B. Jones Company, the largest wholesale grocery com-
pany in eastern Arknasas. He is likewise interested in other business enterprises."
Thus before coming to Little Rock, Mr. Pettie had had broad experience along business
lines and had become firmly established as a most substantial and progressive citizen,
ready to meet any emergency or to improve any opportunity. Aside from his connection
with the England National Bank as its vice president, he is today the president of the
Arkansas Hydro-Electric Development Company, to which office he was called in 1920.
He is likewise the vice president of the United Insurance Agency of Jonesboro, Arkansas.
One who has long been associated with him in business said of him: "Virgil C. Pettie
is a banker of the new school of thought; he recognizes the duty a banker owes the
public and discharges it. He is an entertaining speaker and lends this gift as well
as his rare judgment freely and without selfish interests to public work. He has never
been connected with an unsuccessful enterprise. While the bank with which he is
connected will benefit from his services. Little Rock too will also enjoy the advantage
of having as a citizen such a man as Virgil C. Pettie, who not only occupies an ad-
vantageous place in the business circles of the capital, but whose splended ability,
progressive ideas and public-spirited citizenship radiate a larger sphere of enthusiasm

44 CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

to others in the upbuilding of the state and the development of Little Rock as its com-
mercial center."

On the 21st of December, 1901, in St. Louis, Mr. Pettie was married to Miss Blanche
Hawthorne, who was born in Corning, Arkansas, in 1882. They now have one child,
John Hawthorne Pettie, born March 5, 1904. Mr. Pettie is a member of the Baptist
church and his wife of the Methodist Episcopal church. South. He is a Knight Templar
and thirty-second degree Mason and member of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to
the IndepentJent Order of Odd Fellows, to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and
to the Country Club. In politics he is a democrat, but in times of national crisis
partisanship is always made subservient to patriotism. He served on the County
Council of Defense, was county chairman of War Loan and district manager of the
third and fourth Liberty Bond drives, while in the spring of 1919 he was made
vice chairman for Arkansas of the Victory Loan. He has acted as secretary of
the Arkansas state democratic central committee. He is the president of the Arkansas
Advancement Association, and in that office has done effective work for the welfare
and progress of the state. He is a man of broad vision as well as of marked executive
force and he carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.

WILLIAM ERI LIVINGSTON.

William Eri Livingston, who is the organizer and head of a newly created real estate
firm known as the W. E. Livingston Company, 123 West Second Street, Little Rock, has
had wide experience in the field in which he is active and has made steady progress
along his chosen line. Mr. Livingston knows Arkansas, her opportunities and possi-
bilities, and is especially familiar with her real estate market. He is a native son of
the state, born in Enola, Faulkner county. May 18, 1880. His parents, Asher Eugene
and Miranda Bartimeus (Whiteley) Livingston, were natives of Caledonia, Boone
county, Illinois, and of near Batesville, Arkansas, respectively, the former born June 10,
1853. and the latter March 9, 18.55. They were married in 1874 and became parents of
three sons and three daughters, all of whom are living. Following his removal to the
southwest Mr. Livingston engaged in merchandising at Conway, Arkansas, from 1889
until 1920, or for a period of more than three decades, but is now living retired, he
and his wife making their home in Little Rock.

William E. Livingston pursued his early education in the public schools of Enola
and of Conway. Arkansas, the family removing to the latter place in 1889. He was
there graduated from the high school with the class of 1900 and after putting aside his
textbooks he became the active assistant and partner of bis father and his brother
J. J., in the store in Conway, which was conducted under the style of A. E. Livingston
& Sons from 1900 until 1906. In the latter year the junior partner became a member of
the firm of Wilson Brothers & Livingston, haberdashers, of Conway, Arkansas, a con-
nection that was continued until 1910. in which year Mr. Livingston turned his attention
to the real estate field, becoming secretary and treasurer of the Holman Real Estate
Company of Little Rock. This business was organized under a partnership relation,
but was incorporated in 1911. He continued to discharge the official duties of that
position until April, 1917, at which time he liecame a real estate salesman for the
Southern Trust Company, with which he remained until November, 1918. when he
accepted the position of manager of the real estate department of the Central Bank of
Little Rock. Several years before, or in 1911. he began the study of law and in 1915
was graduated from the law department of the University of Arkansas. While he has
never practiced the profession, his knowledge of law is of great value to him in the
conduct of his business affairs. He continued with the Central Bank until August,
1921, when he established the firm now conducting business under the name of the
W. E. Livingston Company, the Realtors. His previous experience has been of gi-eat
value to him and he is making substantial progress. The firm has become a member
of the real estate bureau of the Board of Commerce and Mr. Livingston is one who
studies closely every phase of the business and is able to speak with authority upon
anything connected with the local real estate market. The firm handles Little Rock
and Arkansas property and already has gained a good clientele.

On the 8th of November, 1905, at Benton, Arkansas, Mr. Livingston was married
to Miss Mary Evelyn Glenn, who was born in Benton, Arkansas, August 20, 1882, and is
a graduate of the Central College at Conway. She is a daughter of Hiram S. and Martha
(Quinn) Glenn. The father died in 1919 at the age of eighty-three years, while the
mother survives and makes her home in Benton. Mr. and Mrs. Livingston have become

CEXTEXNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 45

the parents of two children: Evelyn Maurine, born July 29, 1907; and Margaret Eliza-
beth, born October 10, 1911.

.Mr. and Mrs. Livingston are members of the Second Baptist church. He has always
voted with the democratic party and his loyalty in matters of progressive citizenship is
pronounced. During the World war he served on the local bond drives and in days
of peace or days of war he labors untiringly for the adoption of high ideals in regard
to public affairs. Appreciative of the social amenities of life he has membership in the
Lakeside Country Club.

H. S. NEEL, D. D. S.

The dental fraternity of Stuttgart finds a young but progressive representative of
the profession in Dr. H. S. Neel, who is one of the native sons of this state, his birth
having occurred at Bearden in 1893. He is a son of J. R. and Esther (Yeager) Neel,
the former born near Princeton. Arkansas, while the latter was born at Bearden. The
gi-andfather in the paternal line was James Neel, who on coming to this state settled
at Princeton.

Dr. Neel pursued his education in the Brock Springs Academy of Arkansas and in
preparation for the practice of dentistry entered the University of Tennessee and was
graduated from the dental department with the D. D. S. degree in 1915. He taught
school at Huttig, Arkansas, in that year and then entered upon the active practice of
dentistry at Delight, Arkansas, where he remained until 1916, when he removed to
Stuttgart. Here he opened an office but in 1917 abandoned his professional interests
in order to join the army. He enlisted in the Medical Corps, went to Fort Riley and
was afterward sent overseas, going to Nantes, Prance, where he was stationed during
the period of his foreign service. When the country no longer needed his aid he
returned to the United States and once more resumed practice in Stuttgart, where his
ability is fast winning him recognition, until his practice is now gratifying and gives
every evidence of future growth.

Dr. Neel was married to Miss Orpha Hill, a native of Streator, niinois. Fraternally
he is a Mason and that he has advanced far in the order is indicated in his connection
with the Mystic Shrine. He likewise belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks
and enjoys in large measure the high and friendly regard of his fellow members of
these fraternities.

WILL HUGH MOCK, M. D. F. A. C. S.

Dr. Will Hugh Mock, thoroughly trained for the practice of medicine and surgery,
has won notable success in following his profession in Prairie Grove, where his record
stands in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is not without honor save
in his own country, for in this locality in which his life has been passed he has made
substantial progress and enjoys in unusual measure the confidence and goodwill of his
tellowmen. Dr. Mock was born here in 1875, his parents being John and Margaret
(Rogers) Mock, the former a native of Sevier county, Tennessee, while the latter was
born near Charleston, South Carolina. The Mock family was long represented in Ten-
nessee, the grandfather having been a native of that state, while within the borders of
the commonwealth he spent his life. The grandfather in the maternal line was Hugh
Rogers, a native of Charleston, South Carolina, who came to Arkansas in pioneer times
and devoted his life to farming, aiding in the early agricultural development of the
section in which he lived.

The marriage of John Mock and Margaret Rogers was celebrated in Georgia and
removing to Arkansas they settled in Washington county in 1851. Here Mr. Mock pur-
chased a farm, which is still owned by his son. Dr. Mock. In his religious faith the
father was a Methodist and fraternally he was a Mason. His political allegiance was
always given to the democratic party and during the Civil war he served for four
years with the Confederate army. He departed this life December 16, 1900. He is still
survived by his widow, who has reached the notable age of ninety-one years. Mrs.
Mock deserves more than passing notice in this volume, by reason of the part which
she played in the period of pioneer development and her activity in the Civil war.
Her home was located on the battle ground of Prairie Grove and during the course of
the battle she sent her daughter to the cellar while she remained in the home until
after firing had ceased. When hostilities were over she had the wounded brought to
her home in order to help nurse them. She knitted socks and made clothing for the

46 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

soldiers throughout the war, gave them food and in every possible way assisted the
southern cause. When the troops were encamped near her home she and an old negro
went to the fields and shot their hogs, which they then cooked and served to the soldiers
of the south. Mrs. Mock is still living near the old home with her son and though she
is now an octogenarian she possesses all her faculties to an unusual degree and is a
most well informed and lovable old lady, who well deserves prominent mention in the
history of the state. Mr. and Mrs. John Mock had a family of eight children, all of
whom are living: J. E., a land owner of San Angelo, Texas; John F., also a land owner,
living at Altus, Oklahoma; W. H.. of this review; Martha J., the wife of J. J. Baggett of
Payetteville; Mary, the widow of Frank Lake of Oklahoma, now living in Prairie Grove;
Margaret, who is the widow of Samuel Neal of Altus, Oklahoma, and a wealthy land
owner of that place; Carolyn, the wife of Senator G. T. Cazort, wealthy planter of
Lamar, Arkansas, who is a large land owner and now represents his district in the
state senate; and Josephine, who is the wife of W. L. Stuckey, an attorney of Fayette-
ville, who also owns a fine country home at Johnson, Arkansas.

Dr. Mock pursued his education after completing his public school course in the
University of Arkansas and in the Vanderbilt College of Tennessee, in which he matricu-
lated as a medical student, being there graduated with the class of 1895. He next
attended the University of Tennessee and completed his course there in 1899. He had
a year's hospital service during that period and later he became chief surgeon for the
0. & C. C. Railroad. In 1899 he entered upon the private practice of medicine and
after his hospital service he opened his office in Prairie Grove, where he has remained,
save for the period of two years which he spent in connection with the railroad com-
pany. He engages in general practice and also specializes in surgery. He has taken
postgraduate work in New Orleans, Philadelphia, Chicago, New York, Kansas City and
Cleveland and has thus constantly promoted his knowledge and increased his efficiency.
He is now prominently known by reason of his highly developed .skill in surgery and
does all his operating in Fayetteville hospitals. He possesses comprehensive knowledge
of anatomy and the component parts of the human body, is cool and collected in the
face of cases and his efforts have been attended with splendid results.

Dr. Mock belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and fraternally is a thirty-
second degree Mason and member of the Knights of F^thias, the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Since attaining his majority
he has been a stalwart democrat and has filled various local offices. As the years have
passed he has acquired outside business interests beyond his profession, having made
judicious investment in banks, in oil stations and in land. He owns two excellent farms
and town property and is the owner of two parks in Prairie Grove. After all, however,
his time and energies are most concentrated upon his professional duties and he keeps
in close touch with the trend of modern thought along medical and surgical lines through
his membership in the Washington County Medical Society, the Arkansas State Medical
Society, the American Medical Association and he is also a fellow of the American
College of Surgeons. The Doctor has perhaps given more of his time gratis toward
charitable work than any other man in his town and to the development of his com-
munity, from the good roads subject to every call that is made for help and charity.

ANDREW CLAUDE HA.MILTON.

Some men live for gain and judge the world by the inch rule of self; others
gain a world vision and form their opinions by the understanding obtained through
association with the master minds of all ages. Principle and not personal prejudice
is their guide, and dignity in thought and honor in action mark their pathways. Such
was the career of A. C. Hamilton, a man whose business success was not inconsider-
able but who regarded the attainment of wealth only as a means to an end. Lite
with him found its expression in his love of travel, love of literature and most
of all in his love of family.

Mr. Hamilton was born 'in County Down, Ireland, in 1852, and traveled life's
journey to 1913, when he was called to the home beyond. He came of an old and
distinguished family and his lines of life were cast in harmony with the ancestral
history. He pursued his education in the schools of Belfast, Ireland, and it was
intended that he should enter the ministry, but changing his plans, he came to the
United States at the age of nineteen years and entered the business world. His first
position was in the establishment of A. T. Stewart, then "The Merchant Prince of
America," in New York city. The great west appealed to his love for a bigger life,
and going to Indiana he engaged in business for a time in Muncie. From there he
went to Memphis, Tennessee, where he was prominent in business and social life.

ANDREW C. HAMILTON

CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 4!l

But love of travel took him into the empire of Texas. In Wjco he opened a whole-
sale grocery husiness. which he later removed to Galveston.

One summer he chanced to visit Fayetteville, Arkansas, and was at once im-
pressed with the beauty of the town, the natural scenery and the excellent climate
and in 1896 removed his family to this city. Hei-e he originated the dried fruit
packing industry in Arkansas and made shipments on an extensive scale. He built
up a great business, shipping to practically every state in the Union. Later he estab-
lished a cold storage, which also proved a most profitable enterprise, contributing
to the substantial growth and development of the city as well as to the advancement
of his individual fortunes. He rejoiced in his success merely by reason of what it
enabled him to do for his family and his fellowmen. He found his happiness in
visiting the beauty spots of the world, in spending hours and days and months in
poring over the writings of the best authors of all ages and most of all in bringing
his family into touch with those interests which develop character and bring cultural
worth into life.

In 1880 Mr. Hamilton was united in marriage to Miss Mary Kate Downs, who
was born in Waco, Texas, in 1858, a daughter of William P. and Martha Sandal
(Fort) Downs, both of whom were natives of northern Alabama and both repre-
sentatives of distinguished old southern families. The grandfather of Mrs. Ham-
ilton in the paternal line was Major W. W. Downs, a native of North Carolina, who
at an early day removed to Alabama and in 1854 became a resident of Waco, Texas,
where he purchased several thousand acres of land and owned many slaves. He built
the first two-story residence in Waco and was largely connected with the develop-
ment and improvement of that section of the country. He served as a chaplain
in the Civil war and all of his sons were in the Confederate army. Prospering as
the years went by, he left a vast estate. The grandfather of Mrs. Hamilton in the
maternal line was David G. Port, a native of North Carolina and a descendant of
Frederick Fort of Revolutionary fame.

William P. Downs, father of Mrs. Hamilton, was a graduate of the Lagrange
(Va.) College, while his wife was a graduate of the college at Athens, Alabama.
In 1854 they removed to Texas and he soon won place as one of the eminent educators
of the state, becoming the second president of the Waco Female College, which posi-
tion he filled to the time of his early death at the age of thirty-two years. To him
and his wife were born four children, three of whom are living: F. F., who is the
president of the First National Bank at Temple, Texas; P. L., vice president of the
bank; and Mrs. Hamilton. Mr. Downs was an exemplary follower of the Masonic
fraternity and he gave his political allegiance to the democratic party.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton was blessed with six children, five of
whom are living. Claude, who died in infancy in Ireland, was interred in the family
burying ground in White Church cemetery, where the Hamiltons had interred their
dead for three hundred years. The others are: Mary Fort, the eldest, who is the wife
of RoKwell Sears Lander, a Boston man who belongs to one of the prominent
old New England families and who is now engaged in the manufacturing business
in Little Rock; Eileen Kathleen, who is ilic wife of Dr, Neal Carothers of New York.
He was the first young man in ,\ik;ins:is in win the Cecil Rhodes scholarship, after
which he received a degree at I'linciton jihI later was a teacher in that university;
William J., the eldest son, who has charge of his father's business, was president
of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce and was chairman of the local board of
the Council of Defense during the World war; Andrew C, a civil engineer, who was
graduated from the University of Arkansas and is now a well known contractor in
road building in Arkansas. A. C. Hamilton, Jr., married Hallie De Vaney and they
have a daughter, Katherine Howard; and Scott Downs, the youngest, who was a
prominent student of the University of Arkansas and entered the service in the
World war, going overseas with the rank of lieutenant. He now travels for the
A. C. Hamilton Company snd has charge of the orchards. The family circle has twice
been broken by the hand of death — first when Claude departed this life while the
family was visiting in Ireland and again in 1913, when Mr. Hamilton was called
to the home beyond. He never took an active part in politics but voted with the
democratic party. He was chosen to represent Texas as commissioner to the World
Exposition in Paris, France, in 1889, and, accompanied by his family, went to that
country. Mr. Hamilton's position as Com:nissioner to the Exposition brought to
them many courtesies and opportunities which were not enjoyed by the ordinary
lourist. They spent two years in Europe, principally in Ireland. In 1909 Mr.
Haniilinn mid his daughter. Miss Eileen Kathleen, visited the city of Mexico and
wliilr ihiir ili.'v were presented to President Diaz. One of Mr. Hamilton's strongest
ambit inns wiis to give his children every possible educational advantage and every
oi)portunity for travel. Again and again, accompanied by some member of his family.

Vol. II — 4

50 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OP ARKANSAS

Mr. Hamilton took trips in this and foreign lands, making thirteen voyages to Europe.
His business attained to great proportions, and when he wished for rest or reci-ea-
tion he would go to some of the best libraries of America, and selecting the best
books of great authors, would find his relaxation in reading, sometimes for weeks
at a time. His home life was largely ideal and the closest companionship existed
between husband and wife, based upon their mutual interests, their love for all that
is uplifting and their hopes and desires for their family. Storing his mind throughout
life with all that is best in the broad field of literature, Mr. Hamilton came to be a
splendid writer and excellent public speaker. It was not that he prepared for such
things but that his brain was a storehouse from which he drew at will for argu-
ments, for narratives, for discussions or illustrations. Association with him meant
expansion and elevation. He was a constant stimulus to the best that was in others
ana when he died his life called forth a tribute such as is seldom given or deserved
in this day when in large measure self-interest seems to reign supreme in the in-
dividual and in nations. A friend wrote: "The death of this remarkable man is a
heavy loss to the town where for many years he was a conspicuous figure in business,
social and religious circles. Blessings brighten as they take their flight. This Is
especially so when a good man dies. So devoted was our friend to his daily toil,
the management of a great enterprise, that only his death can teach us how admirable
was his patience, his perseverance, and his self-sacriflce. Made of finer clay, cast in a
larger mould, he lived on a higher plane than the average man. He was resourceful,
believed in the Irish proverb that 'When God closes one door he opens another,'
and so in every place of responsibility he filled the measure. His heart was sensitive
to pain and wrong as the needle of a compass to a disturbing influence. To say or to
do a harsh thing gave him nights of solitude and sorrow. To him a sordid deed was
appalling, and a wound, a crucifixion. He was as true a gentleman as ever broke
bread at the circle of a court. He kept his heart with diligence because he believed
that in the heart are the issues of life. He was rich in what he was rather than in what
he possessed. He believed money valuable as a means, never as an end, and so he
used it for the comfort of his home, the advancement of his religion and the pleasure
of his friends. He had a genius for work, whether in dealing with the problems of
business life or the study of a great book. He read the best literature both of the
present and the past. His Information was varied, extensive and accurate. His
memory was phenomenal, and he had the imagination of a poet. To confine such a
mind co the details and the drudgery of a great business was like hitching a race
horse to a plough. To the minister of the evangel of Christ this lovable man was
the most sympathetic and helpful friend. He had the listening ear and the under-
standing heart. He knew the value of an encouraging word and how to speak it in
a sincere and modest way. When he ventured an adverse criticism it was given
in a gentle and winsome spirit that won both gi'atitude and affection. While we
carry with us the heavy sorrow of his death we are cheered, strengthened and in-
spired by the lessons of his life, and the certainty of his reward."

FRANK TOMLINSON.

Frank Tomlinson, a cotton broker of Pine Bluff, was born in the city which he still
makes his home in the year 1874, his parents being Frank and Mary (Bronson) Tom-
linson. The father, a native of Florence, Alabama, was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Moses
Tomlinson, who lived for many years in the vicinity of Florence. The father served
with the Confederate army during the Civil war, joining the troops when a mere boy
and acting as orderly on the staff of one of the generals. He served throughout the
war and was wounded in action. Later in the '60s he came to Pine Bluff and entered
the employ of Jacob Fies. In 1870 he established business on his own account as a
general merchant and prospered as the years passed by. He also accumulated extensive
cotton acreage and was prominently identified with the cultivation of that crop in
his section of the state. He wedded Mary Bronson, a daughter of Dr. Asa and Lucinda
(Simpson) Bronson. Her father was a native of Tennessee and was an extensive
planter after coming to Arkansas. Her mother was born in Fairfax county, Virginia.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Tomlinson, Sr., became the parents of eight children, three of
whom are living: Louise, Asa and Frank. The others died in infancy. The daughter
married Will Nolan of New York and they had one son. Will, who served in the World
war. The father of this family died in 1888. The mother is living, now making her
home at Pine Bluff.

Frank Tomlinson was educated in the schools of Pine Bluff and in Jordan's Academy.
He subsequently entered the coal business and later was engaged in railroad office work.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 31

Since 1896 he has been engaged in the brokerage business and in 1909 he entered the
cotton business as a buyer and seller. He has made for himself a creditable place in
connection with the cotton industry in this section of the country and he today has
one thousand acres planted to cotton. His business affairs are wisely and capably
managed, owing to his diligence, determination and laudable ambition.

In 1897 Mr. Tomlinson was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Roane, a daughter
of Samuel C. and Minnie (Hunn) Roane. They have become parents of three children:
Frank Roane, May and Horace Hunn. Fraternally Mr. Tomlinson is connected with
the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. During the World war he served as county
chairman of the Liberty Loan drives and as district chairman of the War Savings
Stamps camiiaign. He was also active on the County Council of Defense and In con-
nection with the Red Cross, doing everything in his power to maintain the stability of
the home lines, which constituted the financial defense of the firing lines on the western
front in Europe. Mr. Tomlinson has always lived in Pine Bluff and his history is as
an open book, which all may read. Diligence, adaptability and perseverance have been
marked features in his success, which has Increased year by year and which is the
merited and legitimate outcome of his personal effort.

C. H. C. HOWARD.

C. H. C. Howard, engaged in the insurance business at Beebe, is a representative
of ancestral lines that can be traced back in New England to the year 1640. It was
in that year that Thomas Howard landed in this .country and established 'his home at
Xorwich, Connecticut. The line comes on down through Benjamin and Thomas to
William Howard, the great-gi-eat-grandfather, who was a native of Massachusetts and
was killed at the battle of White Plains, while serving in the Revolutionary war. His
son, Abel Howard, was a native of Sturbridge, Massachusetts, and was the father of
Dr. Abel Howard (II), who was born in Hartford, Vermont, and who wedded Mary E.
Hunt, a native of Connecticut, and they became the parents of eight children: Abel T.,
Mary E., George A., Julia A., George, Austin, Sophia and Elizabeth. The last two named
are still living. The first of this family, Abel T. Howard, was the father of C. H. C.
Howard. He married Anna H. Cutts and both were natives of Vermont, the former
born in West Hartford and the latter in North Hartland. In the maternal line the
ancestry can also be traced back to a remote period. The grandfather, Hampden Cutts,
was a native of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and was a graduate of Harvard University.
He exerted a widely felt influence over the history of his state, serving as probate judge
for many years and also as representative in the state legislature. He was descended
from Robert Cutts, a native of England, who on crossing the Atlantic in 1B40 settled
at Kittery, Maine. The line comes on down to Richard (I) and Richard (II), who was
a major in the War of Lewlsburg in 1745. He was the father of Samuel Cutts, who in
turn was the father of Edward Cutts, a native of Kittery. Maine. The last named was
the father of Hampden Cutts, who wedded Mary P. S. Jarvis, who was also of notable
New England parentage, her father, William Jarvis, serving for eight years as American
consul at Lisbon, Portugal.

It will thus be seen that C. H. C. Howard is descended from distinguished ancestry
in both the paternal and maternal lines. His parents were teachers of liberal education
and broad culture. The father was graduated from Dartmouth College, while the mother
was a graduate of the Tilden Ladies' Seminary at Lebanon, New Hampshire. At their
marriage they began teaching, becoming teachers in high schools and later in the Glen-
wood Collegiate Institute at Matawan, New Jersey, where they remained until 1872.
They afterward removed to Brooklyn, New York, and Mr. Howard taught in private
schools for some time. He devoted the last ten years of his life to envelope manufac-
turing. He was born in 1830 and died in 1899, while his wife, who was born in 1835,
departed this life in 1889. They were consistent members of the Presbyterian church
and Mr. Howard was also identified with the Masonic fraternity. To him and his wife
were born seven children, three of whom died in infancy, the others being: C. H. C;
Mary, the wife of R. W. King of Montclair, New Jersey; Charles T., who is connected
with the city department at Los Angeles, California; and Eliot, an electrician of Brook-
lyn, New York.

C. H. C. Howard was born in Brattleboro, Vermont. September 5, 1862. Having
acquired a public school education he later attended the Adelphi Academy at Brooklyn,
New York, and for five years was assistant librarian in the Astor Library of New York
city. He came to Arkansas in 1890 for the benefit of his health and entered newspaper
work at Beebe', where for ten years he was editor and publisher of Current Topics, which
was afterward merged into the White County News and for a year he remained as

52 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

editor of the latter publication. He then sold out and was employed as a bookkeeper
in Beebe, while later he took over the fire insurance business and is now representing
nine different companies. In this connection he has gained a good clientage and his
business is one of large extent.

On the 12th of September, 1894, Mr. Howard was married to Miss EfRe M. Hartley,
a native of Fulton, Missouri, and a daughter of S. N. and Virginia (Berry) Bartley, who
were also natives of Fulton. The father became a merchant of Beebe and also assistant
cashier of the Bank of Beebe. He was likewise prominent in public affairs, serving as
mayor of the town and as treasurer and recorder at different times. He died October
1, 1915, at the age of seventy-two years, his birth having occurred in 1843 and he is sur-
vived by his wife, who still makes her home in Beebe. Their daughter, Mrs. Howard,
however, departed this life November 1, 1915, leaving a son, Elwin who is pursuing a
scientific course in the Westminster College of Fulton, Missouri.

Mr. Howard is a member of the Christian church and his political belief is that of
the democratic party. He served tor four years as city recorder of Beebe and is an
honorary member of the Xew Hampshire Historical Society, also a corresponding mem-
ber of the Maine and Vermont Historical Society and the New England Historical and
Genealogical Society. He is likewise thus identified with the Essex Institute of Salem,
Massachusetts. He has recently published a history of the Cutts family, also of the
Sparha\yk family and a history of the Pepperrell family. He also wrote the Pepperrell
portraits and a small pamphlet of the life and public service of General John W. Phelps.
His authorship includes a volume entitled Brattleboro in Verse and Prose and he has
in manuscript the history of the Carter family. His life has been cast in harmony
with the records of an honored ancestry. In both lines he comes of families of strong
intellectual force and high ideals and-he has ever proven a worthy scion of his race.

DR. JOHX L. GREENE.

Dr. John L. Greene, optometrist of El Dorado, enjoying an extensive practice as
the result of his comprehensive scientific knowledge and practical skill, was born in
Ruston, Louisiana, on the 9th of August, 1873, his parents being Malaciah B. and Mary
Jane (Gathright) Greene, the former a native of Alabama, while the latter was born
in Union county. Arkansas. Both, however, were reared in Louisiana, to which state
they accompanied their parents during their early childhood.

Dr. Greene spent his youthful days in Lincoln parish, Louisiana, and completed his
education in the Fellowship high school of that parish. When a youth of sixteen years
he began work at the bench in a jewelry and optical store in Shihjh. Louisiana, and
served his apprenticeship under A. J. Mashaw of Palmerville, that state. In 1893 he
returned to Ruston, where he established himself in the jewelry and optical business,
there continuing until 1896, whence he removed to Junction City, where he was suc-
cessfully engaged in business until 1912. However, in 1906 he bought out the jewelry
business of rnnstaiitine & Fuller in El Dorado and conducted the two stores until six
years lali i, ai wliirh time the Junction City store was closed out, but the El Dorado
store was min iniail until February 1, 1921. For some years previous to the latter date
Dr. Greeiif liail been a consistent student of optometry and his jewelry business had
become only a means to an end. In 1903 he attended the Kansas School of Optometry
at Topeka. Kansas, and in 1905 he pursued a course in optometry at Atlanta, Georgia,
while in 1912 he attended the Needles Optical Institute at Kansas City, Missouri. Thus
continuing his studies along this line so that his ability was constantly increasing, he
finally closed out his store on the 1st of February, 1921, in order to give his entire
attention to the practice of optometry. He then opened ofiices in the Security Bank &
Trust building, where he is now located and at the present time he is concentrating his
undivided attention upon his profession. He is splendidly qualified for the work by
thorough training and is most conscientious in the performance of his professional
duties. Since 1915 he has been a member of the state examining board of optometry
and has throughout this period served as secretary and treasurer of the board. He
belongs to the Arkansas Optical Society and utilizes every means that will broaden
his knowledge and promote his efficiency in his chosen calling.

Dr. Greene was married on the 24th of December, 1893, to Miss Elizabeth Pauline
Mitchell of Schoudrant, Louisiana, and they have become the parents of three children:
Alonzo Maughan, Clara Mitchell and Muriel Alice. Dr. Greene belongs to El Dorado
Lodge, No. 13. A. P. & A. M.; also to El Dorado Chapter, No. 114, R. A. M.: El Dorado
Chapter ,*No. 280, O. E. S.; and all of his children are likewise members of the Eastern
Star, while the son belongs also to El Dorado Lodge, No. 13, A. F. & A. M. Dr Greene
is identified with the Scottish Rite bodies, having attained the thirty-second degree in

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 53

Albert Pike Consistory, No. 1, A. & A. S. R. He belongs to the El Dorado scliool board
and has always taken an active interest in educational work and in civic affairs, sup-
porting all those plans and measures which look to the development of the community
intellectually or to the promotion of those interests which are a matter of civic virtue
and civic pride. He and all of his family hold membership in the Baptist church, in
which he is serving as deacon and no good work done in the name of charity or religion
seeks his aid in vain. By reason of his intense and helpful interest in the material,
intellectual, social and moral welfare of the community he is classed with El Dorado's
foremost citizens and highly honored men.

OSCAR HUGH WILSON.

From pioneer times to the present the Wilson family has played an important part
in the development and upbuilding of Pope county, and Oscar Hugh Wilson, a large
landowner residing in Russellville, is a worthy representative of a name that for many
years has stood as a synonym for enterprise and integrity in business circles of north-
western Arkansas. His birth occurred in old Xorristown, Pope county, on the 25th of
August, 1872, and his parents were R. J. and Cassandra (Ford) Wilson, the former
of whom was born near Russellville, Arkansas, September 20, 1835, while the birth of
the latter occurred near Shreveport Louisiana. The father is a veteran of the Civil
war, in which he served with the rank of captain, enlisting in 1861. He was formerly
an agriculturist but later became one of the leading merchants of Russellville, and in
1890 he organized the Peoples Exchange Bank, of which he has since been president.
He is a man of exceptional business ability, enterprise and determination and is the
largest landholder in this vicinity but is now living retired in Russellville at the
advanced age of eighty-seven years and is one of the most sulist;nitial citjzpiis and highly
respected pioneers of Pope county. He is a member of the Prtshyi ri m n rhurch, a demo-'
crat in his political views, and fraternally is identified with llie .\1 isi.ns. Mrs. Wilson
passed away in 1884, leaving four children, of whohi the subject of tliis icvifw is the
eldest; Kate, who married Joe Jacobson. has six children and the family reside in New
Mexico; Stella is the wife, of John J. Duffie, who is engaged in the expuit Inisiness in
South America; Walter is the owner of a large farm near Woodson, Arkansas, un which
he makes his home.

In the acquirement of an education Oscar Hugh Wilson attended the schools of
Bell Buckle and Lebanon, Tennessee, and after completing his studies he returned
home in order to assist his father in caring for his large mercantile and farming inter-
ests. For a number of years he conducted the Russellville establishment but since the
sale of the enterprise a few years ago has had charge of his father's land interests, in
addition to which he is managing his own property holdings, which are also extensive.
In the control of his business affairs he displays much of his father's executive ability
and keen sagacity and his efforts have been crowned with a substantial measure of
success.

In 1894 Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Kerr Rankin, a native
of Russellville and a daughter of W. H. Rankin, who was formerly identified with farm-
ing interests but is now living retired in Russellville. To this union have been born
four children: Margaret, who graduated from the State University of Arkansas with
the A. B. degree and is now the wife of T. Bennett Freeman, a leading merchant of
Marianna, Arkansas; Estelle, at home; Evelyn, who is a student at the State University;
and William W., who is a senior in the Culver Military Academy of Indiana.

The family are all members of the Presbyterian church and Mr. Wilson was sent
as a delegate to the constitutional convention of 1917. He is widely and favorably
known in Pope county, where he has spent his life, and in matters affecting the welfare
and progress of his community, county and state he has ever been deeply and helpfully
interested. He is a worthy son of a distinguished sire and is ably sustaining the tradi-
tions of one of the oldest and most highly respected families in this part of the state.

WILLIAM M. PHILLIPS.

William il. Phillips, district manager for the Morris Packing Company of Kansas
City, Missouri, with headquarters at Fort Smith, where he controls extensive and impor-
tant interests, at the same time maintaining his residence in Hartford, Arkansas, was
born in Auburn, this state, on the 24th of July, 1894, and is a son of W. E. and Louise
Ella (Richmond) Phillips. He acquired his early education in the schools of Fort Smith

54 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

and of Little Rock and devoted two years to the study of medicine in tlie University of
Arkansas but afterward abandoned his plan of becoming a physician and turned his
attention in other directions. He became auditor for the Central Coal & Coke Company
and was filling that position when in February, 1918, he enlisted for service in the
World war and went to Camp Pike, where he was commissioned a second lieutenant
and made bayonet instructor. He was honorably discharged on December 29.

When Mr. Phillips again took up civilian activity he became a salesman for the
Morris Packing Company of Kansas City, Missouri, and made so creditable a record
in that connection that he was promoted to the more responsible position of district
sales manager and is now acting in that capacity, controlling important interests in
his present position and displaying those business qualities which ultimately win suc-
cess — the qualities of determination, perseverance and sound judgment.

S. A. DIEHL.

The newspaper business is constantly attracting men from the various walks of
lite, many of whom find in this work a pleasant and profitable occupation. To this
class belongs S. A. Diehl, editor and proprietor of the Daily Times-Echo and the Plash-
light of Eureka Springs. He became identified with the publication of newspapers many
years ago and is recognized as one of the thoroughly experienced and capable men in
this line in the state.

S. A. Diehl was born in Fostoria, Ohio, on the 31st of July, 1865, a son of Abraham
and Elizabeth (Leonard) Diehl. the former a native of New York state and the latter
of Ohio. The father was a member of the Union army during the Civil war, serving
for three years. He was a member of Company E, Forty-ninth Ohio Regiment. He
received a wound in the leg at Shiloh and was likewise wounded at the battle of Chick-
amauga. At the close of the war he returned to Ohio, where he resided until 1871.
when he removed to Illinois. He engaged in farming in that state. As one of the repre-
sentative citizens of the community he was frequently called to public office and for
some time he served as Justice of the peace of the community in which he resided. To
the union of Mr. and Mrs. Diehl six children were born, five of whom are living. S. A.,
whose name initiates this review, is the oldest child. The family was reared in the
faith of the Evangelical church and Mr. Diehl gave his political allegiance to the repub-
lican party, having firm belief in the principles of that party as factors in good govern-
ment. He was likewise an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

S. A. Diehl received his education in Illinois, attending the country schools in the
vicinity of the home farm and in due time the Illinois Normal School at Dixnn. Upon
the completion of his education he engaged in farming and was active in that connection
until he reached the age of twenty-tour years. He then took up the profession of teach-
ing and was engaged in educational work for a period of seventeen years, eleven years
of that time being spent as principal and superintendent of schools at various places.
Subsequently, however, he discovered that he was more interested in tlie newspaper
business than he was in teaching and accordingly he went to Manito, Illinois, where he
purchased a newspaper, which he edited for six years. He then spent one year in
Bloomington, Illinois, and in 1908 came to Eureka Springs, arriving here in September
of that year. He purchased the Flashlight, a weekly paper here and since that time
he has succeeded in absorbing all the newspaper interests of the city. His daily paper
is called the Times-Echo. He has one of the best equipped offices in the state and gets
out the cleanest and best edited democratic daily and vi-eekly in North Arkansas. In
addition to the publication of his own papers he prints five other publications and does
a large job printing business.

A contemporary writer has said of Mr. Diehl: "Mr. Diehl comes from that grand
old state of Illinois, and while comparatively new to Eureka Springs, ever since his
coming, has labored hard for the advancement of the city, not only with his hands and
his head but with his money as well. His past experience has given him a schooling
tended to make him a public man. Sixteen years as a pedagogue, eleven of them as
principal and high school teacher; seven years of newspaper work in Illinois; president
of the Ilinois State Epworth League; president and platform manager of the Quiver
Lake Chautauqua in Illinois; state secretary of the Illinois Anti-Saloon League when
he removed to Eureka Springs — these honors bestowed by Illinoisans bespeak a versa-
tile ability." Not long after Mr. Diehl came to Eureka Springs he was appointed by
Mayor Fuller as a member of the board of health and he was also elected as secretary
of the Commercial Club, of which body he has been a director since his residence in
the state.

On the 30th of November, 1899, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Diehl and Miss

("FA'TENXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 55

Hannah J. Behringer, a native of Illinois. To their union two children have been
born: Welister Emerson, and Donald DeWitt. The eldest sou is now attending the law
department of the University of Virginia, where he is a brilliant student. He seems
to have inherited a natural talent for oratory, he is a fine public speaker for one of
his years, and is widely known as the boy orator of the Ozarks. The younger son is
but thirteen years of age and is a student in the schools here. Mrs. Diehl is prominent
in the club and social circles of Eureka Springs and is recognized as a model housewife
and mother.

The family is affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and Mr. Diehl
has been president of the official board for many years. Fraternally he is a Mason,
being a Knight Templar, and also past master of the craft. He is also affiliated with
the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Pythias, being past chancellor of
the latter organization. In 1896 he became a de:uocrat and he served as a delegate to
the state convention the same year and the two years following. For nine years he
has been a member of the board of education in Eureka Springs, his past experience
in educational work making him a valuable asset to that body. Mr. Diehl is a forceful
and eloquent public speaker and a man who pays strict attention to the minutest details
of any business with which lie is connected. He has made many friends throughout
the state and ranks among the leaders of the press in Arkansas.

ELMER H. ELLSWORTH, M. D.

Dr. Elmer H. Ellsworth, engaged in medical practice in Hot Springs, with office
in the Citizens National Bank building, is a native son of this city, his birth having
here occurred August 20, 1878. His father. Prosper Harvey Ellsworth, was born in
Canada and he, too, was a physician, a graduate of the Rush Medical College of Chicago
of the class of 1861. He had previously read medicine in the office and under the direction
of Dr. Leeds of Lincoln, Illinois. Following his graduation he joined the United States
army as a surgeon, going to the front with the One Hundred and Sixth Illinois Infantry
with the rank of major, his regiment being with the command of General Grant. He
was on active duty in the field hospitals throughout the war, being stationed at various
points and at length he was mustered out at Pine Bluff, Arkansas, in 1866. During
his military service he passed through this section of Arkansas and became greatly
impressed with the wonderful possibilities of the springs. It was this that induced him
to return in September, 1866, and here he located tor the practice of his profession,
which he also followed at Pine Bluff. He assisted largely in developing the hot springs,
recognizing their curative properties. There was only one physician here at the time
besides Dr. Ellsworth. The latter engaged in practice in connection with Dr. Lawrence,
and afterward continued in active practice in the city almost to the time of his death.
He passed away September 30, 1907, at the age of sixty-nine years, and the community
mourned the loss of a valued physician and representative citizen. He was a member
of all the Masonic bodies up to and including the Commandery and was a faithful fol-
lower of the teachings of the craft. He married Sarah E. Van Patten, who is living at
Hot Springs.

Dr. Elmer H. Ellsworth was born and reared in this city, attending the public
schools until he had completed the high school course, after which he became a student
in the Morgan Park Academy in Chicago and was there graduated. He later completed
a scientific course in the University of Chicago and next entered the Rush Medical
College of that city, in which he completed his studies as a member of the class of
June, 1904. He then returned to Hot Springs and joined his father, with whom he was
associated in practice until the latter's death. He is recognized as one of the able
members of the medical profession in this city and while he continues in general prac-
tice he specializes to some extent in surgery. His ability is pronounced and he is nwst
conscientious in the performance of all of his professional duties. He displays the
utmost care in the diagnosis of his cases and his judgment is seldom, if ever, at fault.

Dr. Ellsworth was united in marriage to Miss Adean M. McClure and they became
parents of two children: Kathryn E. and Adean M. The wife and mother passed away
in 1918, and in 1919 Dr. Ellsworth was married to Miss Minnie A. McCollum. Frater-
nally Dr. Ellsworth is a Mason and has taken all degrees of the York Rite up to and
including the Knights Templar degree. He is likewise a member of the Mystic Shrine
and of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His political allegiance is given to the
republican p;irty and he has served as civil service examiner and also as president of
the board of pensions, a position which his father had previously filled. Dr. Ellsworth
belongs to the Garland County, the Arkansas State, the Southern and American Medical
Associations. He enjoys the highest respect of his professional colleagues and con-

56 CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

temporaries and has the full confidence of his patients. His ability is attested in the
excellent results which follow his labors and which have gained him a most creditable
place as a practicing physician in Hot Springs, a city noted for the large number of its
prominent physicians and surgeons.

W. D. MAUCK.

\V. D. Mauck, a well known attorney of Bentonville, where he has practiced his
profession continuously for almost a third of a century, was born in Harrison county.
Indiana, in 1864. His parents. Jonathan W. and Hannah (Cunningham) Mauck, were
also natives of that county and there spent their entire lives, the father devoting his
attention to the pursuits of farming and stock raising. David Mauck, the paternal
grandfather of W. D. Mauck, became one of the pioneer settlers of Harrison county.
Indiana, while Samuel Cunningham, the maternal grandfather, was a native of Ireland.
Jonathan W. Mauck and his wife were consistent and loyal members of the Presbyterian
church and in politics he was a democrat. In his family were nine children, seven of
whom are yet living.

W. D. Mauck. the eldest of the children, obtained his early education in the district
schools of his native county and subsequently became a student in the State University
of Indiana. He began reading law under the direction of Major W. Funk at Corydon,
Indiana, and was admitted to the bar in 1883. after which he began practice at Corydon,
thus continuing for three years. He then went to Kansas in order to look after some
land which he had purchased in that state and also took a trip to Arkansas. So well
pleased was he with the outlook here that he brought his family to Bentonville in 1889
and opened an oflBce for the practice of his profession. Here he has remained continu-
ously since and he has been admitted to practice in all the courts. His clientage is now
extensive and of an important character. He is remarkable among lawyers for the
wide research and provident care with which he prepares his cases. At no time has his
reading ever been confined to the limitations of the questions at issue. It has gone
beyond and compassed every contingency and provided not alone for the expected but
for the unexpected, which happens in the courts quite as frequently as out of them.
Mr. Mauck is likewise identified with agricultural interests on an extensive scale, own-
ing four or five farms in Benton county, Arkansas, two farms in Missouri and also some
Texas land. Success in notable measure has crowned his efforts, tor he came to this
state with but a thousand dollars and by diligence, determination and capable manage-
ment has worked his way steadily upward until he is now recognized as one of the
prosperous citizens and representative attorneys of Benton county.

In 1886, in Indiana, Mr. Mauck was united in marriage to Miss Emma Deutsch. a
native of that state and a daughter of Jacob Deutsch, who was born in Germany and
on crossing the Atlantic to the United States took up his abode in Harrison county,
Indiana. He was a tailor by trade but later engaged in the grocery business. Mr. and
Mrs. Mauck had one son, Ralph, who was a graduate of the University of Arkansas and
also completed a course in the law department of the University of Virginia but passed
away in 1909.

In his political views Mr. Mauck is a democrat and while residing in Indiana he
servetl as a member of the state legislature from 1883 until 1885. Fraternally he is a
Knight Templar Mason and a Knight of Pythias, being a past chancellor in the latter
order. His wife is a devoted member of the Presbyterian church and both are highly
esteemed in the community in which they make their home and in which the circls
of their friends is almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintance.

HENDRICK A. ROSS. M. D.

It was in December, 1918, that Dr. Hendrick A. Ross opened an office and began
practice in Arkadelphia. He had previously had several years experience in the active
work of the profession and had received thorough preliminary training in the Jefferson
Medical College at Philadelphia. He was born in Okolona. Arkansas. February 21, 1884,
and is a son of Dr. James S. Ross, a practicing physician, who for forty years has
followed his profession in Okolona. He married Miss Sallie Winfield, a daughter of
the Rev. Sandy Winfield, one of the pioneer circuit riders of Arkansas and a brother
of the Rev. Gus Winfield, in whose honor the Winfield Memorial Methodist Episcopal
church of Little Rock was named. Dr. James S. Ross is a graduate of the medical
department of Tulane University at New Orleans and throughout his professional career

CEXTEXXIAL IIISTOKY OF ARKANSAS :u

he has made steady progress, keeping at all times in close touch with the trend of pro-
fessional thought and investigation, so that his labors have been of great benefit to his
fellowmen.

Dr. Hendrick A. Ross completed his preliminary education as a high school student
in Okolona and then took up the study of pharmacy, being gi-aduated in 190S from the
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. In the same year he entered upon the study of
medicine, matriculating in the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, which con-
ferred upon him his M. D. degree at his gi-aduation with the class of 1912. He then
accepted the position as junior assistant physician in the Pennsylvania Hospital for
the Insane and continued there for seven months, on the expiration of which period
he resigned in order to return home. In January. 1913. he entered upon the private
practice of medicine in Okolona, where he continued until December. 1918, when he
sought a broader field of labor and removed to Arkadelphia. Here he has built up an
extensive practice, which is steadily growing and he is recognized as one of the ablest
physicians and surgeons of his adopted city. He belongs to the Clark County Medical
Society, also to the Arkansas State Medical Society and the Southern Medical Asso-
ciation.

On the 23d of July, 1916, Dr. Ross was united in marriage to Miss Pamelia Potts,
a native of Pottsville, Arkansas, and they have become parents of two children: Wallace
A. and Pamelia B. Dr. Ross and his wife are consistent and faithful members of the
Methodist Episcopal church and fraternally he is connected with Arkadelphia Lodge.
No. 1119. B. P. O. E. He is serving as city health officer and he is also a member of the
state medical board of the Arkansas State Medical Society. Throughout his professional
career he has done everything in his power to promote a knowledge of sanitary condi-
tions and thus prevent the spread of disease.' In his practice he is most thorough,
dij'gnosing his cases with the greatest care and is seldom, it ever, at fault in foretelling
the outcome of disease.

JAMES POMEROY WHITTEN.

One of the leading druggists of Murfreesboro is James Pomeroy Wliitten. who was
born in Prescott, this state, on the 24th of February, 1882. His father. Oif AVhitteu, was
born in Georgia, of Scotch-Irish parentage, and came to Ark:ni-as, liMMtins in Lewis-
ville in 1870. Subsequently he removed to Prescott and was (nic m tlir inoiieer settlers
of that community. For some years he was active in the conduct of a blacksmith shop
and achieving substantial success in that connection, is now living retired in Prescott,
at the age of seventy-two years. He is a highly respected citizen, as is also his wife,
who is now seventy years of age. In 1873 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Whitten
to Miss Buena Vista McKellar, a native of Ripley, Mississippi, who came to this state
in 1870. The ceremony was performed in Lewisville. To the union of Mr. and Mrs.
Whitten seven children were born, four boys and three girls. James Pomeroy. whose
name initiates this review, being the fourth in order of birth. Two sons and two
daughters are deceased.

In the acquirement of an education James Pomeroy Whitten attended the common
schools of Prescott and after graduating from the high school he made his initial step
into the business world by accepting a position as clerk in the Hesterly Drug Store,
remaining in that employ for three years. In 1908 went to Texarkana as clerk with
the Johnston & Stewart Drug Company there. In 1911 he severed his connection with
that firm and started into the business on his own account in Murfreesboro. buying out
the interests of Dr. J. W. Baker. It was not long before he had paid oft his entire
indebtedness and each year has witnessed a substantial growth in the concern, the
result of his able management and innate ability along that line. By constant study
at home Mr. Whitten was. in 1903. ready to take the examination required to become
a registered pharmacist and he passed the examination with a high grade. For some
time he was city recorder of deeds of Murfreesboro and is now a director in the Pike
County Bank here. Mr. Whitten has always been a stanch advocate of education and
is now an active member of the school board, which body he served as secretary for
six years.

In Clinton, South Carolina, on the 5th of October, 1910, Mr. Whitten was united
in marriage to Miss Ola Bell, a daughter of Dr. J. L. Bell of Highland, Arkansas. She
is a registered pharmacist, having passed the examination at Little Rock on the 14th
of June, 1921, and is one of twenty-one women who are registered pharmacists in this
state. To Mr. and Mrs. Whitten two children have been born: James Henry, who died
at the age of eleven months; and Lois Vernita, whose death occurred at the age of
three years.

58 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

The religious faith of the family is that of the Methodist and Christian churches,
to the support of which they are generous contributors. Fraternally Mr. Whitten is a
member of f'ike Lodge, No. 97, F. & A. M., and he is likewise a Knight of Pythias,
holding membership in Dixie Lodge, No. 87, of Prescott. During the World war Mr.
Whitten was chairman of the War Savings Stamps committee and made many speeches
throughout the county in behalf of this and the Liberty Loan and Red Cross drives.
He is conceded to be one of the towns most public-spirited citizens and as the result
of his own intelligently directed efforts has won an enviable position among the busi-
ness men of the county.

HON. GEORGE W. DONAGHEY.

Hon. George W. Donaghey, on whom was conferred the highest honor within the
gifts of the people of Arkansas in his election to the governorship of the state in
1908 and who by reelection was continued as the chief executive of the state for four
years, has in many other ways been associated with events which have made history
in this commonwealth. He is identified with many important financial and com-
mercial enterprises and with many projects looking to the benefit and welfare of
city and state. His birth occurred near Oakland post office. Union parish, Louisiana,
on the 1st of July, 1856. His parents moved across the state line into Union county,
Arkansas, when he was an infant and there he remained until after he had attained
the age of about seventeen years, eventually establishing his home in Conway, Arkansas,
in 1879, when a young man of twenty-three years. Early in life he had learned the
carpenter's trade, his first position being that of a bench head in a cabinet shop. There
is nothing for which the American people have as great respect, as for the record
of the self-made man — one who rises through sheer merit and ability from compara-
tive obscurity to prominence, and this Governor Donaghey has done. He early
realized the eternal principle that industry wins and, moreover, he has exemplified
in his entire life that honesty is the best policy. The qualities of diligence and in-
dustry, therefore, were among his marked characteristics from the time he made
his initial step in the business world. After working at the carpenter's trade for some
time he took up contracting and building on his own account and his excellent work-
manship, his fair dealing and his business sagacity soon led to the development of
a large patronage. As his financial resources increased he made judicious investment
in real estate, acquiring much valuable property, including a number of well located
business houses. He was the builder of Hendrix College, which was his first large
contract and later he was given the contract for the erection at Fayetteville of the
Washington county courthouse. He was likewise the builder of the courthouse at
Longview, Texas, and of the Arkansas Insane Asylum, which he rebuilt after its partial
destruction in the tornado in 1894. He has had important contracts in many other
sections of the state, as well as in Oklahoma and in Texas, and gradually he advanced
to a foremost position in the ranks of contractors and builders in the southwest. As
the years have passed he has made large investments in business enterprises of
importance and is now the active vice president of the Bankers Trust Company of
Little Rock. He is also the vice president of the Faulkner County Bank at Conway,
Arkansas, and the vice president of the Beal-Burrow Wholesale Dry Goods Company
of Little Rock. He has just completed a building for this company and likewise has
recently completed the new Exchange National Bank building of the capital city.
He is the president of the Donaghey Real Estate & Construction Company and is the
chairman of the board of the Broadway Main street improvement commissioners,
which board is to erect two bridges over the Arkansas river. His work has at all
times been of a character that has contributed in marked measure to the develop-
ment and upbuilding of the state and he is justly accounted one of the most valued
and progressive men of Arkansas.

On the 20th of September, 1883, Mr. Donaghey was married to Miss Louvenia
Wallace, and they have a legion of friends throughout the commonwealth. They hold
membership in the First Methodist Episcopal church. South, and Mr. Donaghey is
serving as chairman of its board of trustees, while at all times he is a generous
contributor to its support and does everything to promote the gi-owth of the church.
He is a Scottish Rite Mason, is identified with the Knights of Pythias and is a mem-
ber of the Country Club. During the World war he served on all bond drives and
on the finance board, helped to locate Camp Pike and built the aviation warehouse
in Little Rock at a cost of one million dollars. His political endorsement has always
been given to the democratic party and the first public office which he held was
that of member of the first board of capital commissioners. In the democratic primaries

HON. GEOEGE W. DONAGHEY

CEXTEXXIAL IILSTOHY OF AKKAXSAS Gl

of 1908 he sought the nomination for governor. It had come to he recog-nized that
the man who could secure the democratic nomination had practically won the election.
Mr. Donaghey was opposed by a strong faction in the party, but overcame all opposi-
tion and was nominated by a large vote and won the election in the following Septem-
ber by a splendid majority. In 1910 he was again the nominee of the party, carrying
every county in the state primary election, except two, and once more he was elected
to the office, first taking his seat as chief executive on the 14th of January, 1909, and
remaining at the head of the state government for a period of four years. For
several years prior to 1908 the new state capitol, then in course of construction, had
been the cause of frequent political dissension. Donaghey's election is proof con-
clusive that the people had at last grown tired of the agitation and that they wanted
now to see the political end of the matter settled for good and all. Donaghey prom-
ised, in the event of his election, to complete the capitol and to give the state full
value for every dollar expended on it during his administration. On his record as
a contractor and builder of public buildings he was able to show evidence of his
capacity to make good that promise. Under his direction practically all of the interior
construction that was placed in the building by the former contractors, raldwill and
Drake, was condemned as being unsafe, was torn out and later replaccii by licavier
and better building materials. In two years this work had advanced lai' I'lmuyh for
the legislature of 1911 to hold its session there. Governor Donaghey was reelected
in 1910. He continued, however, a member of the capitol commission until the build-
ing was completed, in which position he served the state for a number of years
without compensation for his labor. To him must be given most of the credit for
the creation and integrity of construction of the capitol as it stands today, pro-
nounced by the hundreds who visit it each year a building of magnificent proportions
and ideal appointments. To one who has visited all the principal capitals of Europe
it is "one of the world's beautiful buildings" and a "triumph of architecture." .A.s
one might have anticipated his administration was businesslike and progressive.
He avoided all useless expenditure of pulilic money and the equally useless retrench-
ments which block advancement and improvement. He studied every phase of public
life coming under his direction and sought at all times to advance the welfare of
the state, the indorsement of his splendid service coming in his reelection. Not-
withstanding all this he considers the pursuits of private life as in themselves abun-
dantly worthy of his best efforts and is accomplishing much for the state's benefit as
well as for the upbuilding of his fortunes in the conduct of important commercial and
industrial interests with which he is identified. He is also a member of the bourd
of control of the state charitable institutions of Arkansas.

W. M. GREENWOOD.

W. M. Greenwood, editor and owner of the Paris Express, an excellent weekly
paper published in Paris, Arkansas, was born in Mississippi, August 2, 186.3, his parents
being William S. and Emily (Lambert) Greenwood, who were natives of South Carolina
and of Alabama, respectively, while their marriage was celebrated in Mississippi. The
father became a planter, merchant and mill man, devoting his entire tinii> mul ailciiliiin
to his business, save for the period of his service in the Civil war. He jnnicl ih,' ('cm-
federate army and was on active duty until he became ill, his death occurnim >• ; alter

the close of the war.

W. M. Greenwood acquired a common school education and afterward continued his
studies under John M. Pettigrew, a noted educator of Charleston, Arkansas. At the
age of nineteen years Mr. Greenwood entered a newspaper office, since which time he
has been connected with journalistic interests. In fact, he has figured prominently
in newspaper circles since 1882. In March, 1885, he purchased the Paris Express, which
he has since owned and edited. He has made this a bright, readable journal, devoted
to the dissemination of local and general news and in addition to its publication he
conducts a job printing business on a cash basis.

In December. 1885, Mr. Greenwood was united in marriage to Miss Sallie Cabell,
a daughter of Major A. S. Cabell, who was a prominent figure in military circles during
the war. He removed to Logan county, Arkansas, after the close of hostilities between
the north and the south and became a planter there. He also served as sheriff for a
number of years and was a leader in the public life of the community. :\Ir. and Mrs.
Greenwood have become parents of seven children, three of whom are living: Will C,
the eldest, is now engaged in the automobile business in Paris; Cabell A., residing in
Los Angeles, California, is connected with a construction company of that city as its
secretary and treasurer. Formerly he was engaged in the newspaper business, being

62 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

associated with the EI Paso Texas Times as advertising manager for a considerable
period. He joined the army at Leon Springs, Texas, where he was in training but
because of illness he was discharged. He then returned to Paris, Arkansas, where he
raised a company of the Fourth Regiment and was elected its captain. Later he went
to Camp Pike, however, as a private and was commissioned a second lieutenant there.
He was also at Camp Sherman, Ohio, for a time, being at that camp when the armistice
was signed; Gladys, the third of the family, is the wife of John D. McFadden of Bevier,
Missouri, who is a master mechanic with a railway company.

Fraternally Mr. Greenwood is connected with the Knights of Pythias and is a past
chancellor commander of the lodge, which he joined on its organization, becoming one
of the charter members. He is also identified with the Woodmen of the World and
politically he is a democrat. He makes his newspaper the champion of party principles
and he devotes his entire attention to newspaper publication at the present time.

J. A. BURXS.

J. A. Burns, who figures actively in the financial circles of Hartford, this state, as
cashier of the Citizens State Bank, is one of the prominent young business men of the
city. He is a native son of Arkansas, his birth having occurred at Lamar, in 1892, a
son of S. J. and Tennessee (Moore) Burns. The father was a Baptist minister and a
son of Anderson Burns, also a minister in the Baptist church, who held pastorates in
Ringgold, Georgia, Chattanooga, Tennessee, and also at Lamar, this state. The Moore
family came originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, and grandfather Richard Moore
was a representative citizen of that community. Mr. Burns has one brother, S. A., who
during the World war served as lieutenant of the One Hundred and Forty-first Machine
Gun Battalion, Thirty-ninth Division in France.

In the acquirement of an education J. A. Burns attended the schools of his birth-
place and later entered Ouachita college at Arkadelphia. For six years he taught in
the public schools of the state. Subsequently he became associated with the Bank of
Hartman, at Hartman, Arkansas, and held a position with that institution until his
removal to Hartford. He is now active as cashier in that bank and he is performing
the duties of that office to the complete satisfaction of the ofllcers and patrons of the
bank. He has proven a most popular and obliging official and carefully safeguards the
interests of the institution which he represents.

On April 15, 1914, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Burns to Miss Kate Evans,
a daughter of James Evans, and they have one child, Jeania Moore. Fraternally Mr.
Burns is identified with the Masons and he is loyal to the teachings of that order and
has attained high rank in the fraternity. He votes with the democratic party but has
never sought public honors nor office, preferring to give undivided attention to his
financial duties. His religious faith is that of the Baptist church and his wife is a
member of the Presbyterian church. Both he and his wife are consistent and active
members of their respective organizations. His interests and activities are wide and
varied and constitute a forceful element of public progress, as well as of individual
advancement. He looks at life from the standpoint of a practical, energetic business
man who is cognizant of the tact that opportunities are open to all and that the attain-
ment of success depends upon the energy, determination and persistsncy of purpose of
him who seeks it.

J. H. DOWNS, M. D.

Dr. J. H. Downs, who since 1907 has engaged in the practice of medicine in Vilonia,
came to the starting point of his professional career well equipped for the duties which
have since devolved upon him. He is a native son of Vilonia, his birth having occurred
on the 31st of May, 1881, a son of William J. and Martha Jane (Munn) Downs, the
former a native of Mississippi and the latter of Tennessee. The paternal grandfather
came to this state in 1861 with his family and upon the outbreak of the Civil war he
enlisted in the army. He was killed while in active service. The maternal grand-
parents came to Arkansas in 1862. Mr. JIunn was a tailor and shoemaker and he fol-
lowed those trades in Faulkner county until his death in 1870, at the age of fift.v-five
years. William J. Downs came to Faulkner county with his parents in 1861 and was
reared to manhood on a farm. In later life he engaged in farming on his own account,
clearing two farms in this county. He was one of the successful general farmers and
stock raisers in the community and resided on one of his farms until his .".eath in 1905.

CEXTENXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS (}:!

at the age of fifty-three years. In 1875, in Faulkner county, Mr. Downs was united in
marriage to Miss Martha Jane Munn and to their union eight children were born- John
W., who is a traveling salesman for a well known concern in Little Rock; Dr. L. E..
a prominent eye, ear, nose and throat doctor of Los Angeles, California; Robert F., a
successful merchant in Ardmore. Oklahoma; James A., whose death occurred in 1908.
at the age of twenty-one years while a student in Hendrix College; Thomas C, who for
many years previous to his demise in 1920 was a traveling salesman out of El Paso,
Texas; Prudie E., who is teaching school in Clarendon, this state; Dr. J. D., whose name
initiates this review; and Mary L., who died in 1917. She was the wife of Professor
C. F. Forrest of Englewood, Colorado. The family was reared in the faith of the Metho-
dist Episcopal church, South, of which church Mr. and Mrs. Downs were consistent mem-
bers. Fraternally the father was identified with the Woodmen of the World and his
political allegiance was given to the democratic party.

It was on the old home farm that Dr. Downs spent his boyhood, attending the
country schools near by. In due time he became a student in the high school at Vilonia
and after graduating from that institution enrolled in the medical department of the
University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He received his M. D. degree in 1907 and imme-
diately located in Vilonia, where he has since practiced. In a profession where advance-
ment depends entirely upon individual merit he has made continuous progi-ess and is
today accounted one of the leading physicians of Faulkner county.

In Naylor, this county, in 1906, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Downs and Miss
Ida J. Reynolds. Four children have been born to their union: Seth, Dennis, Paul and
Mildred, all attending the public schools of Vilonia. Mrs. Downs is prominent in the
club and social circles of the community and is readily conceded by her many friends
an excellent housewife and mother.

Since attaining his majority Dr. Downs has given his support to the democratic
party and he believes that every citizen should exei'cise the right of franchise and, more-
over, that each should thoroughly inform himself concerning the political conditions
and the significant problems of the age. His religious faith is that of the Methodist
Episcopal church. South, and fraternally he is affiliated with the Masons. In the line
of his profession he holds membership in the American, Arkansas State and Faulkner
County Medical Societies, which enables him to keep in close touch with what is being
done by eminent members of the medical fraternity. Dr. Downs holds to high profes-
sional standards and puts forth conscientious efforts to make his labors of the utmost
value to his patients. That his work is attended by gratifying results is manifest in
his constaatly increasing patronage and that he holds to high professional ethics is
evidenced in the fact that his fellow practitioners always speak of him in terms of high
regard.

WILLIAM ARTHUR HICKS.

William Arthur Hicks, vice president and cashier of the American Bank of Com-
merce c6: Trust Company, which it today the largest banking institution of the state, was
born October 12, 1880, in Little Rock, Pulaski county, Arkansas, being a son of William
Henry and Mary Olivia (Diehl) Hicks. The father, whose birth occurred in Hawkins
county, Tennessee, September 8, 1845, was a successful contractor and builder of Little
Rock throughout his active business career. During the period of the Civil war he
served as a private of Company G, Forty-seventh Arkansas Cavalry, from July 24. 1862,
until April 25, 1865. At all times he was active as a supporter of the democratic party,
manifesting a keen interest in politics. He departed this life on the 18th of August,
1906, but is still survived by his widow, who was born April 13, 1851, in LitUe Rock,
where she yet makes her home. They were married in Little Rock on the 27th of
August, 1879, and became the parents of seven children, namely: Mina, William Arthur.
John Ernest, May Pearl, Charles Henry, Walter Scott and Jimmie Winfleld. Of the
above named only two survive, William A. and his brother. Walter Scott.

William Arthur Hicks attended the public schools of his native city to the age of
seventeen years, completing the work of the ninth grade. He then started out to provide
for his own support and whatever success he has achieved or enjoyed is attributable
entirely to his own labors. For five years he was connected with the Choctaw, Okla-
homa & Gulf Railroad, now a part of the Rock Island system filling a clerical position.
He afterward became associated with the Oregon Short Line Railroad at Salt Lake
City as a clerk and when he returned to Little Rock he entered the employ of the
Waters-Pierce Oil Company as chief clerk in the general offices. For a year and a half
he filled that position and on the expiration of that period removed to New Orleans,

64 CEXTP]XXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

where he became sales manager for the southern division of the H. W. Johns-Manville
Company of New York. He spent a year and a half in the Crescent city, after which
he came again to Little Rock in 1909 and here entered the employ of the American
Bank as assistant cashier. This bank was afterward consolidated with the German
National in 1911 and Mr. Hicks became assistant cashier of the newly organized in-
stitution, conducted under the name of the German National. In 1911 he was advanced
to the position of cashier. In 1914 the German National changed its name to the
American National. Bank and Mr. Hicks continued as cashier. In 1919 the American
National consolidated with the Bank of Commerce and became the American Bank of
Commerce & Trust Company, Mr. Hicks remaining as cashier, while later he was
elected to the vice presidency and today fills both offices. He is thoroughly conversant
with every phase of the banking business and his close application, his diligence and
his efficiency have been potent forces in the attainment of success by the institution
which he represents. He is also the vice president and treasurer of the National Ice
Cream Company, a director in the Arkansas Building & Loan Association and treasurer
of the Tipton Nursery, Incorporated, all of Little Rock.

On the 6th of November, 1901, Mr. Hicks was united in marriage to Miss Nellie
Louise Miller, who was born in Little' Rock, December 7, 1880, a daughter of Daniel
and Margaret Miller of this city. Her father, who is now deceased, was a veteran of
the Confederate army. Mrs. Hicks obtained her education in the public schools of her
native city and by her marriage has become the mother of two children, Marian Miller
and Nellie Louise, who are eighteen and sixteen years of age respectively.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Hicks attend the Methodist Episcopal church and he is well
known as a thirty-second degree Mason and member of the Mystic Shrine. He like-
wise belongs to the Woodmen of the World, the Knights of the Maccabees and the
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and he has membership in the Little Rock Country
Club, the Little Rock Quapaw Club, the Big Lake Club, the Old River Fishing Club,
the Brasfield Rod and Gun Club, the Lakeside Club and the Kiwanis Club. His interest
in the community welfare is shown through his connection with the Chamber of Com-
merce and he also occupies the important position of president of the Arkansas Chil-
dren's Home Finding Society, doing everything in his power to ameliorate the hard
conditions of life for the unfortunate. His political allegiance is given to the democratic
party. At the time of the World war he did active work for the government in connec-
tion with the Liberty Loan drives and also the Red Cross, War Savings Stamps and
the Near East Relief drives. His wide acquaintance and his salesmanship ability
enabled him to accomplish excellent results in this connection. Moreover, he was
actuated by a most patriotic devotion to the cause and in days of peace he has mani-
fested the same loyalty to every project or interest that tends to promote the welfare
and upbuilding of Little Rock.

CHARLES H. TRIPLETT.

Charles H. Triplett, president of the National Bank of Arkansas at Pine Bluft,
occupies an enviable position in business and financial circles, not alone by reason of
the success he has achieved but also owing to the straightforward business policy he
has ever followed. His life record cannot fail to prove of interest because of his wide
acquaintance and the high esteem in which he is uniformly held. He was born in
Jefferson county, Arkansas, in 1850, a son of C. H. and Esther Ann Triplett. both natives
of Virginia, and a descendant of the old Triplett family of Round Hill. Fairfax county,
Virginia. The grandfather attended the same church as did George Washington, pur-
chasing therein Pew No. 5 on the 24th of February, 1774, at which time it was the
custom to buy church pews. Mr. Triplett of this review still has in his possession the
deed to this pew, showing the signatures of Washington, Mason, Henderson, Thomas
Triplett, Payne and several other members of the church and also bearing the seal of
the commonwealth of Virginia. Following their marriage C. H. and Esther Ann Triplett
settled on a farm in Jefferson county, Arkansas, about 1846 and they became the parents
of four children: Sarah, Marion, George W. and Charles H., but the last named is the
only one now living.

In his youthful days Charles H. Triplett of this review attended the public schools
of Jefferson county and during the summer months worked on the home farm until he
was eighteen years of age, when, thinking to find other pursuits more congenial, he
took up clerking and was thus employed for four years. He next entered the real
estate business in Pine Bluff on his own account, and his close application and un-
daunted enterprise brought him at length to a commanding position in the real estate
circles of the county, while his labors constituted an important factor in the develop-

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF xVRKANSAS 65

ment ot Pine Bluff and this section of the state. His business steadily increased nntil
it became one of extensive proportions and for years he devoted his entire attention
thereto, save for the period of his service in public office. He was elected county
treasurer of Jefferson county in 1S88, filling the position for four years, and in 1894
he was elected sheriff and also occupied that office for four years. At the time of the
failure of the old Bank of Pine Bluff, Mr. Triplett purchased the assets and became
president of the newly organized National Bank of Arkansas, of which he has continued
the chief executive officer. He shaped the policy of the institution and has largely
directed its destiny and the bank has enjoyed a steady and substantial growth through
the intervening years. It is now in excellent condition and is regarded as one of the
thoroughly safe and dependable moneyed institutions of this part of the state.

In 1880 Mr. Triplett was united in marriage to Miss Estelle Holland, a daughter
of W. H. and Hannah Holland, and they have become the parents of five children:
Charles H., Jr.; Gerald; Esther Dunlap. the wife of Sam Williamson; Arthur F., an
attorney; and Frank, who served in the World war and is now a teller and assistant
cashier in the National Bank of Arkansas. Mr. Triplett is the oldest paying member
ot the Presbyterian church at Pine Bluff, in years of continuous connection with the
organization, and he has long been a most consistent and helpful worker in the church.
In politics he has always been a democrat and was the first person elected to the office
of sheriff on the democratic ticket after the Civil war. He made a most excellent
official in public office, discharging his duties with the same thoroughness and fidelity
that have always characterized the conduct of his private business affairs. His name
has long been regarded as a synonym of enterprise and integrity in business and
through his own efforts he has reached a most creditable position in the financial circles
of Jefferson county.

PAUL M. HEERWAGEN.

Paul M. Heerwagen, one of the most prominent painting and decorating contractors
of Arkansas, located in Fayetteville, was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1866. He is a
son of Gotlieb and Mary (Stahl) Heerwagen, who were also of Bavarian birtih, the
father spending his entire life in that country, where he had engaged in the drug
business. His wife also died in Germany. They were the parents of four children,
of whom two are living: Leo, who is engaged in the music business; and Paul M.

The latter acquired his education in the schools of Berlin and came to the United
States in 1881 with other members of the family. He made his way to Detroit, Michigan,
and there learned the business of decorating, developing expert ability along that line.
In 1891 he came to Arkansas, where he has since made his home, and through the
intervening years he has built up a reputation as one of the foremost decorators of
the state. He removed with his family to Fayetteville in 1911. and while he has done
a large amount of work in this city, he is continually being called to various points in
the south and southwest. He has decorated many of the fine residences and he did
the decorating work on many of the finest public buildings of this section of the
country, including Hotel Gayoso of Memphis, Tennessee; Hotel Piedmont of Atlanta,
Georgia; Hotel Gay Teague ot Montgomery, Alabama; Hotel Marion of Little Rock,
Arkansas; Hotel Peabody of Memphis, Tennessee; Hotel Galvez of Galveston, Texas;
Hotel Pine Bluff of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; Hotel Gibraltar of Paris, Texas; the courthouse
of Paris, Texas; Hotel Youree of Shreveport, Louisiana; Hotel Bently of Alexandria,
Louisiana; Exchange building of Memphis, Tennessee; Central Bank building of
Memphis, Tennessee; Commercial Bank of Shreveport, Louisiana; Southern Pacific of
Houston, Texas; the courthouse of Memphis, Tennessee; City National Bank building
of Shreveport, Louisiana; Cosden building of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Scottish Rite Temple
of Shreveport, Louisiana; City National Bank building of Wichita Falls, Texas;
Farmers' & Mechanics' National Bank building of Fort Worth, Texas; and the Ardis
building of Shreveport, Louisiana, as well as the Arkansas state capitol at Little Rock.
These are among some of the largest hotels and public buildings of this part of the
country and indicate the high character of the work which is planned and executed
by the representatives of the Paul M. Heerwagen studios at Fayetteville.

In 1893 Mr. Heerwagen was married to Miss Ida Killian, who was born in Little
Rock, Arkansas, a daughter of Dr. Miles and Ruth (Johnstone) Killian, the former a
native of North Carolina, while the latter was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Killian came to Little Rock in 1849 and practiced there for a number of years. He
was a veteran of the Mexican war and following its close visited Little Rock while
en route to North Carolina. So pleased was he with the city, however, that he did not
continue his journey and remained a resident of the Arkansas capital. He was a

66 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

menrber o£ the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Heerwagen is his only child and by her
marriage she became the mother of six children; Ruth, who is a graduate of the
University of Arkansas and taught in the schools of Oklahoma in 1920, while in 1921
she is a teacher in the schools of Payetteville; Paul, the owner of the business con-
ducted under the name of the Square Tire Company at Fayetteville; Leo, who is a
junior in 'the University of Arkansas; Louie, also connected with the bquare Tire
Company; Margaret, who is attending high school; and Marion, at home.

In his political views Mr. Heerwagen has always been a democrat. Fraternally he
is a Mason and has filled all of the chairs in the York Rite bodies and taken a very
active part in Masonic affairs. He has also taken the Scottish Rite degrees. He and
his wife are active and faithful members of the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Heerwagen
is a member of the Pioneer Society of Arkansas at Little Rock, also has membership
with the Daughters of the Confederacy and the Order of the Eastern Star. Mr. and
Mrs. Heerwagen have a beautiful modern home, erected at the edge of the city by
Mr. Heerwagen in 1916. Its beauty Is matched by its cordial hospitality, which is freely
accorded their many friends.

IDMON ANDERSON.

Idmon Anderson, attorney at law, who is also engaged in the abstract business at
Clarendon, was born in Cotton Plant, Woodruff county, Arkansas, in 1889, a son of
J. W. and Alice (Johnson) Anderson. The father, also a native of Cotton Plant, was
a son of Patton Anderson, who removed to this state from Mississippi. The mother,
Alice Johnson, was a daughter of W. A. and Mittie (Nunamaker) Johnson, who rep-
resented an old family from Columbia, South Carolina, whence removal was made to
Jackson, Tennessee. W. A. Johnson returned to the seacoast state several years ago.
settling in Georgia, where his last days were passed. To Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Anderson
there were born eleven children: Viot. who became the wife of T. A. Wood of Howell.
Arkansas; Dot, who married C. H. McKnight of Brinkley, Arkansas; Allie Laura, de-
ceased; John W. and David L., who are residing at Cotton Plant; Robert O., who is a
teacher; Vidolaw, Imogene, Justine and Wilson, all living at Cotton Plant; and Idmon.
of this review. The family home was maintained at Cotton Plant for many years and
the father there engaged in teaching school.

Idmon Anderson, to whom was accorded liberal educational privileges, completed
his studies in the Cumberland University at Lebanon, Tennessee, where he pursued his
law course and qualified for active practice. In 1909 he opened an office in Pangburn.
Arkansas, and later removed to De Vails Bluff, while subsequently he came to Clarendon.
Here he has remained and has steadily advanced in his profession, having now a large
practice of a distinctively representative character. He also organized an abstract com-
pany and conducts that business in connection with his law practice.

Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ellen Nix, a daughter of J. D.
Nix of Hunter, Arkansas, and they have become parents of one child. Mildred Ellen.
In the social circles of Clarendon, Mr. and Mrs. Anderson occupy an enviable position,
having many warm friends who esteem them highly, while the hospitality of the best
homes is freely accorded them. They are members of the Biptist church and in his
fraternal relations Mr. Anderson is a Mason, loyally following the teachings and pur-
poses of the craft, as he does the injunctions and principles of the church.

W. K. TUCKER.

W. K. Tucker, one of the reliable citizens of Morrillton, is the county treasurer of
Conway county. He is a native of this county, his birth having occurred on the 10th
of December, 1889, a son of T. S. and Mollie (Adams) Tucker. The paternal grand-
father, Wilson Tucker, was born in Georgia and farmed in that state until he came
to Conway county, in 1859. He made the trip overland with oxen and suffered the usual
privations and hardships of those early days. He located on what is now known as
the old Evergreen place and he had to clear his heavily woo;led land himself. There
was an abundance of wild gme to be found in the vicinity of the homestead and
Grandfather Tucker was a great hunter. Upon the outbreak of the Civil war, his
sympathies being with the south, he enlisted in the Confederate army in 1861. His
death occurred in Little Rock from pneumonia, which was contracted during his service
in the army when he was exposed to all kinds of weather and was poorly clothed and
fed. He is buried in the Confederate Cemetery at Little Rock. Hyman Adams, the

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 67

maternal grandfather, was born in Conway county and farmed here until his death,
at the age of twenty-six years. T. S. Tucker was born in Georgia, in 1857, while his
wife was born in Conway county, this state, in 1871. He received his education In the
schools of Conway county, then primitive log structures, and upon putting his textbooks
aside engaged in farming on his own account. After his marriage he bought three
hundred and sixty acres of good land, which he cleared himself and brought to a
high state of cultivation. He split rails and fenced in his land. The first cotton gin
he built on his place had a horse press, but after that burned he erected another gin
with a modern press. He won prominence in that connection and also as a general
farmer and stock raiser. For eight years he served as county assessor of Conway county.
Subsequently Mr. Tucker retired from farm life and removed to Morrillton, where he
is now engaged In the mercantile business, assisted by two of his sons. In every
undertaking with which he has been connected he has achieved substantial success and
he is ranked among the representative business men of Morrillton. To the union of
Mr. and Mrs. Tucker four children were born: Samuel Othella, engaged in the mer-
cantile business with his father; W. K., whose name initiates this review; Ben H., also
associated in business with his father; and Nettie M., the wife of Noah Maxwell, an
extensive farmer in Conway county. The family was reared in the faith of the Cum-
berland Presbyterian church and fraternally the father is identified with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Tucker has always voted with the democratic party, in the
interests of which he has ever taken an active part.

In the acquirement of an education W. K. Tucker attended the public schools of
Conway county and later enrolled as a student in the Choctaw high school. Upon the
completion of his studies he secured work as a clerk in a grocery store in Morrillton,
which position he held tor one year. He then clerked in a mercantile store here for
two years and at the termination of that time became manager for the Standard Oil
Company's station. He held that position for three years and then sold Chevrolets and
Republic trucks to agents throughout the county for a period of two years. Subsequently
he became timekeeper for road construction on the public highway for one and one-half
years. He ran for and was elected to the office of county treasurer of Conway county
In 1920, taking over the duties of that office on January 1, 1921. As a public official he
is demonstrating his ability to serve the public in a most efficient manner and is Indeed
proving a faithful custodian of the public funds.

Mr. Tucker was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Shewmake, a native of this
county and a daughter of George Shewmake, a well known farmer and merchant of
Morrillton. Mr. and Mrs. Tucker have become parents of a son, Charles Benjamin. The
family is affiliated with the Presbyterian church and fraternally Mr. Tucker is identified
with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Since attaining his majority he has given
his allegiance to the democratic party and is a firm believer in the principles of that
party as factors in good government. He is a wide-awake and progressive citizen and
his election to the office of county treasurer came to him as the expression of public
faith and confidence on the part of his fellow townsmen.

EDMOND ECKHART BEAUMONT.

Edmond Eckhart Beaumont, auditor of the Bankers Trust Company of Little Rock,
it a native of the capital city, his birth having occurred October 28, 1892. He is a
son of Eckhart Lucius and Sophie (Kohler) Beaumont, the former born at Aransas
Pass. Texas, in 1871, while the latter was born near Stuttgart. Germany. In the year
1888 Mr. Beaumont removed to Little Rock, where his remaining days were passed, his
death occurring November 7, 1917. He had for a number of years survived his wife,
who died March 8, 1908, in Little Rock. They were the parents of three sons, all of
whom are living.

Edmond E. Beaumont obtained a public school education and was graduated from
the high school with the class of 1911. After leaving school he entered the employ of
the Southwestern Tile Coaipany, with which he remained for several years and in 1911
he secured a position in the Old State National Bank, being a representative of the
transit department. On the 31st of December, 1913, he left that position and went to
the Exchange National Bank as manager of the transit department, there continuing
until the 31st of December, 1917. At the latter date he joined the Bankers Trust Com-
pany as chief clerk and on the 1st of February, 1918, was advanced to the position of
auditor, in which capacity he has continued. He has made steady and substantial
progress in banking circles for one of his years and his high standing is indicated in
the fact that he has been elected to the presidency of the Junior Officers' Club of Little
Rock Bankers. Since 1911 he has been a member of the American Institute of Banking,

68 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

the Little Rock chapter, and has served as vice president and president of the local
organization.

On the 28th of Octoher, 1912, in Little Rock, Mr. Beaumont was married to Miss
Irene Lola Hutton, whose birth occurred in this city July 7, 1893. They have become
parents of a daughter, Muriel Ruth, born August 4, 1914. Mr. Beaumont has always
been a democrat in his political views, hut never an aspirant for office. He and his
wife belong to the Hunter Memorial Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of w^hich
they take active and helpful part. Mr. Beaumont is now serving as secretary and
treasurer of the board, doing all in his power to advance the moral progress of the
community and uphold high standards in his native city.

H. L. STERNBERG.

H. L. Sternberg, devoting his attention to law practice at Stuttgart, comes to this
state from St. Louis. His birth occurred in that city in 1879, his parents being Charles
and Emma (Jennings) Sternberg. The father was born in Centralia, Illinois, and was
a son of Frederick Sternberg. On leaving Illinois he removed to St. Louis, where
he still makes his home. During the Civil war he served as a drummer boy in the
Confederate army. His wife is a daughter of John Jennings, who was born in England,
and her birth also occurred in that country. She accompanied her parents to the new
world, the family home being established first in St. Louis, while later a removal was
made to Bluffton, Missouri.

H. L. Sternberg pursued his education in the public schools of St. 'Louis and then
in preparation for law practice he attended the Washington University of that city.
He not only prepared for the practice of law but likewise became an expert stenographer
and this has been of much assistance to him in his professional career. He was admitted
to practice at Pine Bluff, Arkansas, in 1907, and was appointed official court reporter
of the eleventh judicial circuit. His work as a reporter has brought him comprehensive
knowledge of the law and of the methods employed by attorneys. He came to Stuttgart
in 1919 and in the previous year he reported the proceedings of the Arkansas con-
stitutional convention. He was official reporter of the state senate in 1911. He has
attained a notable degree of efficiency in his reportorial work and in 1918-1919 was
president of the Southwest Shorthand Reporters Association. He reported the 1921
meeting of the American Investment Bankers Association, the meeting being held In
New Orleans, Louisiana, and has reported hearings of the Interstate Commerce Com-
mission, the Federal Trade Commission and also the Oklahoma State Medical Associa-
tion conventions. He is now deputy prosecutor for Arkansas county and is connected
with much important litigation heard in the courts of his district.

Mr. Sternberg was married in 1901 to Miss Lillian E. Wright, a daughter of H. G.
Wright. He has an interesting military chapter in his career, for he is a veteran of
the Spanish-American war, having served as a member of Company H, First Missouri
Regiment. His uncle, Dr. George M. Sternberg, was surgeon general of the United
States army during that war. Fraternally Mr. Sternberg is connected with the Elks
and with the Woodmen. He belongs to the Episcopal church, in which he is a lay
reader, and he is greatly interested in all that pertains to moral progress arid to the
uplift of the individual. In this connection he organized the Boys' Club of one hundred
and twelve members and is a director of the Boys' Choir. He is seeking in every
possible way to safeguard the youth of the country and to surround them with such
influences and advantages as will make for honorable manhoo.1 and upright citizenship.

WILLIAM JACKSON WHITE.

One of the most successful business men in Pope county is William Jackson White,
who for a half century has been identified with mercantile interests in Russellville, and
he is alsy prominently connected with many other important enterprises, all of which
have profited by his cooperation and keen sagacity and have constituted valuable
factors in promoting the development and upbuilding of the town. He was born in
Gordon county, Georgia, in 1852, and his parents were J. M. and Florida (Miller)
White, both natives of Spartanburg, South Carolina. The father was born March 23,
1820, and the mother was born in 1822 and they were married in South Carolina, re-
moving to Georgia soon afterward. The father cultivated a plantation in that state
until 1869, when he came to Arkansas, opening a mercantile establishment at Ellsworth,
in Logan county, which he continued to conduct until 1872. He then came to Russell-

CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 0!)

ville and in association with his son. W. J. White, engaged in general merchandising
and the business is now being successfully operated by the subject of this review. Mr.
White, Sr., also had financial interests and was the owner of valuable holdings in land
but was not active in business after taking up his residence in Russellville, having
accumulated a substantial competence through the capable management of his affairs.
Mrs. White was a charter member of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Russell-
ville, with which her husband was also affiliated, and his political allegiance was given
to the republican party. He was one of the early postmasters of Russellville and one
of the most prominent and highly respected residents of his community. His father,
Logan White, was also a native of South Carolina, later came to Arkansas, and died
in this state at an advanced age. His wife had reached the venerable age of ninety-
three years at the time of her demise. Their son, J. M. White, died March 23, 1892,
and his widow survived until 1908. In their family were twelve children, of whom
four are living: William Jackson, of this review; Mary A., the widow of Freeman S.
Casper and a resident of Denver, Colorado; J. W., who is engaged in merchandising in
Russellville; and Helen, the wife of Jesse Leonard, who is Identified with the hardware
business here.

William Jackson White attended the high school at Ozark, Arkansas, and on starting
out in lite for himself he acquired a third interest in a small store, of which his father
and E. E. Eggleston were part owners, having thirty-six hundred dollars invested in
the enterprise. Prices were high at that time and their capital was not sufficient to
enable them to carry a large stock of goods. The partnership was dissolved at the
end of the first year and Mr. White and his father took over the business, which was
soon placed upon a paying basis, owing to the untiring efforts and excellent management
of the son, who assumed entire control of the undertaking. As the business expanded
he was obliged to seek larger quarters and in 1886 he erected a large two-story building,
eighty by one hundred feet in dimensions, in which he has since conducted his interests,
which with the passing years have constantly developed, having now assumed extensive
proportions. Mr. White owns practically the entire block in which his store is located
and nearly all of the block in front of his establishment, while he also has large land
holdings in Pope county. He has likewise become the owner of a farm in Colorado,
comprising several hundred acres of land, and is specializing in the raising of Per-
cheron and coach horses, of which he has a very fine grade. A substantial home stands
on this property and here Mr. and Mrs. White have spent their summers for the past
twenty-three years. Subsequently the firm of White Brothers & Company, composed of
W. J. White, Jr., J. W. White, Jr., and J. W. White, Sr., repurchased the interests in
the old retail establishment that our subject and his father established May 14, 1872, the
building being owned by our subject. He was one of the organizers of the Norwood
Wholesale Grocery Company, which was formed at Russellville about 1915, and is now
vice president of this company. The Norwood Wholesale Company maintain stores
at Conway and Morrillton, Arkansas, in addition to their Russellville establishment,
Mr. White being owner of the building in which the business is conducted at this point.
He is considered one of the most successful merchants in Pope county and is also well
known as a financier, having for thirty -two years served as vice president and one of
the directors of the Peoples Exchange Bank of Russeilville, of which he was the
organizer in 1890. His activities have covered a wide scope and his connection with
any undertaking always insured a prosperous outcome of the same, for his efforts have
been resultant factors in everything which he has undertaken.

In 1899 Mr. White was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Allen, a native of Grenada
county, Mississippi, and a daughter of James Allen, who was for a number of years
one of the prominent merchants of Russellville. Mr. and Mrs. White have had no
children of their own, but their kindness of heart has prompted them to rear four
children, namely: Eugene Shinn, who is connected with the government mail service,
being employed in the office of the chief clerk at Little Rock; Hazel Jones, the wife
of Arthur Winn, who is also identified with the mail service and resides at Joplin,
Missouri; Vernon Shinn, who is engaged in the wholesale mercantile business at Russell-
ville; and Sadie Jones, the wife of S. J. Ross, who is also connected with mercantile
interests here.

Mr. and Mrs. White are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and his political
allegiance is given to the republican party. For two years he served as postmaster of
Russellville, being appointed by President Garfield, and resigned at the end of that
period. He has also been a member of the town council and in public affairs has ever
taken a deep and helpful interest. His life has been a very active and useful one and
he is now living largely retired in Russellville, at the age of seventy, devoting his
attention to the supervision of his extensive interests. Along the path of opportunity
open to all he has reached the goal of notable success, his progress being due to the
fact that he has recognized and utilized opportunities which others have passed heed-

70 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

lessly by. He has always followed constructive methods, bending his energies to ad-
ministrative direction and executive control, and his business activities have at all
times balanced up with the principles of truth and honor. His life has been an ex-
emplary one in all respects and from pioneer times until the present his name has been
inseparably associated with the work of progress, improvement and upbuilding here.

COLONEL LOGAN H. ROOTS.

From the time when he first entered Arkansas, Colonel Logan H. Roots was a
devoted and stalwart champion of the state, an untiring worker for its advancement,
an unfaltering supporter of its highest ideals and a most valuable contributor to all
those forces which have made for the greatness and advancement of the commonwealth.
He came to the state as a veteran of the Civil war and in fact was still an officer of
the U. S. A. when he made investment in a cotton plantation near Little Rock. He
became one of the pioneers in the development of much of Arkansas' greatness, just
as his ancestors had taken part in laying the foundation for New England's settlement
and growth. In tracing the ancestral line one finds that Josiah Roots, in the year 1634,
landed on the New England coast after crossing the Atlantic on the old sailing ship.
Hercules. The law requirements of that day necessitated that each emigrant bound for
the new world must produce "certificates from the minister where they last dwelt, of
their conversion and conformity to the orders and discipline of the church and that
they had taken the oath of allegiance and supremacy" before being allowed to embark.
Robert Gorsham, curate of Great Chart. England, under date of the 20th of March, 1634.
did certify not only of "ye sayd Josiah Rootes," but also of "hys familie ancestrie,"
facts obtained from the "parish records and other bookes of entrie" and "certify'd,"
showing that the Rootes family, of Norman origin, had been largely interfused with
Saxon blood and that representatives of the name were "ever reputed valyant in war
and honourabel in peace." Moreover, the members of the family were represented as
men of "great statturs," possessed of keen minds, inflexible integrity, thrift and inde-
pendence and practical godliness. These sterling traits have been marked in each suc-
cessive generation down to the present time. Among the descendants of Josiah Rootes
in the fourth generation was the Rev. Peter Philanthropos Roots, A. M., who was a
distinguished Baptist clergyman and the author of a volume on baptism. He also spent
eighteen years in the mission field, preaching in seventeen different states in the Union
and also in Canada, traveling more than two thousand miles in this work and delivering
more than two hundred sermons annually. His life was one of great usefulness and
activity and he died at his ho.nie in Mendon, New York, December 26. 1828, when in the
sixty-third year of his age.

Benajah Guernsey Roots, the youngest son of the Rev. Peter Philanthropos Roots,
was born in Fabius, New York, April 20, 1811, and became a resident of Illinois in
1838. He left the impress of his individuality in large measure upon the history of
his adopted state, especially in connection with his earnest and effective championship
of the cause of public education. He became the president of the state board of educa-
tion of Illinois and at the same time contributed in large measure to organized efforts
for moral development, being an active member of Bible societies. Sabbath schools and
other organizations for religious work. He was likewise identified with various benevo-
lent societies and, moreover, was connected with agricultural societies looking to the
further material development of the state. He was married October 20, 1834, to Martha
Sibley Holt of Wilmington, Tolland county, Connecticut, and 'they became the parents
of three sons who reached adult age: Oliver Guernsey, who was born in Wilmington,
Connecticut, April 11, 1836, and who died November 3, 1856, at New Orleans, Louisiana,
where he was acting as principal of a high scliool; Philander Keep, who was born at
Wilmington, Connecticut, June 4, 1838, and who became a valued resident of Little
Rock; and Logan Holt, whose namu introduces this review. Martha, a daughter of the
family, is the wife of J. C. Kimzey of Duquoin, Illinois.

Colonel Logan Holt Roots was born in Tamaroa, Perry county, Illinois, March 26,
1841. His home training had definite effect upon his character. Into him were instilled
the principles of kindliness and tenderness, as well as of indomitable integrity and
inflexible honor. He was taught courtesy and respect for his elders and was constantly
impressed with the fact that life is a reality, carrying with it many duties and burdens
and that character is best developed and refined in the university of hard knocks. There
were comparatively few play-days in his youth. He was stimulated to acquire the best
education possible and he early displayed special aptitude in mathematics. When but
fifteen years of age he was occupying a man's position in connection with the civil
engineering corps engaged in railroad location and construction. Ambitious to further

COLONEL LOGAN H. EOOTS

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 73

his education he entered the Illinois State Normal University when a youth in his six-
teenth year, being the youngest male student in that institution. He afterward taught
school for a year and then returned to the university, where he was graduated with
valedictorian honors as a member of the class of 1862. The Civil war was already in
progi-ess and his patriotic spirit prompted immediate enlistment. He joined the army
before returning to his home and became an officer of the Eighty-first Regiment of
Illinois Volunteers. His business qualifications led to his appointment as quarter-
master of the regiment and soon afterward he was transferred to the commissary depart-
ment of the army, with which he continued until the close of hostilities, winning rapid
promotion. He served on General Sherman's staff during the notable march from Atlanta
to the sea, having charge of the entire supplies for the vast army under Sherman's com-
mand. As a member of the general's staff he participated in the grand review in Wash-
ington, D. C, in May. 1865, and when General Sherman came west Colonel Roots was
assigned to duty in Arkansas.

The natural advantages of the state at once attracted him and before resigning
his position as an officer of the army he had purchased a cotton plantation. He greatly
developed his property, making it a paying investment, and as the years passed he came
more and more into prominence as a public official. In 1872 he was elected to the
presidency of the Merchants' National Bank and instituted a most safe and conservative
policy, yet one that did not interfere with substantial progress and growth. In fact,
under his guidance the bank developed so continuously that it became the foremost
financial institution of the state and its thorough reliability was impregnable. It was
his great ambition to aid materially in the development and upbuilding of the south-
west and to this end he became closely associated with various banking institutions,
which constitute the real heart of the commercial body, indicating the healthfulness of
trade. He was quick to extend aid to manufactories and this aid was always based
upon a firm belief in the value of the enterprise. His judgment was particularly sound
and his discrimination keen. Beyond his banking business he had large investments in
cotton-seed oil mills and in many manufacturing enterprises of Arkansas. He was a
member of the directorate of the gas light, cotton mills, waterworks, state fair asso-
ciation, cooperate interests and other important companies having to do with the steady
development of the commonwealth. He was likewise one of the directors and a member
of the executive committee of the Texas & St. Louis Railroad and he became the presi-
dent and largest stockholder of the Southwestern Telegraph & Telephone Company,
which company was the licensee of all telephone exchanges in Galveston, Houston, San
Antonio, Austin, Waco, Dallas and Fort Worth. In fact Colonel Roots was the father
of the telephone system of the southwest and the value of his service in this connection
cannot be overestimated.

On the 9th of August, 1871, Colonel Roots was married to Miss Emily M. Blakeslee,
daughter of Lyman C. Blakeslee and a native of western New York, born in 1844. She
represented one of the old families of the Empire state, several generations of the name
having there resided. Her father became the superintendent of the largest oil produc-
ing company in the oil regions of Pennsylvania, with headquarters at Bradford. Her
mother was a sister of C. D. Angell, the originator of Angell's Belt Theory, in the oil
regions. In young womanhood Mrs. Roots taught school in southern Illinois from 1864
until 1866 inclusive. She always adhered to the faith of the Episcopal church, with
which her ancestors were connected through several generations, and she became the
president of the Ladies' Aid Society of the Episcopal church in Little Rock, thus insti-
tuting much splendid work.

Colonel 'and Mrs. Roots became the parents of seven children, but four sons are
deceased. Those living are: Frances Emily, born March 23, 1874; Miriam, born June
11, 1879; and Lois Helen, born October IS, 1884.

Like his wife. Colonel Roots belonged to the Episcopal church and was a generous
contributor to its work. Politically he was a republican and he was identified with
several fraternal and social organizations. He had been a resident of Arkansas for only
a brief period when he was appointed collector of internal revenue without his solicita-
tion and held the office until elected to represent Arkansas in congress, serving as the
youngest member of both the fortieth and forty-first congresses. He was most loyal
to the interests of his adopted state and stanchly and effectively championed plans and
measures of great benefit to the commonwealth. Wliile at all times he kept in close
touch with the trend of political thought and progress, he was never a politician in the
tiense of office seeking and the positions which he filled came to him as a tribute lo
his ability and to his loyalty in all matters of citizenship. He inherited the sterling
traits of his character and he developed these traits through a life of great activity
and usefulness. His prominence is shown through the fact that the military post
located just outside of Little Rock, and which he was largely instrumental in securing,
was named in his honor. His last journey to Washington and Chicago was made in

74 CENTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

the interests of the military post. There are, indeed, many evidences of his loyalty to
his adopted city and state and of his devotion to those causes which contributed most
to its upbuilding and progress. He continued a resident of Little Rock until his demise,
which occurred May 30, 1893, when he was fifty-two years of age. With his forcefulness
and resourcefulness he combined high standards that made his labor of great benefit
and, looking beyond the exigencies of the moment, he worked for the future with its
boundless opportunities. Colonel Roots was a gentleman of most obliging disposition
and genial nature and it has been said that he never spoke an unkind word of anyone.
Lite with him was real and earnest and he left the world better for his having lived.

0. P. MAXWELL.

O. P. Maxwell, a native son of Arkansas and a member of one of the old and
prominent families of the state, is well known in financial circles of Benton county
as cashier of the State Bank of Siloam Springs and is well fitted by training and
experience for the duties which devolve upon him in this connection. He was born
in DeWitt, Arkansas, February 11, 1877, a son of Albert and Emma (Pringle) Maxwell,
the former a native of Orange county, Indiana, while the latter was born in Arkansas.
They were married in the Bear state and the father engaged in the occupation of black-
smithing throughout practically his entire life, also following the trade of a millwright
to some extent. He was a veteran of the Civil war, serving for four Vears in the
Confederate army, which he left at the siege of Vicksburg. Mississippi, never returning
to his command. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and
fraternally was connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was a
democrat in his political views and took a prominent part in public affairs, serving
as county commissioner and also aiding in reconstruction work in the state. To Mr.
and Mrs. Maxwell were born six children: Alice, who is the widow of M. A. Miller and
resides in Pueblo, Colorado; Jennie, who married Charles O'Dowd, a leading tailor of
San Antonio, Texas; James R., a machinist, of whom the family have had no word
for fifteen years; O. P., of this review; R. L., a prominent physician of Pueblo, Colorado;
and Sarah, the wife of Henry Tillitt, who is connected with railroad interests and
resides at San Antonio, Texas. The paternal grandfather, Nimrod Maxwell, became a
resident of Arkansas county, Arkansas, and there spent his remaining years. His father
and seven sons of the family fought in the Indian wars, serving under General Harrison
at the Battle of Tippecanoe. The maternal grandfather, James Pringle, also settled in
Arkansas county in an early day and there died during the childhood of Mrs. Maxwell.

O. P. Maxwell acquired his education in the schools of Arkansas county, Arkansas,
afterward taking up the profession of teaching, which he followed for a time. He was
called to public oflBce, serving from 1899 until 1901 as surveyor of Arkansas county,
after which he engaged in merchandising, devoting his leisure hours to the study of
law. In 1909 he was admitted to the bar and for soaie time followed his profession,
also continuing active in financial affairs. In 1905 he became identified with the Bank
of Gillett. Arkansas, with which he continued for six years, and in 1911 he removed to
Siloam Springs, Benton county, where he practiced law for a year. In 1912 he became
cashier of the State Bank of Siloam Springs and has since served in that capacity,
making a most creditable record in the cfflce by the prompt and faithful manner in
which he is discharging his duties. He thoroughly understands the principles of his
occupation and the details of modern finance and is doing able and systematic work.
He also has other interests, owning land in Benton county, Arkansas, and in Oklahoma,
and his investments have been judiciously placed, tor he is a keen, farsighted business
man.

In 1898 Mr. Maxwell was united in marriage to Miss Lettie Beck, a native of
Morrillton, Arkansas, and a daughter of C. J. Beck, who was reared in this state,
devoting his attention to the operation of a farm. Three children have been born of
this union: Ralph E., who is a student in the State University of Arkansas, where he
is pursuing a course in chemical engineering; Willa May, at home; and Alfred, a high
school pupil.

Mr. Maxwell is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. South, and an active
worker in its behalf. For sixteen years he has been superintendent of the Sunday school
and w?s chairman of the building committee which had charge of the erection of the
beautiful new church edifice, representing a cost of fifty thousand dollars. Fraternally
he is identified with the Masons and is a past master of the lodge at Gillett. He is a
democrat in his political views and has taken a prominent part in public affairs, serving
as m?yor of Gillett, as councilman of Siloam Springs, and for nine years has been a
member of its school board, the cause of education finding in him a strong advocate.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 75

Mr. Maxwell is a self-educated and self-made man. He was obliged to aid in the sup-
port of the family after his father's death and his early youth was a period of hard
and unremitting toil. He has worked his way upward, placing his dependence upon
the substantial qualities of industry, perseverance and integrity, and well deserved
success has crowned his efforts. His record is a most commendable one and he enjoys
the unqualified respect and esteem of a large circle of friends.

HON. ROBERT W. BAXTER.

Hon. Robert W. Baxter, prominently identified with the lumber industry at Dermott,
is a representative of a family whose members have gained positions of leadership in
connection with the legal profession and also along business lines, while in public affairs
they hive likewise been active, rendering effective service for the general good. Mr.
Baxter was born in Drew county, Arkansas, four miles south of Monticello, on the 22d
of June, 1885, of the marriage of Robert M. and Virginia (Sunderlin) Baxter, the former
a native of Tennessee and the latter of Georgia. The father is connected with the
lumber industry at Winnsboro, Louisiana. The mother died in November. 1887.

After completing a course in the Hinemon University School at Monticello, Arkansas,
Mr. Baxter entered the law department of the University of Michigan and was admitted
to practice in the circuit and supreme courts in 1912. He began his professional career
at Warren, Arkansas, and while there residing was elected city attorney, in which
capacity he served for six years, discharging the duties of that office conscientiously and
efficiently. In 1917 he decided to devote his attention to business pursuits and on the
11th of June of that year he organized the Baxter Lumber Company at Dermott, being
sole owner of the undertaking. From the beginning the enterprise proved a success and
under the capable direction of Mr. Baxter, the scope of the business has been greatly
extended, a branch yard having been established at Arkansas City in 1921. He has
made a close study of the lumber industry and in the management of his interests dis-
plays foresight, determination and marked executive ability.

In 1918 Mr. Baxter was united in marriage to Miss Sallie Murphy of Warren, and
they have become the parents of a son, Robert Patrick. They are members of the
Baptist church, actively interested in its work, and Mr. Baxter is chairman of the
board of deacons. He gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and his fellow
citizens have shown their appreciation of his worth and ability by calling him to public
office. In 1916 he was chosen to represent his district in the Arkansas state legislature,
in which he served for one term, and as a member of the common council of Dermott,
he is doing all in his power to promote the interests of his city. He is a member of
the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Concord Lodge, No. 23, P. & A. M., at Eudora,
Arkansas, and he is also connected with the Woodmen of the World. He is a self-
made man. who has constructed his own success, working his way upward through
merit and ability. While pursuing his studies he engaged in teaching during the winter
season and in the summer months attended the university. He became an instructor
when nineteen years of age and devoted six years to teaching, thus securing the funds
necessary for the acquirement of an education and giving proof of the elemental
strength of his character. He has always stood for progress and improvement in affairs
relating to the upbuilding of town, county and commonwealth and ranks with the public-
spirited citizens and progressive business men of Dermott.

JOHN S. LAKE.

John S. Lake was born in Tipton county Tennessee, on the 1st day of April, 1861,
and was reared on a farm in that county. His education was such as could be derived
from the common schools of that time. In 1880 he came to Arkansas and located in
Perry County, where he married Miss Fanny White, who survived their marriage only
a few months. He then began the study of law in the office of Colonel J. P. Sellers, of
Perryville, and was admitted to the bar in 1886. In 1887 he became a resident of
Sevier county, opening an office at Lockesburg in partnership with W. H. Collins. This
association was maintained until 1901, when the partnership was dissolved, and Mr.
Lake was connected with Judge Oscar Scott and J. D. Head in a partnership relation
until the death of Judge Scott. Mr. Lake was then joined by Judge Steel and J. D.
Head under the firm name of Steel. Lake & Head and the association was continued until
1917. Mr. Lake was then appointed by Governor Brough as judge of the ninth judicial
circuit to fill a vacancy in the office caused by the death of Judge Cowling. After the

76 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

expiration of tlie term, Mr. Lake practiced alone until his son was gi-aduated from law-
college and the present firm of Lake & Lake was formed. He filled the office of prosecut-
ing attorney from 1904 to 1908 and served as a member of the legislature during the
sessions of 1895 and 1897.

In 1891 Mr. Lake married Miss Lou Williamson, and to them have been born five
children: Edward C, who is now his father's law partner in the firm of Lake & Lake,
was graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1914 and was attending the law
department of Columbia University when America entered the World war. He enlisted,
was commissioned captain in 1917 and went overseas as a member of the Eighty-seventh
Division. He served until February 12, 1919, when he received his discharge. After
his return he reentered Columbia University, was graduated and then joined his father
in the practice. The second son of the family, John P. Lake, graduated from the Uni-
versity of Arkansas in 1915 and was a student in the law department of the University
of Michigan when the war was entered by his country. He immediately enlisted and
served as a lieutenant throughout the war and was severely wounded on the last day of
the fighting. Later he was made captain and is now one of the military instructors in
Missouri University. Winford, the third son, graduates from Missouri University in
1922 and expects to become a lawyer. Mary, the elder daughter, died in Washington,
where she was attending college, in 1918, at the age of eighteen. Johnny Lou, the baby
girl, is finishing the high school course in 1922. These children all give promise of a
brilliant future and Mr. Lake is justly proud of them.

THOMAS SAMUEL OSBORNE.

Thomas Samuel Osborne, member of the Fort Smith bar, who entered upon the
active practice of law here at an early day and has since become known by reason of
his ability in handling cases entrusted to his care, was born in Independence county,
Arkansas, in 1858 and is a son of Enoch Morgan and Emeline (Howell) Osborne. He
received liberal educational opportunities at Asheville, North Carolina, and later was
a student in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he graduated with
the Bachelor of Arts degree. His identification with Fort Smith dates from 1886 and
through the intervening period of thirty-six years he has remained an active factor
in the practice of law. From 1889 until 1893 he was in partnership with George A.
Grace. In 1887 he was elected city attorney and has been closely associated with pro-
fessional interests here from the pioneer border days when Fort Smith was the seat
of justice for Indian Territory, now Oklahoma. He defended the notorious bandit, Henry
Starr, on a minor charge. He was attorney in the federal court in many important cases
during those stirring early days before law and order had fully taken root and sup-
pressed lawlessness in this frontier district. He has constantly been inspired by an
innate love of justice and fidelity to the interests of his clients, yet he never forgets
that he owes a higher allegiance to the majesty of the law. The tenacity and courage
with which he defends the right as he understands it challenges the admiration of his
associates. Moreover, he invariably seeks to present his argument in the strong, clear
light of common reason and sound logical principle and he displays notable diligence
in the preparation of his cases. Mr. Osborne is well known as a lawmaker as well as
a lawyer, for in 1913 and 1917 he served as a member of the state legislature and while
in the general assembly introduced and had passed a measure to create a commission
form of government in Fort Smith.

Mr. Osborne's mother is still living at the advanced age of ninety years. His father
died in 1876 at the age of sixty-one years. They were of well known families in North
Carolina, and came to this state in 1854, locating in Independence county. His father
owned a large plantation on White river, and was a successful and ideal farmer. He
was a gentleman of the old school and of fine stalwart character and highly respected
in his county; his mother, a woman of more than two generations back, was noted for
her knowledge of the Bible, beautiful Christian life and charity to others; and both
were known for their example and parental training of their five sons and two
daughters.

Thomas S. Osborne was married in 1892 to Miss Jessie Collier and their children
are Virginia E. and Howell C. The former, who was born in 1896, is a graduate of the
University of Arkansas and also attended the University of Chicago. She engaged in
the profession of teaching prior to her marriage to John S. Toney of Pine Bluff. For
a time she was teacher of English in a high school at Fort Smith and also taught at
Palm Beach, Florida. During the World w-ar Howell C. Osborne was a student in the
army training corps at Fayetteville. Arkansas. Five years ago he entered the grain
business and has since conducted his interests as a grain Ijroker and as a dealer in

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 77

flour and teed at Fort Smith, where he has gained an enviable position in business
circles. He married Miss Nell Wright of Fort Smith on the 1st of October, 1921.

Mr. Osborne has long been prominent in politics as a supporter of the democratic
party and has ever been most loyal to any cause which he has espoused. He is every-
where recognized as a man of integrity and honesty of purpose, despising all unworthy
or questionable methods in securing success in any direction, political or otherwise.
He has wrought along the lines of largest good for the community and the common-
wealth and is today one of the honored pioneer practitioners of the Fort Smith bar.

FRED DUKE.

Fred Duke, a successful dry goods merchant of Mena, owuiiil: liini run lucting a well
appointed store and building up a substantial trade by reason m m i ._ i. ive methods
and fair dealing, was born in Laneburg, Nevada county, Arkan , i,> ,.i I,, scott, on the
15th of January, 1893. Mention of the family to which he belongs is found in the sketch
of S. W. Duke on another page of this work. In the acquirement of his education he
attended the Prescott high school and then started out in the business world as clerk
in a dry goods store in that city, remaining in that connection for more than two years.
On the 14th of June, 1914, he arrived in Mena, where he began working for the Lockridge
Dry Goods Company and was thus engaged until with a partner he purchased the
business of his employer, organizing the firm of Duke & Magruder on the 1st of January,
1917. Later they changed the firm name to the Duke Magruder Dry Goods Company,
which is capitalized for twenty-five thousand dollars and of which Mr. Duke is the
president and general manager, with J. T. Magruder as the vice president and S. W.
Duke as the secretary and treasurer. They carry a large line of dry goods, ladies'
ready-to-wear garments, millinery and shoes and occupy two floors in one of the
substantial business structures of the city. Their trade is steadily growing and the
success of the enterprise has long since been assured. Mr. Duke devotes his entire time
and attention to the store, which is the largest and most thoroughly progressive mer-
cantile establishment in Mena.

On the 10th of March, 1921, Mr. Duke was married to Miss Nettie Acruman,* of
Fordyce, Arkansas, a daughter of E. A. Acruman, who was a merchant and planter of
Fordyce. Mrs. Duke belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Duke is a Mason,
who has taken the degrees of the York Rite and has also become a member of the
Mystic Shrine at Little Rock. He is now senior warden in the commandery and is a
worthy follower and exemplar of the teachings and purposes of the craft. He likewise
belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Politically he is a democrat but
has never aspired to office, preferring to concentrate his energies and attention upon
his business affairs, which wisely and carefully directed, have brought him to a credit-
able and enviable position among the successful merchants of this part of the state.

HON. I. X. MOORE.

Hon. I. N. Moore, a native son of Arkansas and a member of one of its pioneer
families, is a leading attorney of Dumas, where he has practiced his profession since
1912, and he has also taken a prominent part in public affairs, having represented his
district in the state legislature. His birth occurred in Garland county, Arkansas,
September 3, 1876, and his parents, were Miles S. and Mary E. (Aikens) Moore, the
latter a native of Union county, Arkansas. When sixteen years of age his father removed
from Georgia to Arkansas with his parents, who settled in Bradley county. There
his marriage occurred and immediately following that event he joined the Confederate
army as a private, serving throughout the Civil war, and after his discharge he removed
to Garland county, Arkansas, where he engaged in the practice of medicine. Later he
went to Pine Bluff, where he remained for a time and then located at Red Fork, in
Desha county, but shortly afterward sought the medicinal qualities of the famous waters
of Hot Springs, owing to failing health, and there he died on the 16th of August, 1908.

In the public schools of Fordyce, Arkansas, Mr. Moore pursued his education and
after laying aside his textbooks he was variously employed until about 1905, when he
took up the study of law, and while reading Blackstone he worked as a clerk in mer-
cantile establishments of Dumas. In 1911 he was called to public office, being chosen
to represent his district in the state legislature, and in the following year he was
admitted to the bar, entering upon his professional activities at Dumas, where he has
since maintained an office. In 1919 he was joined by George D. Hester under the firm

78 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

style of Moore & Hester and they are oonducting a large law business, being numbered
among the most successful attorneys of Dumas. Mr. Moore has a thorough Itnowledge
of statute and precedent, is careful in the preparation of cases, convincing in argument
and is well qualified to handle Important litigated interests.

In 1901 Mr. Moore was united in marriage to Miss Ophelia Puntney, of Florence,
Drew county, and they became the parents of eleven children, eight of whom survive,
namely: Norman, Viola, Robert, Ralph, Madge, Lloyd, Charles Edward and Carr Lamoin.
They are all at home. Mr. and Mrs. Moore are members of the Baptist church and Mr.
Moore is serving as one of its deacons. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights
of F>ythias and the Masons, belonging to Omega Lodge. No. 547, F. & A. M., and to
Victory Chapter, R. A. M., in the latter organization. Through merit and ability he has
worked his way upward in his profession and his fellow practitioners unite in bearing
testimony as to his high character and superior mind. He is ever ready to give his
support to measures for the promotion of the public welfare and is a stalwart champion
of everything pertaining to the interests and upbuilding of his community, county and
state.

RAY GILL.

The outstanding characteristic of Ray Gill, secretary of the Business Men's Club
of Fort Smith, is probably initiative. With a keenness that is born of energy and
diligence he seems to see the possibilities of every situation and utilizes his opportu-
nities and advantages in the attainment of results extremely desirable in the upbuilding
of various interests and communities.

Mr. Gill was born in Paola, Kansas, in 1876. He completed his education in the
University of Kansas and subsequently engaged in newspaper work and in teaching
school. Both proved of worth and value to him in preparation for his activities at a
later date. In 1900 he came to Arkansas and was first engaged in the hotel business
at Hot Springs. While there residing, he founded the criminal identification bureau,
employing the Bertillon and finger print systems. He also organized the Arkansas
StaVe Fair Association, offering prizes for mineral and agricultural exhibits, which
resulted in a widespread interest and development along both agricultural and mineral
lines.

From 1908 to 1916 Mr. Gill was associated with the state department of education.
While thus engaged he instituted the first agricultural club work in Arkansas and
organized Boys Corn Clubs throughout the state. He prepared and issued pamphlets
on these movements and their value, resulting largely in production of a greater and
better yield of corn. As deputy state superintendent of public instruction he was in
charge of publicity and propaganda, thus serving until 1916 with the result that there
was a decided increase in the school tax in order that the schools of the state might
be advanced to higher standards.

Mr. Gill was also associated with the old Board of Trade and the old Chamber of
Commerce of Little Rock and cooperated heartily in all organized movements of those
bodies for the benefit of the city and the extension of its trade relations. In 1914 he
was prominent in the movement for agricultural development and for diversifying
crops. He greatly promoted these objects through demonstration by exhibit and through
the distribution of literature on similar work in other states.

In 1916 Mr. Gill became secretary of the Business Men's Club of Fort Smith,
his work being the broadening of civic spirit. This was following the discovery of
natural gas, which gave great impetus to the growth and development of the city.
He also instituted a factory campaign, which resulted in locating twenty-fii^e factories
in Fort Smith, including many furniture factories and glass making concerns. He
also continued the campaign for agricultural extension and he was instrumental in
getting rid of the cattle tick in this campaign, so that Sebastian county was placed
north of the quarantine line. He likewise instituted a movement for the introduction
of blooded cattle and from forty per cent of the normal milk supply there was an
increase to full local supply, with six hundred to seven hundred gallons of cream per
week shipped to creameries. Mr. Gill closely studies every question that has to do with
the agricultural development and business progress of the state.

Mr. Gill has also organized civic and cultural clubs which work in conjunction
with the organized civic council, meeting once a month, representatives of these clubs,
of the school board and other organizations, meeting in a round-table discussion of
civic needs. The Civic Federation under his guidance has worked on the housing
problem and on the entertainment of children, and each club which is organized devotes
a part of its time to social l)etterment.

CENTENNIAL HI8T0RY OF ARKANSAS 79

During the World war the Business Men's Club was the center o£ all war move-
ments and activities. A most complete card system was kept and any movement or
project that was started was immediately systematized in this way. Mr. Gill served
as subchairman of the war industries board and in every possible way furthered the
work done in Arkansas in connection with the various war activities which constituted
the home defense for the soldiers in camp and field. Every corporation was listed
with an account of the nationality of the owner and that of the superintendent, together
with the record of floor space and the number of employes both skilled and unskilled,
together with an account of the possibility of increased output or the conversion of a
plant to other uses if necessary. The system developed by Mr. Gill was used as a
model throughout the country. Another line of his activity was in connection with
the bond sales campaigns and in this work every promise was an actual sale being accom-
panied by cash payment. The liberty loan work, the conservation work and other
campaign work was handled by Mr. Gill in a concise and accurate manner, thoroughness
and system characterizing all of the work done in the office.

In connection with the social welfare work of which he has been the prime mover
the old federal jail was ceded to The Fort Smith Day Nursery and a demonstration
of kitchen activities and a free clinic were instituted. The building has likewise been
used as a gymnasium and a place for teaching child welfare work and health improve-
ment. The study of the milk situation has also claimed the attention of Mr. Gill, who
aided in securing the establishment of health inspection for the school children, which
disclosed a need of nourishment. Fifteen distributing stations were established, issuing
a quart of milk per day to school children and the result was seen in the immediate
improvement in the general health of the pupils.

In the reorganization campaign of the Chamber of Commerce sixty new members
were added in spite of the general depression of the times and this is in marked con-
trast to the falling off that has been shown in Chambers of Commerce in other cities.

The funds of the Chamber are distributed through three different appropriations —
the industrial fund, the civic fund and the traffic fund — and the interlocking director-
ates have handled in this way a total of thirty-two thousand dollars per year. Mr. Gill
has also instituted a home-building movement, promoting a stimulation in home build-
ing. There is now a campaign under way for securing substantial industries for the city.

Mr. Gill was married in 1894, to Miss Phoebe Hobson and they have two children;
Hazel; and Mrs. Juanita Adams. Mr. Gill is a man of unfeigned cordiality, possessing
a social, genial nature, while at the same time he is most alert and energetic, ready
for any emergency and ready for any opportunity. He has studied closely the gi'eat
sociological, political and economic problems before the country today and while con-
centrating his efforts upon Fort Smith, its local needs and its advantages he has at
the same time aided many other cities in finding solution for their problems through
the example which he has set. The worth of his work is immeasurable and Fort Smith
could ill afford to dispense with his services.

W. H. BLAND.

In the history of De Vails Bluff it is imperative that mention be made of W. H.
Bland inasmuch as he was a prominent figure in commercial circles and in public life.
His entire career was one which reflected credit and honor upon the people who honored
him and his service was of marked value to tHe community which he represented. Born
in Bartlett, Tennessee, on the 14th of March, 1861, he was the son of Theophilus and
Adeline (Adams) Bland. His youthful days were spent in his native state, where he
pursued his education and grew to manhood. Coming to Arkansas in 1884, he estab-
lished his ho;ne in Biscoe, Prairie county, where he engaged in business. Later he
became a planter and cotton buyer. There he remained until his removal to De Vails
Bluff in 1900, where he established a general merchandise business. He developed a
trade of substantial proportions, and his enterprise, diligence and determination con-
stituted the broad foundation upon which he built his success. His ability brought him
prominently to the front and at all times he commanded the confidence and respect of
his fellowmen, not alcne by reason of the success he achieved but also owing to the
straightforward business policy which he ever followed.

Mr. Bland was twice married. The children of the first marriage are Harvey C.
and Troy. The former is a director of a leading wholesale dry goods firm in Little
Rock, and Troy also resides there and is a dealer in real estate and has oil interests
in El Dorado. The children of the second marriage are two daughters, Leland and
Lucille, the latter a graduate of the University of Arkansas, and the former a member
of the firm that her father established.

80 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

Mr. Bland was keenly interested in the public welfare and espoused many
which contributed to general progress and improvement. He was elected a member of
the legislature in 1915 and reelected in 1917, and his interest in vital public measures
was real and forceful. He was the author of the uniform textbook law passed in 1917
and he stood loyally in defense of various other plans for the general good. He was,
indeed, a useful and public-spirited citizen and wide regret was felt when he
away in July, 1917.

STERLING WOODWARD TUCKER.

Sterling Woodward Tucker, president of the Fones Brothers Hardware Company,
a large wholesale concern of Little Rock, has thus risen to prominence in business
circles in his native city, for he was here born December 15, 18S3. He is a son of Sterl-
ing W. and Jennie (Hennegin) Tucker. The father was born in Little Rock in 1852
and was a representative of one of the old and prominent families here. He was general
manager for some time of the Little Rock & Memphis Railroad, now a part of the Rock
Island system. His military service covered connection with the Quapaw Guards, an
organization of the state militia, of which he was a lieutenant. His wife was born
March 22, 1861, and they were married in Little Rock in 1882. They became parents
of two sons: Sterling W. and Henry Hennegin, who was born January 14, 1888, and
is a partner of his brother in the wholesale hardware business.

In his youthful days Sterling W. Tucker became a public school pupil and passing
through consecutive gi-ades was in due time graduated from the high school as a mem-
ber of the class of 1901. In the same year he initiated his business career by entering
the employ of the Fones Brothers Hardware Company, a wholesale house. He started
in a minor capacity, being assigned to a position in the wareroom. He rose through
successive promotions, becoming shipping clerk and superintendent of the operating
department, which is practically supervisor of the whole business, on the death of D.
G. Fones, the president of the company. Mr. Tucker continued in the operating depart-
ment until 1916, at which time J. J. Mandelbaum, the new president retired. Mr.
Tucker was then elected president and treasurer and in this dual position still con-
tinues, being now the executive head of an immense business. The company is a million
dollar concern. Identified with this business for twenty years Mr. Tucker is familiar
with every phase thereof and by reason of his sound judgment and keen discrimination
he has been able to most wisely direct the affairs of the company. He is also a director
of the Bankers Trust Company of Little Rock.

On the 16th of June, 1909, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Mr. Tucker was married to Miss
Brydie Baker, who was born in Chicago, Illinois, January 23, 1887, and is a graduate*
of the National Park Seminary at Washington, D. C. Mr. and Mrs. Tucker are members
of Christ Episcopal church and their social position is an enviable one. Mr. Tucker
belongs to the Little Rock Country Club and politically he is connected with the demo-
cratic party. During the World war he served on all of the bond and Red Cross drives
and supported many other projects having to do with the successful prosecution of the
war. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished since he started out in
the business world in a most humble capacity following the completion of his public
school course. Since then he has gradually advanced by reason of his capability, close
application, thoroughness and unimpeachable integrity. Each forward step has brought
him a broader outlook and wider opportunities, and he is today one of the leading
merchants of Little Rock, controlling a million dollar concern as the president of the
Fones Brothers Hardware Company. ■

CURRIN M. NICHOL.

On the roster of public officials in Jefferson county appears the name of Currin M.
Nichol, who is filling the position of sheriff and makes his home in Pine Bluff. He
has been continued in office almost uninterruptedly since 1904 and in every position
which he has filled he has proven his loyalty to the trust reposed in him and his
capability, through the prompt and faithful discharge of the duties that have devolved
upon him. He was born in Pine Bluff on the 24th of May, 1876, his parents being
Charles Alexander and Nannie (Williams) Xichol, both of whom were natives of Ten-
nessee and representatives of old and prominent southern families. The father was born
in the city of Nashville and was a son of William Nichol. When his textbooks were put
aside he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, becoming a planter, and following

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 81

the outbreak ot the Civil war he joined the Confederate army and served in defense of
the southland with the rank of captain of a company in a Tennessee regiment, .par-
ticipating in many important battles and in numerous minor engagements. He always
maintained his interest in his old army comrades through his connection with the
United Confederate Veterans' Association and he gave unfaltering allegiance to the
democratic party, believing firmly in its principles as factors in good government. It
was after the close of the Civil war that he came to Arkansas, where he conducted a
plantation and during the remainder of his life he continued a prominent and influential
citizen here, his place being situated a short distance below Pine Bluff on the Arkansas
river. There he developed one of the valuable landed estates of the county, giving to
it his active supervision until his demise, which occurred in 1891. His wife, who was
a daughter of Willoughby Williams, a well known planter along the Arkan^s river,
departed this life the same year. They were the parents of three sons, who are living:
Curriu M.; William, who is now a resident of Pine Bluff; and Joe, who is the vice
president of the Simmons National Bank here.

Currin M. Nichol was educated in a private school conducted by Professor Jjinius
Jordan, now superintendent of the schools of Pine Bluff, and in the University of
Arkansas, which he attended for two years. He afterward accepted a clerical position
in the offices of the Cotton Belt Railroad at Pine Bluff, being at that time twenty-four
years of age. He applied himself with thoroughness and diligence to the tasks assigned
him with that corporation, with which he remained for a period of five years, when
he was called to public office. He was first made deputy county clerk in 1904 and filled
the position for four years. His capability and efficiency in that connection led to his
selection for other official duties and honors. He was elected county treasurer, also
serving in that office for four years and he afterward occupied the position of county
and probate clerk for six years. He was next elected to the position of sheriff and his
splendid record in office is indicated in the fact that he is now serving for the second
term in that position. Over his official record there falls no shadow of wrong nor sus-
picion of evil, for he has always been most loyal to the duties that devolve upon him
and the trust that is reposed in him. He has never wavered in his allegiance to the
democratic party, the principles of which he has upheld since age conferred upon him
the right. of franchise and he has ever been an earnest and zealous worker in its ranks.

Mr. Nichol is a Presbyterian in religious faith and fraternally is connected with
the Masons, having attained the Knights Templar degree in the York Rite, the thirty-
second degree in the Scottish Rite, and with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine he has
crossed the sands of the desert. He also belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of
Elks and to the Knights of Pythias and at all times is a loyal follower of the teachings
and purposes of these organizations, all of which are based upon a recognition of the
brotherhood of mankind and the obligations thereby imposed.

JOSEPH HENRY BROWN.

Prominent among the energetic, farsighted and successful business men of Little
Rock is Joseph Henry Brown, vice president of the C. J. Lincoln Company, wholesale
dealers in drugs. He has made his home in the capital city since the fall of 1890 and
throughout the intervening period has been connected with the business enterprise
of which he is now one of the leading officials. Mr. Brown came to the southwest from
Illinois, his birth having occurred in Morris, Grundy county. December 18, 1860. He
is a son of John and Ann (Brown) Brown, who, though of the same name, were not
related. The father was born in the village of Trushington. Leicestershire county,
England, September 1, 1825, and his life record covered the intervening years to 1906,
when he was called to his final rest. He served an apprenticeship to his cousin, James
Ogden, a druggist of Ashton, England, and soon after the completion of his term of
indenture he purchased a pharmacy at Droylsden, near Manchester, England. In the
fall of 1851 he came to the new world, crossing the country to Illinois, where lived his
friend, William H. Bradbury, formerly of Ashton, England. Mr. Brown purchased land
about seven miles from the present site of Morris, Illinois-. He afterward returned to
England, disposed of his property there and left the following spring for a life on the
Illinois prairies. In the spring of 1867 he took up his abode in Morris and there engaged
in the drug business, in connection with Hamilton Longworth. He continued to carry
on business there almost to the time of his death. Mr. and Mrs. Brown were married
August 27, 1850, and celebrated their golden wedding at Morris in 1900. Mrs. Brown
was born at Barton under Nudwood, England, in 1826, and departed this life January
7, 1903. Mr. and Mrs. John Brown were the parents of ten children.

At the usual age Joseph Henry Brown became a pupil in the public schools of

82 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

Morris continuing his studies tliere until graduated from the high school. He also spent
a year as a student in the Chicago School of Pharmacy and was graduated in 1883 from
the Philadelphia (Pa.) College of Pharmacy. Later he returned to Morris and entered
his father's drug store, in which he was employed for several years. In 1890 he went
to Denver, Colorado, expecting to locate but only remained for six months, working
during that period as a pharmacist. He next tcok up his abode in Little Rock in the
fall of 1890 and soon afterward purchased an interest in the wholesale drug house con-
ducted under the name of the C. J. Lincoln Company. Since then he has been closely
associated with the business, its development and conduct, and in 1898 he became vice
president and manager, in which dual position he continues. He has thus had much to
do with shaping the policy and directing the activities of the house, which is today
one of tUe strong and potent forces in the commercial circles of Little Rock.

Mr. Brown is a republican in his political views and his religious faith is that of the
Christ Episcopal church. Fraternally he is a Mason of the thirty-second degree of the
Scottish Rite and member of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the Country Club
and t]ie Quapaw Club and is highly esteemed by reason of a genial social nature.

JOHN M. MOORE.

Fifty* years have been added to the cycle of the centuries since John M. Moore
became a member of the Little Rock bar and throughout that period he has held to the
highest professional standards, his course reflecting credit and honor upon the history
of the Arkansas bar. Moreover, he is a native of Pulaski county and a representative of
one of the honored pioneer families of the state.

In the paternal line his ancestry is traced back to Thomas Lloyd, who came from
Montgomeryshire, Wales, to America and settled in Pennsylvania. He was president
of the lagisl.itive council and deputy governor of the Colony in 1684, after William Penn
returned to England. A daughter of Thomas Lloyd became the wife of Samuel Preston,
and their daughter married Dr. Richard Moore of Mai-yland, from whom John M. Moore
is a descendant in the fifth generation.

Israel M. Moore, the father of John M. Moore, was born in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania.
December 3, 1814, and came to the southwest when a young man of twenty-two years.
He was one of the promoters of the Cairo & Pulton Railroad, which was organized under
acts of the legislatures of Missouri and Arkansas for the purpose of building a railroad
from Cairo, Illinois, to the southern part of this state. He served on the board of
directors and was largely instrumental in securing land grants from congress to the
company until it passed into the hands of Thomas Allen of St. Louis and was reor-
ganized as a part of the system of the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Riilway
Company. On the maternal side, his great-grandfather came from the north of Ireland
to America, and served as a member of the patriot army in the Revolutionary war.

John M. Moore was reared in Searcy, Arkansas, and although but a schoolboy at
the time of the outbreak of the Civil war, he joined the Third Arkansas Cavalry and was
on active duty under Generals Forrest and Wheeler. He enlisted as a private but was
promoted to a lieutenancy and was in command of his company at the close of hostili-
ties. With his return home Mr. Moore resumed his studies under the direction of
private tutors, and a year later began preparation for the bar, being admitted to prac-
tice in Searcy. In 1870 he opened a law office in Augusta, Woodruff county, and the
following year removed to Little Rock, where for half a century he has engaged in
practice. He served for six years as reporter of the supreme court.

In 1873 Mr. Moore wedded Miss Annie C. Turner, a daughter of Blakely D. Turner,
who was one of the pioneer members of the Arkansas bar. Mrs. Moore departed this
life January 31, 1901. Their family numbered four children: J. Merrick, associated
with his father in the practice of law. married Miss Rebecca Read of Fort Smith; Janie,
now deceased, was the wife of A. C. Miller of Little Rock; Charlotte is the wife of M. K.
Kassony of New York city; and Blake Turner died in 1909.

In his political views Mr. Moore has always been a supporter of democratic prin-
ciples, and for eight years he was chairman of the state central committee, contributing
much to the success and growth of the party during that period. He never sought nor
held a political office. His ambition seems to have been centered in his profession. His
high professional standing is indicated in the fact that he was honored with the presi-
dency of the State Bar Association. A contemporary biographer has said of him:
"There are those — and they are legion — who put at the head of the legal profession in
Arkansas the name of John M. Moore. It is quite certain th:.t no o;ie qualified to form
an opinion on the subject but regards him as one among the very few who are the
head and front of the profession. He is one of those truly great lawyers of whom it is

JOHN M. MOOEE

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 85

in no sense flattery to say that he is deeply learned in the law. Indeed, he is. intel-
lectually, more than a learned lawyer; he is a man of broad scholarship. Few men have
read more widely. His private library, of works selected from time to time through a
period ot many years, is one of the largest and best in the state. The quality and scope
of the collection, in which are missing few, if any, of the outstanding contributions to
knowledge ot nearly every practical sort during the last half a century, afford significant
evidence of an intellectuality of ripe and varied culture. He is, moreover, a shrewd and
wise observer of practical affairs. His personality is one ot dignity and reserve. He
has won success in his profession by dint ot sheer ability."

MACK F. MONTGOMERY.

Arkansas county has on the whole been signally favored with the class of men w^ho
have occupied her public positions, tor usually they have been men faithful to duty, "
capable and loyal to the tasks which they undertake. Mack F. Montgomery as county
treasurer is making a record equal to that of the. most eflicient men who have served
Arkansas county. He resides in De Witt and the friendly regard in which he is held
is everywhere evident. He was born on a farm near Mount Adams, Arkansas, on the
26th of November, 1876, and represents one of the old families of this state, while his
forebears were originally from Virginia. Representatives of the name removed from
the Old Dominion to Mississippi and it was from the latter state that the founders of
the family in Arkansas came. His father was J. S. Montgomery and the latter had a
brother who was killed in the Civil war. J. S. Montgomery was united in marriage
to Miss Ellen Pryor, whose people came from Tennessee.

Mack F. Montgomery largely acquired his education in the public schools of Arkansas
county and later attended the University of Arkansas, thus being well qualified tor
life's practical and responsible duties. He was first called to public office when elected
county assessor of Arkansas county in 1914, and so splendidly did he serve in that
connection that he was called to the position of county treasurer in 1921, in which
office he is now serving. He has also been associated with the Cotton Belt Railway and
his activity in business and official circles has made him a substantial citizen of the
community.

On January 20, 1901, Mr. Montgomery wedded Miss Florence Price of Ashley county,
Arkansas, a daughter of E. G. Price. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, in
which he is serving as a steward, and he is also active in other lines ot church work,
filling the position of Sunday school superintendent at the present writing. He repre-
sents one of the old and honored pioneer families of the state. It was his grandfather
in the paternal line who named the town of De Witt. He was accorded that privilege
and so called it in honor of Governor De Witt Clinton, one-time chief executive of New
York and the builder of the Erie canal. From that early day to the present representa-
tives ot the Montgomery family have borne their share in the work of public progress
and improvement and Mack F. Montgomery, still living in De Witt, has long taken active
part in furthering the welfare of the town and promoting its upbuilding along many
lines of general improvement and progress.

COLONEL C. F. ARMISTEAD.

Colonel C. F. Armistead. a retired army officer now living in Fayetteville. was born
in Franklin county, this state, April 18, 1872, and is a son of John C. and Annie (Car-
roll) Armistead who are natives of Virginia and of Arkansas respectively. The former
was a son of John Armistead, who was also born in Virginia and spent his entire life
in that state, living in the Shenandoah valley. The family came originally from Holland
and has been represented in this country through several generations. General George
Armistead was in command of Fort McHenry, oft the Maryland coast, when Francis
Key wrote "The Star-Spangled Banner." General Lewis Armistead, a cousin of John
C. Armistead. was killed in Pickett's famous charge at Gettysburg. H. B. Armistead,
brother of John C. Armistead, served with the rank ot general in the Confederate army
and for two terms was secretary of state of Arkansas. He also. served for ten or twelve
years as clerk ot the federal court, continuing in that position until his death. John
C. Armistead was born and reared in Virginia and came to this state soon after the
Civil war. He wedded Annie Carroll, a daughter of De Rosey Carroll, who was born
in Maryland and was a descendant of Charles Carroll of Carrollton. He served as a
colonel in the Confederate army and was killed in front of his own home by bush-

86 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OP ARKANSAS

whackers in 1862. The Carroll family comes of English ancestry. To the marriage of
John C. and Annie (Carroll) Armistead there were born two children, the elder being
John B., a farmer and stockman of Franklin county, Arkansas. The parents are mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal church. South, and Mr. Armistead is a democrat in his
political views. He served as mayor of Charleston and has always been keenly inter-
ested in public affairs but has given the greater part of his time and attention to his
farming and stock raising interests since his removal to this state.

Colonel Armistead, whose name introduces this review, was educated in the Univer-
sity of Arkansas, from which he was graduated with the class of 1893. He afterward
took up the profession of teaching, which he followed in the high school at Fort Smith,
Arkansas, for a few years. With the outbreak of war with Spain he joined the Arkansas
volunteer forces for active duty and was made a lieutenant in the regular army in 1898.
He served for six years in the Philippines with the regular army and for two and a
half years in Cuba, while for nine months he was in France during the period of the
World war. He teniporarily held the rank of colonel and was retired as lieutenant
' colonel. He has rendered important military aid to his country in various sections of
the globe, ever fully sustaining the high standards and the honor of the regular army.
Coming to Fayetteville in 1918, he here purchased a home and retired from military
life. In his service for his country he "ran true" to the history of his forebears, for
he comes of military stock. He operated on the held of action in the Philippines and
was in the front-line division in the World war, in command of the Fifty-eighth Infantry.
The Armistead family has long been connected with military interests, being repre-
sented in every war in which the United States has taken part. The ancestral line is
traced back to William Armistead, who came from England in 1635 and settled in Vir-
ginia. Since that time representatives of the name have most loyally supported the
country in all of her military activities and the record of Colonel Armistead of this
review reflects added credit and luster upon an untarnished family name.

In 1915 Colonel Armistead was married to Miss Jessie Smith, who was born in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Episcopal church and they occupy
an enviable social position. Colonel Armistead has membership with the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks and the American Legion and is also identified with the Sigma
Alpha Epsilon fraternity. His political endorsement is given to the democratic party,
but he does not seek nor desire civic office. He has many friends in Fayetteville, where
he now resides, and enjoys the respect of all with whom he has come in contact.

EUGENE CYPERT.

Eugene Cypert, attorney at law of Searcy, Arkansas, who for three terms occupied
the bench of the county court and served as a member of the constitutional convention
of 1917, has thus been very active in framing as well as executing the laws of the com-
monwealth. He is a native son of Searcy, his parents being Jesse N. and Sarah Harlan
(Crow) Cypert. The former was a son of Jesse Cypert, who was born in North Carolina
and emigrated to Tennessee, where he conducted an extensive plantation and also served
as sheriff of Wayne county but devoted the greater part of his life to his farming
interests. His remains lie buried on the old plantation, which is still in possession of
the family. He married Jemima Worthen, a native of Pennsylvania. In tracing the
ancestral line still farther back it is found that Jesse Cypert was a son of Francis
Cypert and that his father was born in Alsace Lorraine, whence he emigrated to the
United States. The grandfather of Eugene Cypert in the maternal line was Joshua B.
Crow, who was born in South Carolina, whence he removed to Alabama and thence
came to Arkansas in 1849, settling in White county, where he entered six hundred and
forty acres of land, which he purchased for twelve and a half cents per acre. The town
of Kensett now stands on the northern part of the land which he thus secured. He had
to clear all of his land, for it was covered with timber and the work was accomplished
with the aid of several sjlaves whom he owned, his entire time and attention being given
to his plantation. He lost all of his personal property before the Civil war and died
in 1866. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Lavenia West, also departed this life
in the same year. The great-grandfather was the Rev. Charles Crow, a Baptist min-
ister, prominent in his church. He preached in South Carolina and Alabama. He mar-
ried Sarah Harlan, who was born in South Carolina and was a descendant of George
Harlan, a Quaker, who settled in Pennsylvania at the time William Penn founded the
colony and afterward served as ruler of three counties in Pennsylvania.

Jesse N. Cypert, father of Judge Cypert, was born in Wayne county, Tennessee, in
1823, and his life record covered the notably long period of ninety years, as his death
occurred on the 1st of September, 1913. His wife was born in Perry county, Alabama.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 87

in 1836. and died in January, 1915. He was educated in tlie country schools of his
native county and afterward studied law there. Removing to Arkansas in 1850, he
settled in Marion, Crittenden county, where he practiced his profession until 1851 and
then removed to Searcy, where he became well known as an attorney. He had read law
under Judge L. L. Mack in Tennessee and his thorough training well qualified him for
success at the bar. In Searcy he opened a law office with John M. Bracy and Colonel
William Hicks and following the war was a partner of John G. Holland. He was a
member of the secession convention in 1861 and of the reconstruction convention of
1868 and also served as a member of the constitutional convention of 1874 and was the
only man in the state who served in all these three conventions. In the latter year he
was elected circuit judge and remained upon the bench for eight years, or until 1882,
his decisions being strictly fair and impartial, so that he won rank among the able
jurists of the state. In INiil he had joined the Confederate army as captain of Company
K, Eighth Arkansas Batlalicni, and after the battle of Shiloh he was promoted to the
rank of major. He served largely west of the Mississippi and was in tlie i|uai'lermaster
department. He was captured at Searcy. .Arkansas, and was held as ^i piismier of war
at Little Rock for sixty days, at the end oi which time he was paroled, li w.is during
the early part of the war that he suffered from typhoid fever and it was after this that
he was placed in the quartermaster department. When hostilities had ceased between
the north and the south he returned to Searcy, where he resumed the practice of law.
He also owned land on Little Red river, which he farmed and there also engaged in
stock raising. He had to clear most of the land, which was largely covered with timber
and after the war he had little left but his home, for his slaves were gone and his
property was badly in need of repair, owing to conditions brought about by the war.
To Mr. and Mrs. Cypert there were born three children: Florence, who became the
wife of W. M. Watkins, the president of the Bank of Searcy, and died in 1896; Alice,
who became the wife of H. A. Smith, a merchant and at one time county clerk of White
county, her death occurring in 1886; and Eugene, the only son. The father was a
member of the Methodist Episcopal church. South, and served for a half century as
church trustee. His wife held membership in the Baptist church. Fraternally he was
a Royal Arch Mason and member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while his
political allegiance was given to the democratic party. As a lawyer, as a political leader
and as a member of three constitutional conventions of Arkansas he left the. impress
of his individuality and ability upon the history of the state in notable measure.

Judge Eugene Cypert was educated in the common schools of Searcy and in the
Searcy Academy and began reading law in his father's office. He was admitted to the
bar in 1884 and then entered into partnership with his father, a relation that was main-
tained until the latter's death in 1913. Fifteen years before this, or in 1898, Eugene
Cypert was elected county judge of White county and by reelection was continued on
the bench for three terms. He, too, was called upon to aid in framing the organic law
of the state, serving as a member of the constitutional convention of 1917. He has
devoted the greater part of his life to law practice and has long enjoyed a large clientage
of an important character. He is also a director of the Bank of Searcy, which he aided
In orgaiizing, obtaining the charter for the bank. He still owns a part of his father's
old home place which adjoins Searcy and thus his interests are somewhat varied but
the practice of law he has always regarded as his real life work and his devotion to
the interests of his clients has become proverbial.

Judge Cypert was united in marriage to Miss Louise I. Seat, who was born in
Belton, Texas, a daughter of Benton B. Seat, a native of Tennessee, who was graduated
from the university at Lebanon, that state, and afterward practiced law in Tennessee,
in New Madrid, Missouri, and in Brownsville, Texas, serving as prosecuting attorney at
the last named place. He came to Searcy in 1901, having retired from active law prac-
tice, and died at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. He had filled the position of
consul in Central America under President Cleveland. There were many interesting
and ofttimes exciting events that occurred in connection with his life. When he was
but eighteen years of age he went from Tennessee to California as one of the Argonauts
of 1849. He served as captain in the Confederate army, enlisting in Texas, and was on
duty most of the time west of the Mississippi river under General Dick Taylor. He
participated in the battles of the New Mexico campaign with a command of thirty-two
hundred, returning with only seven hundred and fifty. He took part in the battles ot
Mansfield, Pleasant Hill, the Galveston campaign and Yellow Bayou and on one occasion
was shot through the arm, carrying the bullet with him to his gi-ave. He also sustained
a flesh wound in his head.

Judge and Mrs. Cypert have become the parents of five children: Sarah L., who
was educated in the high school of Searcy and in Galloway College here, is now engaged
in the abstract business; Jesse Benton is at home; Eugene is attending the Searcy high
school; Florence Alice and Harriett Haymond are also at home. The religious faith of

88 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OP ARKANSAS

Judge Cypert and his family is that of the Presbyterian church, in which he is serving
as ruling elder. He is a Royal Arch Mason and member of the Knights of Pythias and
in politics has been a stalwart democrat since attaining his majority. His life has been
fraught with the high purposes and lofty ideals which have characterized the family
through many generations. He has rendered valuable public service and his life has
been a potent force in connection with the maintenance of high legal and moral stand-
ards not only in Searcy and White county, but throughout the commonwealth.

FRANK HILL.

Frank Hill, who for many years was engaged in farming and is now a teaming
contractor living in El Dorado, was born in Union county, Arkansas, a son of Jesse W.
and Rebecca (Morrison) Hill, who were natives of Georgia and Alabama, respectively.
The mother has departed this life, but the father is living, in his eighty-second year,
and makes his home in El Dorado. He engaged in farming until 1909, when he retired
from active life. He arrived in Union county, Arkansas, as a child with his parents
In the year 1843. the family settling near Hillsboro, and through the intervening period
of almost fourscore years he has continued his residence in this county. He was four
years in the Civil war, having volunteered, and served from the beginning to the close
of the war. He was wounded eight times during his service.

Frank Hill was educated in the district schools of Union county and on reaching
adult age he engaged in farming, with which he was actively identified for a long period.
He had been trained to the work of the fields, so that his experience had well qualified
him for the duties which he took up on reaching his majority. At the present writing
he is also numbered among the oil men who are operating in the oil field of El Dorado.
He is likewise well known as a teaming contractor, working as high as forty mule teams
daily.

In 1904 Mr. Hill was married to Miss Lillie Parnell, a native of Union county,
and they have become parents of a son, Jesse Proctor, who is attending high school.

It was in the year 1913 that Mr. Hill established his home in El Dorado, where he
has remained. He belongs to the Woodmen of the World and he has membership in
the Methodist Episcopal church, South, with which his wife and son are also identified.
He likewise is owner of the land on which the first producing oil well was drilled in
the El Dorado field. The discovery of oil and the development of the oil industry is
constituting a great source of wealth in this state and Mr. Hill is bearing his part in
shaping the history of the community in connection with the oil industry.

REECE ALEWINE.

With the industrial and manufacturing interests of Atkins, Reece Alewine is closely
associated through his operations as a miller and lumberman. He has developed a
business of substantial proportions and his enterprise and determination have consti-
tuted the foundation upon which he has builded his success. He comes to Arkansas
from South Carolina, in which state his birth occurred December 29, 1868, a son of
J. C. and Emma (Milford) Alewine. both natives of South Carolina. The father, who
was born in 1842, represented one of the old families of that state, being a son of
Michael Alewine, who spent his life in South Carolina. The mother was born in 1846
and her father was also a native of South Carolina. It was in that state that J. C.
Alewine and Emma Milford were married and there made their home until 1870. when
they came to Arkansas, settling in Pope county, where he purchased a farm and has
remained upon that place. In early manhood he joined the Confederate army, enlisting
from South Carolina, serving for more than three years. He was the youngest soldier
in his regiment and his comrades called him the baby. He has met with substantial
success since coming to Arkansas and now owns a farm of one hundred and twenty
acres of well improved land. He is a Royal Arch Mason and has served as treasurer
of his lodge for many years. In politics he is a democrat and in religious faith he
holds membership in the Baptist church. To him and his wife were born six children:
Reece; 0. C, who is engaged in business with his brother Reece, at Atkins; G. W., who
is engaged in farming with his father; J. J., a farmer of Pope county; Sarah, the wife
of James Reyonlds, an insurance man of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; and Jane who is the
wife of C. L. Matthews, who is engaged in clerking in a store at Atkins.

During his youthful days Reece Alewine attended the country schools of Pope
county and started out to provide for his own support as a farmer, devoting his atten-

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 8!)

tion to agricultural pursuits until twenty-eight years of age. He then removed to
Atkins and worked in a mill tor nine years, after which he purchased the property and
has since operated the mill, being associated in the enterprise tor a time with Mr. Evans,
later with Mr. Bell and now with his brother. The mill has a capacity o£ seventy-flve
barrels daily and in addition to carrying on this business he has a lumberyard and has
built up a good trade in handling lumber and building material.

In 1911 Mr. Alewine was married to Miss Myrtle Austin, who was born in Pope
county, Arkansas, a daughter of S. Y. Austin, one of the old settlers of the county and
a farmer by occupation. Mr. and Mrs. Alewine have become parents of one son, Mau-
reece, now six years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Alewine belong to the Methodist Episcopal
church and his fraternal relations are with the Masonic lodge and chapter. He is a past
master of the order, having served for three different terms as worshipful master of his
ledge and at the present time he is high priest of the chapter. He likewise belongs to
the Woodmen of the World and both he and his wife are members of the Order of the
Eastern Star. He votes with the democratic party and gives stalwart allegiance to its
principles but has never been an aspirant for public office. His time and energies hava
been concentrated upon his business affairs and it has been by reason of his close
application, his thoroughness and his reliability that he has advanced steadily until his
undertaking has brought to him a substantial measure of prosperity.

ALFRED LEE PEACHER.

Alfred Lee Peacher, filling the position of postmaster at Fort Smith, was born in
Linneus, Missouri, in October, 1870, and is a son of James and Elizabeth (Wilson)
Peacher. The father was a native of Virginia and the grandfather came from West-
moreland county, Virginia. He served as a soldier of the Continental army during the
Revolutionary war. The Wilson family came from Tennessee, so that in both the
paternal and maternal lines Alfred Lee Peacher is descended from old southern fam-
ilies. His father removed to Linneus, Missouri, where he took up the occupation of
farming and there spent his remaining days, always devoting his life to agricultural
pursuits.

Alfred Lee Pfeacher obtained his education in the Brookfield Academy at Brookfield,
Missouri, in Westminster College, Fulton, Missouri, in the University of Wooster at
Wooster, Ohio, and in the University of Chicago, in which he pursued postgraduate
work. In early life he took up the profession of teaching, which he followed in Charles-
ton, Arkansas, and at Van Buren, Arkansas, where he was superintendent of schools.
Thinking to find other pursuits more congenial and profitable, however, he entered the
insurance field in 1903, establishing an agency at Fort Smith, and he had already built
up a good business when he was called to his present position. It was in 1919 that he
was appointed by President Wilson to the office of postmaster of Fort Smith, in which
capacity he is now serving.

In 1904 Mr. Peacher was married to Miss Leanny Teague and they have one child,
Alfred Lee. Jr. The parents are widely and favorably known and both as a business
man and as a public official Mr. Peacher has made an excellent record that has gained
for him the respect and confidence of all.

OSCAR DILLON.

Oscar Dillon is the president of the De Soto Spring Company and is also further
identified with the business interests of Hot Springs through his connection with the
Citizens Ice & Fuel Company. A man of sound judgment and keen sagacity, his coopera-
tion is regarded ps most valuable to the conduct of business enterprises and he pos-
sesses notable initiative and resourcefulness in all that he undertakes. A native of
Missouri, he was born in Holt county, March 31, 18,55, and was therefore a lad of nine
years when in 1864 his father, W. E. Dillon, removed with the family to Neliraska City.
The father was a freighter who crossed the plains with botli mules and oxen, making
the trip to Salt Lake City and to Denver, Colorado. He was thus engaged until the
railroads were built, when freighting by team was no longer profitable. As Oscar Dillon
became of sufiicient age to assist his father he took active part in the work and drove
four mules across the plains when a boy of only ten years. He made many overland
trips with the freight wagons across the plains and experienced all the hardships and
trials of journeying in that fashion. He saw large herds of buffalo and often saw the
Indians as he traveled from the starting point to his destination. At one time he

90 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OP ARKANSAS

was interested in a cattle rancli on the Republic river and he remained a resident of
Nebraska until 1879. He then went to Texas and was a Texas ranger for a period of
fifteen months. Returning to Arkansas, he located at Little Rock, where he served as
deputy United States marshal under Torrence, for about two years. He was also inter-
ested in buying and selling horses there and in 1880 he came to Hot Springs, where he
lived for a time.

In the year 1882 Mr. Dillon was married to Miss Ada Baird, a daughter of William
Baird, one of the pioneers of Hot Springs. They began their domestic lite ,in this city
and continued to reside here until 1893, when they removed to Texas, and Mr. Dillon
was engaged in the cattle business, living at Fort Worth, Dallas and San Antonio. He
likewise followed general merchandising and remained a resident of Texas until 1897,
when he removed to Denver, Colorado, there residing for a year. He then went to
Kansas City, Missouri, where he conducted a general insurance business for a number
of years. His ne.xt removal took him to St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he
engaged in the insurance business and became the organizer of the Minnesota Casualty
Company. Later he went to Regina and to Saskatoon, British Columbia, and conducted
a laundry in each place.

After leaving the northern country Mr. Dillon took up his abode in Huntington,
Indiana, where he was connected with manufacturing interests until his return to Hot
Springs in 1920. Here he purchased the De Soto spring and erected there one of the
finest drinking pavilions and buildings in the state. The structure is built of Texas
marble and contains a large refreshment room, while in addition the famous De Soto
spring water is there sold. There is also a beautiful ballroom, where there is dancing
every night except Sunday, and this is patronized by the leading people of the city.
A very fine orchestra is here found, rendering high-class music for dancing. Mr. Dillon
is the president of this company and associated with him in the undertaking is P. W.
Fooshe. Mr. Dillon was for a time also interested in the Citizens Ice & Fuel Company
of St. Paul.

Mr. and Mrs. Dillon have a son, W. E. Dillon, and a daughter, who is married to
C. W. Whittaker. The son is the manager of the Retail and Wholesale Merchants Asso-
ciation of Utah.

Mr. Dillon belongs to several fraternal orders, being identified with the Eagles, the
Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen. His lodge associations have brought him
a wide acquaintance and his business affairs have further extended tTie circle. He is
a genial, cordial gentleman, so that he wins friends among all, and in business it is his
earnest desire to please his patrons, so that he gives to them the best possible service
along the lines of business in which he is engaged.

C. P. HUMMEL.

C. P. Hummel, deceased, was long a well known and highly esteemed resident of
Monte Ne. He came to the southwest from the Keystone state, his birth having occurred
in Montoursville, Pennsylvania, August 12, 1868, his parents being Peter B. and Emeline
(Hartm-an) Hummel, who were likewise natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Arkan-
sas in the year 1894 and the father conducted a large hay ranch near Carlisle. Subse-
quently he sold that land and removed to Monte Ne in 1901, at which time he purchased
a farm and developed his acreage into rich and productive fields, his place constituting
one of the finest farms in the county. His family numbered five sons, of whom two are
living. C. P. Hummel was the third in order of birth. Those still living are: D. B.
Hummel, a farmer residing at Burlington, Kansas; and C. C, living at Carlisle, Arkan-
sas, where he is engaged in the grocery business. In early life the mother was a member
of the German Reformed church, but later both Mr. and Mrs. Peter B. Hummel became
affiliated with the Seventh Day Adventist church. Peter B. Hummel was a soldier of
the Union army in the Civil war, doing service as a blacksmith and remaining at the
front until the close of hostilities. On one occasion he was wounded but never went to
the hospital.

C. P. Hummel largely acquired his education in the public schools of Iowa, accom-
panying his parents on their removal to that state when he was a young lad. After
putting aside his textbooks he began earning his own living by clerking in a grocery
store when but fourteen years of age. He gained much valuable knowledge while thus
employed and acquired considerable skill as a bookkeeper. In 1901 he arrived in Monte
Xe, Arkansas, where he erected a large store building and then secured an extensive
stock of general merchandise. He continued to conduct his store in a very successful
manner to the time of his demise, which occurred May 18, 1921. He was classed with
the representative and progressive business men of this section of the state and as he

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 91

prospered in his undertakings he made judicious investment in property, becoming the
owner of valuable land and a number of city lots in Monte Ne. He was also keenly
interested in affairs relating to the improvement and progress of his community and
for seven years he acceptably filled the position of postmaster.

On the 8th of July, 1889, Mr. Hummel was united in marriage to Miss Frank A.
Kimpton, who was born in Saint Lawrence county. New York, a daughter of C. P. and
Augusta A. (Woodward) Kimpton. the former a native of Saint Albans, Vermont, and
the latter of Manchester, New Hampshire. They removed to Inwa in 1S76 and there
Mr. Kimpton followed the occupation of farming until his life's hUiors were ended
in death on the 21st of November, 1909. He had long survived liis wife, who departed
this life November 18, 187t). Tliey were the parents of twelve children, si.x of whom
are living, Mrs. Hummel being the si.xth in order of birth." The others are: Charlie,
who is engaged in the telephone business in Gravity, Iowa; Mrs. Jennie French, living
in Creston, Iowa; Mrs. Henderson, a resident of Colorado; Mrs. John Marsell, of Colo-
rado; and Mrs. Nellie White of Omaha. Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. Hummel became the
parents of three children, of whom two are living: Mrs. Hazel Means, whose husband
operates a large wheat ranch at Goddard, Kansas; and Mrs. Josephine Graham, living
with her mother.

Mr. Hummel was for many years widely known as a faithful member of the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows and took an active part in the work of his lodge, which
he also represented in the grand lodge for a number of years. He likewise belonged
to the canton and the Daughters of Rebekah and he was also connected witli the Wood-
men of the World. His political allegiance was given to the democratic party and he
manifested his interest in the public welfare in many tangible ways. He did more
to grade the roads from his home to Rogers than any other man of the community.
He gave freely of his time and labor to the cause, six months being required to com-
plete the job. He was very progressive, believing in improvement and advancement
at all times, and his cooperation could ever be counted upon to further any plan or
measure for the general good. He built the dance hall, establislTed a swimming pool
and otherwise recognized the demand of youth for pleasure, making it his purpose to
provide clean sports and interests for the young people. The sterling worth of his
character, his contribution to the public good and his loyalty in all matters of citizen-
ship made him a man whom to know was to esteem and honor and his death was the
occasion of deep and widespread regret.

Mrs. Hummel gives her political endorsement to the republican party and from
1907 until 1914 she served as postmistress of Monte Ne, while recently she has been
reappointed to the position, which she is now acceptably filling.

JACOB H. C. KING, M. D.

Dr. Jacob H. C. King, a physician and surgeon of Hot Springs, who won his pro-
fessional degree upon graduation from the medical department of the University of
Arkansas, deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, as he had to provide
for his own support while pursuing his medical studies. Laudable ambition prompted
him to the greatest industry both in his work for others and in acquiring a knowledge
of the science of medicine and surgery, and today he occupies a place of prominence
as a successful practitioner in Hot Springs. He was born in Talladega, Alabama,
August 31, 1860, and is a son of Jacob W. and Sarah Ann (Mayes) King, the former a
native of North Carolina, while the latter was born in South Carolina. The father was
one of the pioneer citizens of Alabama and was one of the leading organizers of the
Confederacy. He served throughout the four years of hostilities between the north
and the south, continuing active in hi;^ nr,i;;iin/,.iti.iii work. He was a physician by pro-
fession and also a minister of the .Mi- imuiN l;:iptist church and his life was at all
times guided by his Christian lielief and . lia i ,ii i. lized by his devotion to every cause
which he believed to be right. He died ip is.sy, at the age of seventy-eight years.

Dr. King received his primary educational training in the public school of Lineville,
Alabama, and afterward attended the Lineville Academy. In 1880 he entered the
University of Arkansas for further study, but was compelled to return home in 1882 in
order to attend his father, who was on a sick bed. For two years he cared for his
father and during that time he read medicine under his father's preceptorship and
passed the examination before the county board of examiners, as was then the custom,
being granted a county license to practice.

Dr. King entered upon the active work of his profession in Amity. Clark county,
Arkansas, and in the winter of 1886-7 he became a student in the medical department
of the University of Arkansas, from which he received his professional degree as a

92 CENTENNIAL HISTOKY OP ARKANSAS

member of the class of 1889. During his attendance at medical college he worked at
whatever offered in order to gain the money necessary for the expenses of his course,
and in vacation periods he practiced his profession, thus paying his way through the
university. His entire cash capital at the time he entered college was twenty-five
dollars.

Following his graduation Dr. Kin^ returned to his practice in Amity, where he
remained until 1897, when on account of ill health he removed to Pike City, in Pike
county, Arkansas. Four years later, still in quest of health, he took up his abode in
Merkel, Texas, and after two years there spent he removed to Roswell, New Mexico,
while subsequently he established his home in Lakewood, that state. On regaining his
health he came to Hot Springs in 1904 and for the past seventeen years has made this
city his home. In 1914 he suspended practice on account of a sunstroke sustained that
summer and for six years was not in the active work of the profession but returned
to the practice of medicine and surgery in 1920. In the meantime his reading had kept
him abreast with the trend of modern professional thought and investigation. He
resides on his farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which is situated on the Ouachita
river, five miles southeast of Hot Springs.

In 1889 Dr. King was married to Miss Mary Alice Runyan of Amity and they became
the parents of nine children, six sons and three daughters, of whom five are living,
all sons: Henry, Glen, Paul, Stell and Cue. In 1909 Dr. King wedded Mrs. Lucy F.
Gilbert, nee Amick, and by this marriage there is one son, Jacob. Dr. King and his
wife are members of the Methodist church and they are well known in Hot Springs
and throughout the surrounding district, where the hospitality of the best homes is
freely accorded them. Dr. King deserves much credit for what he has accomplished.
Handicapped in youth by the lack of financial resources, he displayed the elemental
strength of his character in the manner in which he achieved his education. He is a
broad-minded man of wide general knowledge as well as of excellent information con-
cerning the science of medicine. His views are progressive and he is steadily looking
toward further development along helpful lines.

SEBASTIAN GEISREITER.

Sebastian Geisreiter, an Arkansas pioneer, with a distinguished military record
for service in the Civil war and ranking with the honored and representative residents
of Pine Bluff, was born in Bavaria, Germany, May 30, 1840. his parents being Jacob
and Elizabeth (Von Schmuck) Geisreiter. He attended school in his native land to
the age of fourteen years, when he came to America in company with his father,
who was a cabinetmaker by trade. They lived in New York city for some time, the
father working at his trade, and during that period the son became a clerk in a
cigar store and later a furniture salesman. He afterward occupied a position as
bookkeeper in Brooklyn, New York, but when several years had passed he and his
father removed to Iowa, where the father died. Anxious to improve his education,
Sebastian Geisreiter attended Washington College in Iowa and eventually won a teach-
er's license. Later he moved to Minnesota and it was during his residence in that
state that he inaugurated his military career by enlisting in the Second Minnesota
Cavalry and participating in the campaign against the Sioux Indians, who rendered
life and property unsafe on the western frontier. He was assigned to a detail to
guard immigrant trains across the plains of Montana and was made a sergeant.
He was afterward ordered to St. Louis and commissioned a first lieutenant in the
Army of the Department of the South. He remained on active duty not only until
the surrender of Lee but also continued in the service and in 1866 appeared before the
army officers examining board and was assigned to Fort Smith, Arkansas, on special
service. He was ordered to report to General Ord at Little Rock the same year and
was assigned to inspection duty in eastern Arkansas, with headquarters at Pine Bluff.
There were many delicate situations arising during the reconstruction period and Mr.
Geisreiter was called on to solve many perplexing problems requiring skill and
diplomacy of the highest order. He endeared himself to the people of this community
by his fairness and splendid sense of equity and he has carried this esteem with him
through the years that have passed since the disturbed days following the civil con-
flict. His continued residence in this community, honored by his fellow citizens, is
a rare mark of distinction and is in itself a splendid testimonial to the integrity
and broad spirit of one who came here to discharge a military duty at a period
fraught with dissension.

In 1868 Captain Geisreiter resigned from the service and embarked in the insur-
ance business. As the years passed he prospered in his undertakings and, making

SEBASTIAN GEISREITEK

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OP ARKANSAS 95

judicious investments in real estate, is now the owner of two thousand acres of cul-
tivable land besides substantial holdings in city property. In all things he has mani-
fested sound judgment and marked enterprise and for many years has been numbered
among the men of affluence in this community, while in the evening of life he is able
to enjoy not only its necessities and comforts but many of its luxuries.

In 1877 Mr. Geisreiter was married to Miss Mary Olive Merrill, a daughter of
James Merrill. She died in 1878 and in 1889 Mr. Geisreiter wedded Linda D. Chinn,
a daughter of Dr. Raleigh Chinn of Mason county. Kentucky. She died in 1920. Mr.
Geisreiter has one daughter, Mary Merrill, who became the wife of J. Hall Miller of
Atlanta, Georgia, a representative of one of the old and distinguished families of that
section of the country.

Mr. Geisreiter has served as a captain in the uniformed rank of the Knights of
Pythias and in Masonry he has been accorded the honorary thirty-third degi-ee in
the Scottish Rite — a degree that is bestowed only upon those who hive rendered
signal service to the fraternity and exemplified in the highest measure the beneficent
principles underlying the order. He has at all times enjoyed the friendship and con-
fidence of many distinguished persons, including some of the leading figures in
Arkansas' history, from Civil war times down to the present. To him have come "the
blest accompaniments of age — honor, riches, troops of friends."

JOE LEE DAVIS.

Joe. Lee Davis of Magnolja, a prominent and representative business man, is iden-
tified with manufacturing, mercantile and banking interests and his labors are a potent
force in promoting the material development and upbuilding of the district in which he
operates. Mr. Davis was born in Atlanta, Arkansas, December 20, 1869. His father,
James Evan Davis, who died in Magnolia in 1909, at the age of eighty-two years, was
at one time a successful merchant and planter of Atlanta, Arkansas, but retired about
five years prior to his demise and established his home in Magnolia, where his remain-
ing days were passed. His people were from Georgia. During the entire period of the
Civ!l war he was in the service of the Confederate government and was disfranchised
afterward by carpetbaggers because of his connection therewith. In early manhood he
wedded Mary R. Morgan, who died in Magnolia in 1908, at the age of seventy-five years.
She was born in Jasper county, Georgia, and was a daughter of Henry S. Morgan, who
served as a soldier in the Seminole war in Florida. The Morgins were originally from
Virginia and were descendants of Captain John Morgan of Revolutionary war fame,
who came from Ireland and settled in Virginia in 1752. The Davis family comes of
Welsh ancestry, although representatives of the name emigrated from Wales to Ire-
land and then came to America in the eighteenth century, settling first in Virginia,
while at a later date a removal was made to Georgia. The marriage of James B. Davis
and Mary R. Morgan was celebrated at Longcane, Georgia, in 1850, and they became
parents of eleven children, five sons and six daughters, of whom three sons and two
daughters are deceased, while six of the family are living.

Joe Lee Davis, the ninth in order of birth, was educated in Atlanta Academy in
Atlanta, Arkansas, pursuing a full college course in mathematics and two years in
English and science. Through the intervening period he has been an active factor in
business circles and now divides his attention between manufacturing, banking and
mercantile interests. He engages in business under the firm name of J. L. & D. M.
Davis, the firm having branches at Magnolia, El Dorado, Kerlin and Hiynesville,
Louisiana. At these various points they are actively engaged in the lumber business,
to which J. L. Davis has largely given his attention for the past fifteen years. He is
also the vice president of the People's Bank of Magnolia, vice president of the Bank
of Taylor, at Taylor, Arkansas, and a director in the Farmers' & Bankers' Trust Com-
pany. He is also the secretary of the Columbia Cotton Oil Company of Magnolia and
of the Ouachita Cotton Oil Company at Camden. He is the president of the Davis Loan
& Investment Company at Magnolia and president of the Magnolia Grocer Company,
a wholesale grocery concern. He is likewise the president of the McNeil Hardware &
Furniture Company of McNeil, Arkansas, is a director of the McNeil Mercantile Com-
pany of McNeil, Arkansas, vice president of the firm of Hollis & Company, wholesale
dealers in mill supplies at Little Rock, and is a director of the Shreveport Fertilizer
Works at Shreveport, Louisiana. His business interests, therefore, are of large extent
and importance and that he deserves great credit for what he has accomplished is
indicated in the fact that he started out in the business world as a bookkeeper while
in his teens, for C. M. Pomby, at Atlanta, Arkansas, and was afterward at Magnolia
with Mr. Pomby, who was his brother-in-law and who was engaged in general mer-

96 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

chandising. Mr. Davis was thus employed at Atlanta and Magnolia for eight years and
during the latter part of that period became a partner in the business. Later he
embarked in merchandising independently, carrying on business of that character under
different firm names from 1890 until 1908, at Magnolia. He afterward entered the
present firm, under the style of J. L. & D. M. Davis and has continued to operate suc-
cessfully to the present time in connection with the lumber industry and mercantile
pursuits. His holdings and investments are now extensive and his business affairs
place him as one of the representative men of this section of the state. He also operates
several plantations in Columbia county, near Atlanta and Kerlin. He is a man of
forceful character, resourceful in all that he undertakes, and by reason of what he
has accomplished he is recognized as one of the captains of industry in the southwest.
His fellow townsmen recognizing his worth and ability and seeing what he has accom-
plished in a business way have chosen him for various positions of public honor, trust
and responsibility. He is now the president of the Chamber of Commerce at Magnolia
and has been president of the county board of education since it was established in
1920. He was likewise a member of the state board of charities from 1907 until 1909
and was a delegate from Columbia coUnty to the constitutional convention of 1917-18.
As a candidate he received every vote in the township in which he was born and reared
except two, a fact which indicates in notable measure his personal popularity and the
confidence reposed in him. He was supervisor of the census for the Seventh Congres-
sional district in 1920. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to Magnolia Lodge, No. 82.
A. F. & A. M.; Magnolia Chapter, No. 112, R. A. M. ; and Magnolia Council. No. 11, R.
& S. M. Religiously he is connected with the Methodist Episcopal church. South, and is
serving on its board of stewards and its board of trustees.

Mr. Davis has been twice married. On January 11, 1894, he wedded Mattie Goo'e,
daughter of Dr. John Goode of Magnolia, Arkansas. Mrs. Davis departed this life in
1898. At Prescott, Arkansas, on the 16th of January, 1901, Mr. Davis was united in
marriage to Miss Ella Arnold of that place, a daughter of Dr. W. E. Arnold, who is
still living, at the age of eighty-four years. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have become parents
of four children, a son and three daughters: Ruth, who married James Hatley White
of Hope, Arkansas, where they reside; Joe L., Jr., who is cashier for the J. L. & D. M.
Davis Company; and Mary and Lottie who are students in Galloway College at Searcy,
Arkansas. Mr. Davis is a native son of Arkansas and has spent his life in this state.
He has recognized and utilized the opportunities which have come to him and his enter-
prise and diligence have carried him steadily forward, until he has long since left the
ranks of the many to stand among the successful. His persistency of purpose and
capable management have brought him substantial reward and, moreover, his labors
have been of a character which have contributed to public progress and improvement
along material lines. At the same time he has never allowed business affairs so to
monopolize his attention that he has had no time for other interests and duties. On
the contrary, he has contributed much toward the work of general advancement and
improvement, standing loyally at all times for progressive citizenship and for those
interests which lead to the intellectual and moral progress of the state.

HARRY NORWOOD STREET. M. D.

Dr. Harry Norwood Street, a physician of Lonoke, was born at Street, Mississippi,
in 1868, the town having been named in honor of the family of which he is a repre-
sentative. His parents were Thomas Parke and Emily Kate (Norwood) Street and the
former was a son of Henry G. Street, of Hanover county, Virginia, and of Revolutionary
war stock. The mother was a daughter of Abel J. and Emily (Stanley) Norwood. The
former lived at Norwood, Louisiana, and was a son of Abel Norwood, who was born
in South Carolina. Thus in both the paternal and maternal lines Dr. Street is descended
from old and prominent southern families. He is related to the Curtis and Parke
families of Virginia. His father was a Civil war veteran, serving as a major sergeant
for four years, and following the close of hostilities between the north and the south
he owned and developed a large cotton plantation.

Dr. Street pursued a common school education and afterward continued his studies
in a preparatory school at Port Gibson, Mississippi. He determined upon the practice
of medicine as his life work and to this end became a student in the medical college
of Tulane University at New Orleans in the fall of 1887, being graduated April 1, 1890.
He then located' for practice in his native town and in 1892 removed to Gloster, Amite
county, Mississippi, where he followed his profession until 1907. He afterward traveled
for two years before locating in North Little Rock in 1909. Later he took up his abode
in the city of Little Rock and made for himself a creditable position in professional

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 97

circles of the capital. He became a member of the faculty of the College of Physicians
and Surgeons and his power in the educational field as well as in the practice of medicine
and surgery was widely acknowledged. On leaving Little Rock he took up his abode
in Lonoke in 1914 and has here remained throughout the intervening period. He has
gained a liberal practice here and is most conscientious and capable in the performance
of his professional duties. Aside from his practice Dr. Street has been interested in
a railroad project, building a short line, and he is now general manager of the Pine Bluff
& Northern Railway Company and president of the Central & Gulf Railroad Company,
which is under construction into the city of Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

Dr. Street was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Robinson, a daughter of L. B.
Robinson, president of the Bank of Gloster, Mississippi. Their children are two in
number: Thomas N., who is a student of Batesville College; and Helen K., who is a
graduate of the Lonoke high school and also of Belhaven College of Jackson, Mississippi.
She held the chair of Latin and English in the high school of Arkansas City and is
now teaching in the Fordyce high school at Fordyce, Arkansas.

Mrs. Street is very active in church work and is now Bible instructor in tlie Young
Women's Christian Association of Little Rock and is likewise well known throughout
the entire south as an instructor in Bible work. Fraternally Dr. Street is a Mason of
high degree, having become a member of the Mystic Shrine, and is a loyal follower of
the teachings and high purposes of the craft. The Doctor and his wife occupy a very
prominent position in social circles and their influence has been a potent force for good
in the field of general development and progress.

COLONEL EDWIN LANDVOIGT.

Colonel Edwin Landvoigt, vice president of the Times Herald, published at Forrest
City, Arkansas, was born in what is now the District of Columbia, then a part of
Virginia, June 11, 1840. his parents being George and Dora (Kramer) Landvoigt. The
father was a native of Austria, while the mother was born in Bremen, Germany. Coming
to the United States in young manhood, George Landvoigt located in Baltimore, Mary-
land. He had previously been a soldier in the Austrian army and he was a botanist of
renown, devoting his life to botanical work and to the conduct of a greenhouse in
Baltimore until he removed to Washington, D. C, where he continued his activity along
the same line, becoming recognized as one of the foremost botanists in the capital city.
He entered the United States army with the rank of captain, serving with the regulars.
He went to Mexico with the American forces and was killed during the progress of
the Mexican war. His wife had come to the United States when but six years of age
in company with friends, her parents having previously died. She was reared in
Washington, D. C, and was there married. She lived to the advanced age of eighty-
seven years. In their family were four children: Charles E., who served as a surgeon
in the Confederate army and is deceased; John A., who was a member of the Federal
army during the Civil war and is also deceased; Doris W., who served with the Federal
forces; and Edwin.

The last named attended a private school in Washington and was also a student in
the Georgetown College for a year. He afterward entered the employ of the Buell &
Blanchard Printing Company in Washington and while thus employed he set up captions
for Uncle Tom's Cabin. He also acted as proof reader on Hinton Helper's Impending
Crisis of the South. In 1858 he went to Memphis, Tennessee, where he took charge
of the job office of the Eagle-Inquirer, being thus connected until the war, when he
enlisted in the Confederate army, becoming a member of Wicks Mounted Infantry. Thus
two of the four brothers of the family were in the Federal service and two with the
Confederate forces. Colonel Landvoigt was wounded at the battle of Perryville and
sustained two wounds at Fort Morgan, where he was captured. He was afterward
taken to New Orleans and Ship Island, also to Point Lookout and to Castle William in
New York, thence he was sent to Elmira, New York, where he was held as a prisoner
of war until the close of hostilities. He afterward returned to Washington, D. C,
and later again went to Memphis, where he entered the service of Whitmore Brothers
as foreman on the Evening Ledger. In 1885 he came to Forrest City, Arkansas, where
he purchased the Forrest City Times, which had been established by Bill Oury in 1871.
This was a weekly paper, which he continued to publish until 1919. when he organized
a stock company and retired from active management. He had previously consolidated
this with the Herald under the name of the Times Herald. He remains vice president
of the company, owning stock, but is not active in its control. In connection with news-
paper publication he also did commercial printing and built up a business of gratifying
proportions, having devoted the greater part of his life to newspaper interests.

Vol. II— 7

98 CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

Colonel Laiidvoigt was married in young manhood to Miss Fannie Wliite, a native
of Kentucky, who died in 1902. leaving two children: Nettie, who Is the widow of
Charles Power of Los Angeles, California; and Dora, deceased.

Colonel Landvoigt is today the oldest member of the Arkansas Press Association
and has frequently served as a delegate to various meetings of the press association
in this and other states. His political allegiance has always been given to the democratic
party and his discussion of vital political themes through the press has been an in-
fluencing factor in molding public thought and opinion on many occasions. Fraternally
he was connected with the Knights of Honor, while his religious faith is indicated by
his membership in the Episcopal church. He has lived through many momentous periods
in the history of the country, watching its development since the beginning of the fifth
decade in the nineteenth century and at all times his influence and aid have been given
on the side of progress and improvement and in behalf of those plans and projects
which he believed would prove of public benefit and of worth to community, common-
wealth and country.

ISOM SIMMONS.

Isom Simmons enjoys an extensive clientage as an able attorney of Fort Smith,
where he has followed his profession during the past fourteen years. He is a native
of Kansas and a son of Benjamin and Matilda (McKenzie) Stmmons, who removed from
the Sunflower state to Booneville, Arkansas, where his early education was acquired.
Later the family home was established about three miles west of Barber. After com-
pleting his educational training Isom Simmons took up the work of teaching and also
read law in preparation for a professional career. On being admitted to the bar he
located for practice at Waldron, there remaining until 1907, when he came to Fort
Smith, where he has continued through the intervening years to the present time. He
is now practicing independently but was formerly associated with Harold K. Watrous,
who entered the army and subsequently settled In Connecticut. His clientage is ex-
tensive and of an important character. He is remarkable among lawyers for the wide
research and provident care with which he prepares his cases. At no time has his
reading ever been confined to the limitations of the questions at issue. It has gone
beyond and compassed every contingency and provided not alone for the expected but
for the unexpected, which happens in the courts quite as frequently as out of them.
In 1914 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Sebastian and Scott counties, making a
most creditable and commendable record in that position during the period of his
incumbency, which covered two years.

Mr. Simmons has been twice married and had two children by his first wife, who
in her maidenhood was Miss Jennie Blythe of Logan county. For his second wife he
chose Miss May Brown and they have become parents of a son, Isom. Mr. Simmons
has spent practically his entii-e life in Arkansas, and in Fort Smith he has become
widely recognized as a most able and successful member of the bar.

W. D. JACOWAY.

W. D. Jacoway, one of the widely known residents of Yell county, serving us post-
master at Dardanelle, was born January 26, 1869, in the city which is still his home,
his parents being Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Jacoway, who are mentioned on another page of
this work in connection with the sketch of H. M. Jacoway. Dardanelle's present post-
master received his education in his native city and at Winchester, Tennessee, and after-
ward pursued a course in dentistry in the University of Tennessee at Nashville, where
he was graduated in 1900. He then located for practice at Dardanelle and followed
the profession for fifteen years, gaining a liberal patronage during that period. In 1912
he was appointed postmaster and is now serving under a second appointment. He is
courteous and obliging to the patrons of the office, faithful in the care of the public
interests and the constituents of the ofl^ce are thoroughly satisfied with his ad-
ministration.

In 1905 Mr. Jacoway was married to Miss Maye Adams, who was born in Dardanelle
and is a daughter of Cass ajid Sallie Adams, pioneer settlers of Yell county, where the
father followed the occupation of farming. Mr. and Mrs. Jacoway are parents of two
children: William Cass and Henderson M., both in school.

In his fraternal relations Mr. Jacoway is a Royal Arch Mason and a Knight of
Pythias and in the latter organization he is a past chancellor commander and is also

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 99

a past high priest of the Masonic chapter, to which he belongs. His religious faith and
that of his wife connects them with the Baptist church, while in political belief Mr.
Jacoway is a democrat and has filled various offices. He is a school director, a position
which he has occupied for a number of years, and during the past eight years he has?
concentrated His time and energy upon his duties as postmaster. He is representative
of one of the old and highly respected families of the county and there are few in this
section of the state who are more widely known or more highly respected than W. D.
Jacoway, who possesses many sterling traits of character such as win confidence and
goodwill in every land and clime.

SAMUEL McCONAUGHEY WASSELL.

Samuel McConaughey Wassell, member of the Little Rock bar, was admitted to
practice in this city and has since given his attention to duties connected with the legal
profession save for the period of his service in the World war. Born in Little Rock.
April 28, 1883, he is a son of Samuel Spotts and Bettie (McConaughey) "Wassell, also
natives of this state. The father was born in Little Rock, May 2, 1854, and the mother's
birth occurred in Searcy, October 2, 1859. They were married in the capital city, April 8,
1878, and became parents of four sons, one of whom died in infancy, while three are
yet living: Frank John, Samuel M. and Herbert Lynn. The last named was a student
commander at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology during the World war and
was in the army from May, 1918, until December, 1918, but was not overseas. The
father was an attorney, who was gi-aduated from Cornell University at Ithaca, New
York, in 1876, and after preparing for the bar concentrated his attention upon profes-
sional interests until his demise, which occurred in Little Rock on the 24th of December,
1904. His political endorsement was always given to the democratic party. His widow
survives and yet makes her home in the capital city.

Samuel M. Wassell obtained a public school education and afterward took up the
study of law under private instruction. Following his admission to the bar on the
4th of October, 1904, he continued to serve as official court reporter of the first judicial
district until November 15, 1905, having been appointed to the office on the 1st of
January, 1904. After retiring from that position he was appointed assistant attorney
general for Arkansas and continued to represent the state in that connection until
February, 1907, at which time he once more became official court reporter of the first
Judicial circuit and so acted until November 1, 1912, when he resumed the private
practice of law. He was thus engaged, enjoying a large clientage, until August, 1917,
when he volunteered for military service, becoming a member of Company I, Twelfth
Infantry Regiment, with which he remained until November 17, 1917, when he was
pronounced physically disqualified. He then went to Houston. Texas, where he was
made assistant land and tax commissioner for the Southern Pacific Railroad, with
headquarters in Houston. Two months later he was requested by J. R. Vinson, president
of the Southern Trust Company and the state manager for the Red Cross, to return to
Little Rock and take charge of the finances of the Red Cross. Mr. Wassell complied
with this request and so served until May, 1918, when he was appointed United States
naturalization attorney with headquarters first in Little Rock and later in Chicago
and Detroit. He continued to act in that capacity until April 1, 1920, when he again
became a resident of Little Rock and resumed the private practice of law, in which he
still continues, his practice now being extensive and of an important character. He
has also acted a number of times as special judge of the circuit court. '

Mr. Wassell has one daughter, Ruth Helen, born May 28, 1908. His political en-
dorsement is always given to the principles of the democratic party. He belongs to
Christ Episcopal church and is a Master Mason, these associations indicating clearly
the nature of his interests and the rules which govern his conduct.

JAMES D. COOK.

James D. Cook, a leading member of the Texarkana bar, was born on a farm about
seven miles from Lansing, Michigan, on the 8th of September, 1853. The family comes
of Scotch ancestry. His parents were William and Janette (King) Cook, both of whom
were natives of Scotland, whence they came to the United States in 1842, settling in
Michigan. Both were reared about fifty miles from Glasgow, but the opportunities of
the new world attracted them and they came to the United States to try their fortune.

Their son, James D. Cook, spent his youthful days in his native state and almost

100 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

as soon as old enough to reach the plow handle he began work in the fields, devoting
much o£ the summer season to the task of assisting his father in the operation of the
old homestead. Liberal educational advantages, however, were accorded him and after
attending the common schools and an academy he continued his studies under a private
tutor. In 1875 he went to Corinth, Mississippi, where he engaged in teaching school
tor two years, and in 1877 he came to Texarkana and again took up the profession of
teaching in the Cook Brothers Academy, which was established by his brother, W. G.
Cook, in the previous year. James D. Cook was one of the instructors in the institution
for a time and while thus engaged he devoted the hours which are usually termed
leisure to the study of law. In the spring of 1878 he was admitted to the bar and
opened an ofiBce in partnership with his brother, a business relation that was main-
tained for fifteen years. He then began practicing alone but later was in partnership
for two years with R. M. Wallace. His son, James D., Jr., is now associated with him
in practice and the firm has a large clientele. Their business is extensive and of an
important character and they have made for themselves a most creditable name In
connection with the work of the courts. Mr. Cook is regarded as both an able advocate
and wise counselor and in the course of his practice he has tried all kinds of cases
and tried them well.

On the 15th of November, 1881, Mr. Cook was united in marriage to Miss Susan
Pride Martin "and to them were born seven children, of whom three are now living,
as follows: Flippin M., now a lawyer at El Dorado, Arkansas; Miss Leta M. and James
D., Jr., both of Texarkana.

In point of time Mr. Cook is the oldest practicing attorney of Texarkana with the
exception of Paul Jones. In 1882 he was elected the first city attorney and filled the
position for one term. Following the death of Colonel Al. H. Payton he was appointed
to fill the vacancy in the state legislature in 1881. In 1917 he became municipal judge
of Texarkana and served upon the bench of that court for two terms or until 1921.
He was also alderman for several years and at all times he has stood for those in-
terests which most fully uphold and sustain the legal, social and moral status of the
community. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and his entire life has been
cast in harmony with his professions. Arkansas gained a most substantial citizen when
he removed to Texarkana and one whose worth along many lines has been most tangibly
demonstrated.

HAROLD E. BLUTHENTHAL.

Harold E. Bluthenthal, a cotton factor and merchant of Pine Bluff, well known in
the business circles of Arkansas, is a representative of one of the old families of the
state whose members have been conspicuous in the life of the south for more than a
century. He is the son of David M. Bluthenthal, who passed away in Pine Bluff in
1915, having reached the age of seventy years, his birth having occurred in Bavaria,
Germany, in 1845. Before entering upon the immediate history of Harold E. Bluthen-
thal it will be interesting in this connection to note that the first representative of
the name in America was an uncle of David M. Bluthenthal, who, coming to the new
world, served with the American army in the Mexican war and was killed before the
city of Mexico, under command of General Scott. A. Simon, the father-in-law of David
M. Bluthenthal, came to the United States from France in 1825 and was a prominent
business man of Louisville, Kentucky, but spent the last fifteen years of his life in
Arkansas and was buried at Pine Bluff. He was a noted horseman and owned many
thoroughbreds. He also served in the Mexican war and was in the secret service of
the Confederacy during the Civil war. Samuel Bluthenthal, elder brother of David
M. Bluthenthal, left Germany to become a resident of the new world and made for
himself a creditable position in connection with the business interests and the public
life of Arkansas. He took up his abode in Dallas county. He was married to Bertha
Becker and at the time of the Civil war he joined the Confederate forces and served
in the Third Arkansas Cavalry command under Solon Bolin. He was also with
General Forrest and General Wheeler, was twice taken prisoner and was wounded in
battle, sustaining injuries in the engagement at Corinth and again at Chickamauga.
At the latter place, when his regiment surrendered, its numbers had been reJuced
until there were only eighty-four men. On one occasion after being captured he escaped
from prison. When the war was over he returned to his home in Arkansas and in
this state he reared his family, numbering five children. Herbert C the eldest of the
family, married Jessie Marks of Cincinnati. Ohio, and they became parents of three
children: Irwin, who served in the World war; Herbert, Jr., a student in the University
of Chicago; and a daughter, Mabel. The second of the family of Samuel Bluthenthal

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 101

is Blanche, the wife ot S. Katzenstein, and the others are: Josie, tlie wife of Rabbi
Kornfeld, United States minister to Persia; Gabe, living in New York city; and Mrs.
Max Mayer, also of Xew York.

David M. Bluthenthal, the father of Harold E. Bluthenthal, spent the first ten
years of his life in his native country and then came to the United States to join his
brother Samuel, who had previously settled in Dallas county, Arkansas. A cousin,

D. S. Bluthenthal, was also a resident of Dallas county, as was another cousin, Samuel.
David M. Bluthenthal joined his kindred and lived in Dallas county until the outbreak
of the Civil war. His brother, Samuel, joined the Confederate army and David after-
ward became a representative of that great army of gray-clad soldiers who marched to
the defense of the south. Henry Bluthenthal, another brother who had previously lived
in Arkansas, died at Princeton in 1860. Following the war David M. Bluthenthal and
his brothers, Samuel and D. S., came to Pine Bluff, where they organized the S. Bluthen-
thal Company in 1865 and opened a store which has been in existence throughout the
intervening period, a most substantial and constantly gi-owing business having been
developed. The senior partner in the firm, Samuel Bluthenthal, passed away in 1917
and from that time the business was carried on by Harold E. and Herbert Bluthenthal
up to February, 1922, when the former became sole proprietor by the purchase of the
interest of Herbert Bluthenthal. The latter is a son of Samuel Bluthenthal and Harold

E. is a son of David M. Bluthenthal, both founders of the business. The company has
not only conducted a mercantile establishment but has also engaged in cotton raising,
having extensive acreage, its properties amounting altogether to fifteen thousand acres,
situated in ten counties of the state. The original owners were men of recognized
business ability and marked enterprise and their activities brought them a very sub-
stantial measure of success.

David M. Bluthenthal was united in marriage to Miss Sophie S. Simon, a daughter
of Abraham and Minnie (Kahn) Simon, and they became parents of two children, Harold
E. and Bessie.

Harold E. Bluthenthal. who was born at Pine Bluff, July 11, 1884, was educated
at Center College ot Kentucky, in which he completed his course of study in 1902.
Immediately afterward he became associated with his father in business and is now
manager of the company. Like his father, he has displayed marked enterprise, dili-
gence and perseverance in the conduct of his affairs and obstacles and difficulties in
his path have seemed to serve but as an inspiration for renewed effort on his part.

For a brief period during the World war Harold E. Bluthenthal was in military
service. He is well known in fraternal circles, being a past exalted ruler ot the local
lodge of Elks, while in Masonry he has taken the degrees of the Scottish Rite and is
a member of the Mystic Shrine. The family have been represented in Arkansas during
the greater part of a century and the name has always been a synonym of business enter-
prise and progressiveness, while their infiuence has ever been on the side of improve-
ment in connection with affairs of public moment.

ROBERT BOOTH MOORE, M. D.

Dr. Robert Booth Moore, an ear, nose and throat specialist of Little Rock, of
marked capability and with large practice, was born in Searcy, Arkansas, July 23,
1888. His parents, Dr. Luther E. and Martha (Booth) Moore, still reside in Searcy,
where the mother was born, but the father's birth occurred in Tennessee in 1851. They
were married in Searcy. February 22, 1886, and Dr. Moore continues in the active prac-
tice of medicine and surgery there. In politics he is a democrat. To him and his wife
have been born three sons and two daughters, but the latter have departed this life.

Dr. Moore, spending his youthful days under the parental roof, attended the
public and high schools of his native city until graduated with the class of 1904. He
was afterward for four years a student in Hendrix College of Arkansas and later went
to the Vanderbilt University, in which he spent three years, devoting two years of
that time to medical study. He next matriculated in Columbia University of New
York as a medical student and was gi-aduated in 1914. Later he spent eighteen months
in the New York Polyclinic as an interne and subsequently was interne at Bellevue
Hospital for a year. In December, 1917, he came to Little Rock, where he opened an
office and entered upon the active work of the profession. On the 18th of August of
that year, he had been commissioned a first lieutenant of the Medical Corps and was
at Camp Pike, Arkansas, until September 25, 1918. In October of the same year he
went overseas and was assigned to Base Hospital, No. 65, at Brest. France, there re-
maining until February, 1919, when he was assigned to Field Hospital, No. 2, at
Dernhach, Germany, remaining at that place until August 20. 1919. when he returned

102 CEXTEXXTAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

to Little Rock and resumed the active practice of his profession. He specializes on
the ear, nose and throat as a member of the firm of Scarborough, Ogden, Zell & Judd,
one of the best known and most prominent firms of the state.

Dr. Moore belongs to the Little Rock Country Club and his social qualities have
gained for him many friends. His political endorsement is given to the democratic party
and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal
church, South. He neglects no duty nor obligation of citizenship but concentrates the
greater part of his time and attention upon his professional interests, which are be-
coming increasingly more important as the years pass.

HENRY S. JONES.

Henry S. Jones, banker, merchant and rice grower, living at Gillett, is through
his various lines of activity closely associated with the commercial development and
progress of this section of the state. He is a man of undaunted enterprise, to whom
obstacles and difficulties seem no bar to the attainment of his purpose, for he overcomes
these by determined and persistent efforts, while at all times his business activities
have been most intelligently directed.

Mr. Jones is a native of Eugene, Vermilion county, Indiana, his birth having occurred
in 1863. His parents were J. A. and A. M. (Craig) Jones, the former a native of Spring-
field, Ohio, and a son of Louis Jones, who was a farmer and blacksmith and who in the
year 1824 removed to Indiana, casting in his lot among the pioneer residents of Ver-
milion county. There his son, J. A. Jones, was reared and made his home until 1879,
when he came to Arkansas, settling near Arkansas Post, where he departed this life.
His widow, who afterward removed to Gillett, was a daughter of John and Olive
(Googans) Craig. Her father was born in Kentucky, whence he removed to Indiana,
living for some time in Ripley county. Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Jones had a family of five
children: L. C; Henry S.; J. M., deceased; Mary Etta; and Naomi, who is the wife
of Albert Dohman.

Henry S. Jones was a youth of sixteen years when his parents came to Arkansas
and in the public schools of Gillett he completed his education, which had been begun
in the public schools of his native county. He afterward became identified with cattle
raising and subsequently turned his attention to mercantile pursuits in Gillett. Here
he owns and conducts a store that is one of the leading mercantile interests of the city.
It is well appointed in every particular and the large line of goods which he handles
enables him readily to supply the wants of his patrons. He also controls a thousand
acres of rice land and in this manner is closely associated with rice production, which
has become one of the most important industries of this part of the state. He is also
the president of the Bank of Gillett and is proving his ability to handle various interests
and handle all successfully. He is still associated with W. H. Truax in his general
merchandise interest, the partnership having existed since Mr. Jones entered mercantile
circles.

In 1916 Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Truax, a daughter of
James Truax of Gillett, and they are prominently known in this section of the state,
where the hospitality of their home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. Mr.
Jones is a Mason of high rank, having attained the thiry-second degree of the Scottish
Rite in the Consistory, while with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine he has crossed the
sands of the desert. He is much interested in the growth of the organization and has
exemplified in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft. The major part of his time and
attention, however, has been concentrated upon his constantly expanding business
interests and step by step he has advanced, his orderly progi-ession at all times bringing
him a broader outlook and wider opportunities. Today he is recognized as one of the
forceful figures in agricultural, commercial and financial circles in Arkansas county.

ADDISON C. TENNANT.

Addison C. Tennant, who is engaged in farming, his home being in the vicinity of
Farmington, is a native son of Washington county, Arkansas, born January 14, 1846.
The Tennant family is of English origin and was founded in Atoerica at an early day.
The grandfather was a native of Virginia and went west at an early period, after which
nothing was heard of him. His son, Thomas H. Tennant, was born in Virginia and
he cast in his lot with the early settlers of Washington county, Arkansas. He was
first married near Little Rock and there were eight children born of that union, but

CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 103

only one is living. :\Ir?. Adeline Pyeatt. who makes her home in the stale of Washington.
For liis second wife Mr. Tennant chose Mis. Stover, a widow, whose maiden name was
Clarissa White. She was horn in Murray county. Tennessee, and this marriage was
celebrated in Washington county, Arkansas. The following children were born of the
second marriage: Addison C, of this review; T. S., a farmer, living near Summers,
Arkansas; Mrs. Alva Black of Merkel, Texas. The father was always a consistent mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and his political support was given to
the democratic party. He was a successful farmer who took up land of the government
in pioneer times and in the early period of the state's development and killed many
deer and bears here. He was a man of notable strength and had a marvelous voice
which carried seven miles. He lived to the notable age of one hundred and fifteen
years.

A. C. Tennant was educated in the country schools and was but a youth of fifteen
years when the Civil war broke out which caused the closing of many schools and thus
curtailed the educational advantages of Mr. Tennant and others in the neighborhood.
The first school that he ever attended was held in one of the old-time log buildings with
mud and stick chimney and slab seats. Following his father's death he inherited a part
of the old homestead, which he afterward sold and later purchased his present farm,
comprising one hundred and seventy acres of land. On this he has erected a beautiful
frame residence, comfortable, commodious and tasteful in its arrangements. He devotes
his attention to' the raising of corn, oats and other grains and also fruit, having an
orchard of twenty acres. He produces some of the finest apples rai.sed in this section
of the state and his ability as a horticulturist is widely recognized. He has also made
a specialty of raising mules and the various branches of his business are proving to
him a gratifying source of success.

On May 19, 1872, Mr. Tennant was married to Miss Mary E. Gray, who was born
in Washington county, Arkansas, a daughter of Sanford F. and Elizabeth Gray, both of
whom were natives of Tennessee, where they were reared and married. They came to
Washington county in early life and here Mr. Gray followed the occupation of farming
throughout his remaining days. He and his wife had a family of ten children, but
only three are living: Mrs. Anna Simpson, a resident of Washington county; Mason F.,
living in Dodge City, Texas; and Mrs. Tennant. Three sons of the family were killed
or died during the Civil war and two of these were wounded at the battle of Prairie
Grove, dying from the effects of injuries there sustained.

Mr. and Mrs. Tennant have a family of eight children: Fannie, the wife of R. L.
Garrison, who works in a planing mill at Spokane, Washington; Eva, at home; Edna,
the wife of Walter Carl, a merchant of Prairie Grove; Lizzie, at home; James H., a
carpenter of Fullerton, California; Thomas S., a resident of Oakland, Washington,
where he is employed in ship building; Walter, at home; and Clara Schaffer, who died
of influenza in 1919. Mr. and Mrs. Tennant are widely and favorably known in this
section of the state. He is a democrat in politics and has served as constable and as
a member of the school board. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to lodge and
chapter and he has served as senior warden and as master in the lodge. He also served
as king in the chapter and is recognized as a faithful follower of Masonic teachings.
Both he and his wife are devoted members of the Presbyterian church and are highly
esteemed by all who know them.

JUDGE FOSTER O. WHITE.

Judge Foster O. White, now occupying the liench of the county court of White
county and making his home at Searcy, was born in Bald Knob township, this county.
July 5. 1882. He is a son of H. C. and Cassie (Guthrie) White and a grandson of
James White, who was a native of Alabama and there also owned and operated an
extensive plantation, having a number of slaves. He lost everything, however, during
the Civil war. He had two sons in the service. Bud and Perry, and the latter died of
measles while held a captive. Bud was wounded in the leg and body and this rendered
him a cripple for life. James Wliite bought six hundred and forty acres of land near
Judsonia, White county, Arkansas, which he had to clear, as it was then covered with
timber. The place is now known as the Jim White farm and is mostly devoted to
the cultivation of strawberries. He died in 1887 at the age of sixty-five years. The
maternal grandfather was Samuel Guthrie, who was born in White county and became
a farmer and prominent stock raiser, devoting his entire time to that business. One
of the great-grandfathers of Judge White was Samuel White, who was born in Georgia
and became the first county judge of White county, Arkansas, settling here among the
pioneers. He held four sessions of court per year and received a salary of but fifty

104 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

dollars per year. While he held court at Searcy he made his home at Clearwater and
in addition to serving in public office he engaged extensively in farming, remaining in
White county to the time of his death.

The father of Judge White of this review was born in Alabama, October 7, 1851,
and removed from that state to White county, Arkansas, in 1871, when a young man
of twenty years. He followed farming and also engaged in construction work on the
Iron Mountain Railroad from Newport to Texarkana, Arkansas, assisting in building
all of the bridges. He. too, became actively interested in agricultural pursuits, pur-
chasing land which he had to clear the timber from. In those days turkey, deer and
wild g' me of other kinds were plentiful and he has lived to witness many chmges
wrought by time and man as the work of development and transformation has been
carried steadily forward. He has devoted his life to general farming and stock
raising and he now lives with his son. Judge White. His wife, who was born in White
county, died at the comparatively early age of thirty-eight years. They were the
parents of ten children, nine of whom are living: William H., of Little Rock, who is
a train conductor on the Iron Mountain Railroad, having been in the service since
1900; Foster O., of this review; M. S., a bridge foreman on the Memphis division of the
Iron Mountain Railroad; K. H., a locomotive engineer on the Missouri Pacific road;
Eurah, who is the wife of Walter McLaughlin, a farmer of Bald Knob township; Samuel,
a conductor on the Iron Mountain Railroad, serving on the Memphis division; Rose, a
bookkeeper with the Arkansas Electric Appliance Company of Little Rock; Dock,
a brakeman on the Memphis division of the Iron Mountain Railroad; Mamie, the wife
of Earn Cholendt, a brakeman on the Arkansas division of the Missouri Pacific; and
one child who died in infancy. The mother was a member of the Baptist church, while
Mr. White belongs to the Christian church and in politics has always been a democrat.

His son, Judge White, was educated in the public schools of his native county and
remained on the home farm to the age of eighteen years, when he, too, began railroiding,
entering upon an apprenticeship in the bridge and building department of the Iron
Mountain Railroad. He served in this way for six years and was connected with rail-
roading altogether for about ten years. He then returned to Bald Knob township,
where he began contracting on his own account, carrying on a general contracting
business in White and adjoining counties. He w-as thus active until 1918, when he
was elected county judge, taking the office in January, 1919. So creditable has been
his record on the bench that he was reelected for a second term without opposition.
His decisions are strictly fair and impartial and his course has been a highly creditable
one.

Judge White was married to Miss Elva L. Baker, who was born in White county.
Arkansas, a daughter of Joseph Baker, who was one of the builders of the Iron Mountain
Railroad and afterward ran trains over that line until 1892. He then turned his
attention to farming and is now living with Judge and Mrs. White. This worthy couple
have become the parents of six children: Lillian, Willie Maude, Foster 0., Lorraine.
H. C. and Opal, all at home. The parents are members of the reorganized church of
the Latter-Day Saints, in which Judge White has served as elder and as president of
the Bald Knob branch, also filling the office of branch elder. Fraternally he is con-
nected with the Masonic lodge, with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, with the
Ancient Order of United Workmen and also with the Railroad Bridgemen, being one of
the pioneers in the Brotherhood of Railroad Car Men. His has been an active and
useful life and the sterling worth of his character has placed him high in the regard
of his fellow townsmen.

HARVEY C. COUCH.

On the stage of business activity Harvey C. Couch occupies a central position.
He may well be termed one of the captains of industry of Arkansas, by reason of the
extent and importance of the interests which he controls, being now the president of
the Arkansas Light & Power Company, making his home at Pine Bluff. The story
of his career is the record of steady progression at the hand of one who has been
master of himself and his environment, who has recognized and directed the develop-
ment of his own powers and who has utilized his opportunities for the advancement of
public welfare, as well as the attainment of individual prosperity. Mr. Couch is a native
of Arkansas and his life record indeed reflects credit upon the history of the state.
He was born at Magnolia, August 21, 1877, and is a son of Thomas G. and Manie
(Heard) Couch. The Couch family is of Welsh extraction but was early established on
American soil and several representatives of the family served in the colonial army
during the Revolutionary war. Early representatives of the name settled in Virginia

CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 107

and others took up their abode in Georgia about 1810. The grandfather of Harvey C.
Couch in the paternal line was a lieutenant in the Confederate army and his three
brothers also served with the southern forces. The great-grandmother in the paternal
line was in her maidenhood Rebecca Pierce, a relative of the distinguished Bishop Pierce.
The first of the Couch family to come to Arkansas was William Couch, who with his
four sons removed from Thomaston, Upson county, Georgia, to this state, arriving in the
year 1853. The Heard family, of which Harvey C. Couch is a representative in the
maternal line, comes of Scotch lineage and was early established in the vicinity of
Augusta, Georgia. Thomas Heard, the grandfather, was a lieutenant colonel in the
Confederate army and in days of peace devoted his life to the medical profession, prac-
ticing in Georgia. He married Martha Gavin, who with her children came to Arkansas,
settling in Magnolia, where she conducted one of the early inns of that locality. Gov-
ernor Heard also came of the same ancestral line. Thus the natal strength of Welsh
and Scotch blood flows in the veins of Harvey C. Couch, although the long connection
of the families with the United States establishes them firmly as one hundred per cent
American.

Harvey C. Couch, at the period when most boys are attending school, ^vas earning
his living by working on the hillside farm of his father in Columbia county. It was
not until he had reached the age of seventeen years that he was able to attend school,
other than the very poor rural schools of Columbia county. Although the family was
in straitened financial circumstances, the parents made an effort to give each child
some little opportunity of attending school but this chance did not come to Harvey
C. Couch until 1894. when as one of his biographers said: "He entered the Magnolia
public school, only to find himself embarrassed and almost discouraged from the fact
that the other pupils of his age were so far ahead of him. This was really the turning
point in his life, however, and Couch gives full credit to a country school teacher for
whatever success has been his. It happened that this forty-dollars-per-month school
teacher had recently graduated from college and, having been compelled to work his
own way through school, had a sympathetic feeling for boys who had not had a fair
chance. Through the advice and assistance of this young school teacher, who helped
him during school hours and evenings, Harvey Couch was able to carry two grades
at once, and at the end of the session had a general average of ninety-seven, being the
highest in the school. The school teacher has succeeded along with Couch and while
the former pupil is now head of one of the largest corporations of its kind in the
entire soutlwvest, the former country teacher is now governor of the great state of
Texas — Hon. Pat M. Neff." Two years covered the entire period of Mr. Couch's school
training, for serious illness in the family made it necessary for him again to con-
tribute to the support of the household and he obtained a clerkship in a drug store
lin Magnolia at fifty-five cents per day. With his entrance into the business world
he realized how necessary and how valuable is ' an education for young men who
wish to succeed, and after seeing an advertisement in a magazine concerning a cor-
respondence school he began studying through that method, notwithstanding his hours
in the drug store were from 6:30 in the morning until 10 o'clock at night. He com-
pleted the correspondence course and successfully passed a United States government
examination for railway mail clerks with such a high rating that he was immediately
given a position and sent to St. Louis. The other mail clerks had considerable fun
at the expense of the "green" country boy, but hi' iipiilicil himself with such diligence
and capability to his tasks that after a short tiine h.' \v;is made clerk in charge, thus
being promoted ahead of those who had found him amusing l)y lack of his experience
of city lite and customs.

After a time Harvey C. Couch was transferred to a run between Memphis
and Texarkana. where he became greatly interested in the building of a long distance
telephone line along the right-of-way of the Cotton Belt road. From early boyhood
he had been interested in things mechanical and he evolved the idea of establishing
a telephone system in some small town. He had no time on his run between Memphis
and Texarkana, however, to visit the smaller towns in search of a favorable location
to launch such an enterprise and he, therefore, sought a transfer to a little run between
McNeil, Arkansas, and Bienville, Louisiana, the latter place being a village of six
hundred population without telegraph or telephone service and with only one mail a
day. He paid the sum of fifty dollars to the clerk on that run to make the exchange
and this practically exhausted his savings. After considerable persuasion he induced
the -village postmaster to assist him in promoting a telephone line but as neither of
them had any capital, they sold coupons for telephone service in advance and thus
succeeded in raising one hundred dollars. Wire was purchased on sixty days' time
from a hardware traveling salesman with whom Mr. Couch had long been acquainted
and their one hundred dollars was invested in the construction of twelve miles of tele-
phone line between Bienville and Arcadia, trees being used for the poles. The

108 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

receipts during the first two months were only sufficient to pay for the wire but after
that they began to build additional lines through the means of selling service coupons
In advance. The business grew rapidly and at the end of the first year the country
postmaster "decided that the plan of extensions would eventually bust the whole
concern" and he sold out to Mr. Couch, accepting his note for one thousand dollars.
It was then that Mr. Couch secured the cooperation of Dr. H. A. Longino of Magnolia,
who made an investment of fifteen hundred dollars in the enterprise and loaned Mr.
Couch an equal sum. The turning point was thus passed and within eight years Mr.
Couch sold the business to the Southwestern Bell Telephone system for more than
one million, five hundred thousand dollars. Naturally while engaged in the develop-
ment of this mammoth enterprise Mr. Couch was also studying the question of other
public utilities and believed that success could be won in combining various public
utilities into one immense business enterprise. Accordingly he interested his asso-
ciates in the electric light and power business, purchasing the plants at Malvern,
Arkadelphia, Camden and Magnolia and organizing them into the Arkansas Light &
Power Company. His vision reached a practical fulfillment when at the end of the
first year it was learned that the gross income amounted to seventy-five thousand
dollars, while in 1920 it was in excess of two million dollars. At the beginning the
largest engine in use was one hundred and fifty horse power, while today the largest
owned by the corporation is eighty-five hundred horse power. The Bankers Trust News
in a biography of Mr. Couch, speaking of his business career, said: "From the four
plants originally owned, the Arkansas Light & Power Company, with its allied cor-
porations, has grown to be one of the largest of its kind in the entire southwest and
supplies light and power to more than one hundred thousand people, including not only
the third largest city in the state of Arkansas but thousands of families in the rural
districts. The largest unit of this great company is located at Pine Bluff and cost
in excess of one million dollars. From this one plant alone is supplied light, power,
water and transportation to the people of Pine Bluff; and light and power to the citi-
zens of Altheimer, Wabaseka, Humphrey, Stuttgart, DeWitt, England, Sherrill, Tucker,
Lonoke, Carlisle, Scotts, and even to the Dixie Cotton Oil Mills of North Little Rock,
as well as to more than two hundred rice irrigation wells, cotton gins, cotton oil
mills and other industries in the surrounding country. Over the four hundred and
seventy-five miles of copper strands radiating from the central stations of this com-
pany is sent the energy utilized to produce, manufacture, mill or mine practically
every need of man; rice, cotton, corn, wheat, cottonseed oil, water, lumbew, coal, steel,
and even — buttons. The latest acquisition of this company was the Picron power plant,
erected by the government in East Little Rock during the war. This company also
operates many independent plants all over the state, and it is the intention of Mr.
Couch to eventually connect all of these plants into one great system, building very
large modern power houses that will enable his company to place these modern con-
veniences where they may be available to hundreds of thousands of Arkansas people
who do not now have such advantages. Starting without an education, without
resources, and practically without friends, it occurs to me that the secret of the
success of H. C. Couch lies in his determination, honesty, and the happy faculty
of making friends of all those with whom he comes in contact. Through all his busi-
ness life he has had the implicit confidence of business men and banks, and has
successfully weathered many financial storms, and he is perhaps better known today
in the great financial centers of the east than any other Arkansas man. In 1906
a railway mail clerk, today president of one of the largest corporations of its kind
In the southwest, director in two of the leading banks in the state of Arkansas, and
interested in many other financial enterprises — Can you beat it?" Mr. Couch has
been the president of the Arkansas Light & Power Company throughout the period
of its existence and the success of the undertaking is the direct outcome of his en-
terprise, his far vision, his progressiveness and his indefatigable energy.

In his home life, too, Mr. Couch is most happily situated. He wedded Jessie John-
son, a daughter of W. M. Johnson of Athens, Louisiana, and five children, four sons
and a daughter, have been born of this marriage: Johnson, Harvey, Kirke, Catherine
and Verne. Mr. Couch is a Mason, belonging to the blue lodge, chapter and con-
sistory and also to the Mystic Shrine. His interest in the moral development of the
community is shown in his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. South,
in which he is serving as a steward, and in the fact that he is a state trustee of the
Young Men's Christian Association. He is likewise a member and chairman of. the
board of directors of the Henderson-Brown College and is president of the Chamber
of Commerce at Pine Bluff, while during the war he served as United States fuel ad-
ministrator for Arkansas. He has ever been actuated by a most progressive spirit
and he erected the first radiophone broadcasting station in Arkansas at Pine Bluff,
giving regular radiophone programs. Any feature of stable progress and improve-

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 109

ment elicits his attention and wins his support, especially if it contributes to the gen-
eral upbuilding and advancement of the community. He is one o£ the most prominent
residents of Pine Bluff and his labors have always been of a character that have
advanced the public welfare as well as his individual interests. He may well be c.illed
a human dynamo, a captain of industry, or any other term that indicates wonderful
creative power intelligently directed. The point is that he started out with almost
every handicap but he has arrived and is today accounted one of the fore.nost busi-
ness men in his native state.

GEORGE W. BARHAM.

One of the prominent and successful attorneys of Blytheville is George W. Barbara,
who has engaged in the general practice of his profession here since 1919. He was
born near Hornersville, Dunklin county, Missouri, on the 25th of February, 1876, a son
of Jonathan R. and Mary E. (Hickman) Barham. On the paternal side he is of English
and Scotch descent, while his mother's ancestors came from Ireland. The father,
J. R. Barham, whose demise occurred in 1907, at the age of sixty-four years, was for
many years prominent in the public life of Missouri. He was born in South Carolina,
but reared in Tennessee, where he received his education and enlisted from that state
for service in the Confederate army in the Civil war, during which he served as a
lieutenant of cavalry. Directly after the war he came to Mississippi county. Arkansas,
and resided here until two years later, when he came to Missouri and engaged in black-
smithing and wagon-making, also farming, near Bloomfield, that state. He achieved
substantial success and was soon called to public office, being elected sheriff of Stoddard
county in 1888. He was active in that capacity four years, at the termination of that
time taking over the office of county collector for a like period. He was one of the
public-spirited and progressive citizens of the community in which he resided and was
an influential factor in the upbuilding of both the county and state. His demise, on
July 24, 1907, caused a feeling of deep bereavement to sweep the communities in which
he was so well known. At Union City, Tennessee, soon after the Civil war Mr. Barham
was married to Miss Mary E. Hickman, who survives her husband and is living in
Bloomfield, at the age of sixty-eight years. She was born and reared in Tennessee.
To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Barham ten children were born, five boys and five girls,
and four of the boys and three of the girls are living.

In the acquirement of his education George W. Barham attended the common schools
of Bloomfield, Missouri, and after graduating from the eighth grade he became assistant
in his father's office. He was active in that capacity for four years when he became
deputy in the collector's office, the collector being his father, and at the termination
of that time he became bookkeeper for the Goff Mercantile Company of Desloge, Missouri.
He remained with that concern until 1902, when he became traveling salesman for the
Nicholas Sharff & Sons Grocery Company of St. Louis, an association he maintained
until 1907. He then assisted in the organization of the Norwine Coffee Company of
St. Louis, serving as vice president and a director until 1912, when he severed his
relations with that firm and took up the study of law, attending night school at the
City College of Law, and during the day working as assistant sales manager for D. A.
Blanton & Company of that city. The LL. B. degree was conferred upon him in 1916.
He came to Mississippi county and located at ilanila, where he practiced with substantial
success until 1919. In that year he came to Blytheville and he has practiced here since,
having built up an extensive and lucrative clientage, handling much important litigation
before the courts. His practice has been chiefly civil. Since coming here he has gained
for himself an enviable position among the leading attorneys of the county and has
made many stanch friends.

Mr. Barham has been twice married. His first marriage was celebrated at Bloom-
field, Missouri, on the 27th of December, 1897, when Miss Anna Casey, a daughter of
J. J. and Mollie Casey, prominent residents of that community, became his wife. She
was the granddaughter of Zadoc Casey, one of the well known charcters in the Black
Hawk war. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Barham two children were born: Earl Bruce,
twenty years of age, who is now attending the Morgan School, Petersburg, Tennessee,
is in his junior year and is completing a literary course; and Gladys May, seventeen
years of age, is attending the junior high school at Blytheville. Mrs. Barbara's demise
occurred on the 12th of February, 1907, when she was in her twenty-fifth year. At
Farmington, Missouri, on the 4th of May, 1912, occurred the marriage of Mr. Barham
to Miss Lula M. Conts, a daughter of J. D. and Mary E. Conts, well known residents of
that community. To the second union one child has been born, which died in infancy

Since attaining his majority Mr. Barham has given his political endorsement tc
the democratic party, having firm belief in the principles of that party as factors in

110 CENTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

good governiuent. His religious faith is that oi the Christian church and for some time
he has been active as secretary and treasurer of the Sunday school. Fraternally he is
identified with the Masons, holding membership in Chickasha Lodge, No. 134, A. F. & A. M.
of BIytheville and the Royal Arch Chapter here. He likewise belongs to the local lodge,
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. During the World war Mr. Barham put all per-
sonal interests aside and was tireless in promoting the government's interests. He was
a member of the legal advisory board of Mississippi county, food administrator for the
west end of this county and one of the Four-Minute men. Mr. Barham is readily con-
ceded to be one of Blytheville's leading citizens and he has wielded a great influence
for good in this community. Although he was thirty-seven years of age when he took
up the study of law, he has achieved more than substantial success as a practitioner and
is ranked with the leading attorneys of Mississippi county and the state.

A. N. FALLS.

A. N. Falls, who represents the third generation of the family in Arkansas, is now
serving as cashier of the Farmers State Bank of Russellville and is recognized as an
able financier and a man of thorough reliability and strict integrity. He is a member
of one of the pioneer families of the state and was born in Pottsville, Pope county, in
May, 1875. a son of Brskine B. and Mollie (Sinclair) Falls, the former a native of
North Carolina and the latter of Tennessee. As children they came to Pope county,
being playmates during their youth, and their marriage occurred near Pottsville. For
a number of years the father followed the occupation of farming and later he engaged
in merchandising in Pottsville, successfully conducting his mercantile interests there
for a period of fifteen years. In religious faith he was a Presbyterian and in his
political views he was a democrat, but never aspired to public office, although in all
matters of citizenship he was public-spirited and progressive. Mr. and Mrs. Palls became
the parents of three children: Gregory S., deceased; A. N.; and Roy, a leading merchant
of Pottsville. The eldest son was associated with his father in business and was called
to public office, serving for two terms as county clerk of Pope county, and was filling
that office at the time of his death, which occurred when he was but thirty-four years
of age. a most promising career being suddenly terminated. The paternal grandfather,
A. N. Falls, was a native of North Carolina and became a resident of Mount Noir, that
state, whence he made his way to Arkansas, becoming one of the early settlers of the
state. He purchased land and continued to follow agricultural pursuits until his demise.
Although his advanced years prevented his participation in the Civil war, he con-
tributed two sons to the cause of the Confederacy and but one returned home at the
end of the conflict, the other losing his life on the field of battle. The maternal grand-
father, Gregory Sinclair, was a native of Ireland and after emigrating to the United
States he first settled in North Carolina, whence he removed to Tennessee, and later
came to Arkansas, where he made his home the rest of his life.

A. N. Falls became a traveling salesman, continuing to act in that capacity for three
years, and then engaged in merchandising at Danville, Arkansas. Subsequently he
entered the financial field as an employe in a bank at Danville, being connected with
that institution tor ten years. He then secured a position in the Farmers Bank at
Dardanelle, with which he remainded for nine years, thus gaining a comprehensive
knowledge of modern finance. In 1919 he came to Russellville and assisted in organizing
the Farmers State Bank, of which he has since been cashier, and is doing able, sys-
tematic work. He is faithful to the interests in his charge and is doing all in his
power to promote the success of the institution. He is a stockholder and director of
the bank and also owns stock in the Farmers Bank at Dardanelle, while he likewise
has made investments in valuable farm property in Pope and Yell counties, being an
astute, farsighted business man, whose plans are carefully formulated and promptly
executed.

In 1909 Mr. Falls was united in marriage to Miss Annie Davis, who was born in
Wilmar, Drew county, Arkansas, a daughter of Grier Davis, a native of Mississippi,
who removed from that state to this section at an early period in its development and
devoted his attention to the cultivation of a farm. Mr. and Mrs. Falls have become
the parents of five children: Irma, Etta and Erskine, all of whom are attending school;
and Harold and Helen, twins, aged three years.

Mr. and Mrs. Falls have been earnest and active members of the Associate Reformed
Presbyterian church for the past three years at Russellville, and for nine years he served
as one of the elders of the Southern Presbyterian church at Dardanelle. His political
support is given to the platform and candidates of the democratic party and he is a
Knights Templar Mason, being also identified with the Knights of Pythias. He has

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 111

led an active and useful life, employing every opportunity to advance, and lie deserves
much credit for what he has accomplished, for his prosperity is the direct result of
his persistency of purpose and undaunted energj*. He is always loyal to any cause
which he espouses and faithful to every trust and his record as a man and citizen is
an enviable one.

WHARTON CARNALL.

Wharton Carnall, real estate agent, is identified with this line of business in Fort
Smith, where he has handled many important realty transfers during the past forty
years. He has thoroughly acquainted himself with conditions bearing on property
interests in this city and his knowledge enables him to speak with authority on many
matters that have to do with the valuation of real estate holdings in Sebastian county.
Much of his life has been devoted to this line of business. He was born in Sebastian
county in 1862 and is a son of John and Frances (Turner) Carnall. The father came
to Arkansas from Fauquier county, Virginia, making his way to this state in order to
take up the profession of school teaching here. He afterward became sheriff of Craw-
ford county and also filled the position of clerk of the United States court at Van Buren.
He was elected the first clerk of this county and at all times discharged his public
duties with promptness, capability and fidelity. He also became identified with the
purchase and sale of land and likewise took up the business of newspaper publication.
He was a most public-spirited citizen and he distributed gratis the first write-up that
Fort Smith ever had, in order to promote the interests and advantages of Fort Smith,
making wide distribution of the paper at the Louisville exposition. He assisted in
laying out various additions to the city and in every possible way contrbuted to its
growth, progress and improvement. Mr. and Mrs. John Carnall reared five children:
J. Henry; Turner B.; Wharton; Virginia, the wife of William Gardner; and Emma C,
the wife of Will W. Wheeler. It was the father of Wharton Carnall, with whom the
idea originated that has developed the magnificent school fund for Fort Smith. This
was consummated by a donation of the old Military Reseiwe now in the heart of Fort
Smith. This was John Carnall's thought and later his political assistant brought it
about. J. Henry Carnall, brother of Wharton Carnall, who was in 1885 mayor of the
city, made the first sale of lots on that reserve for school purposes.

Wharton Carnall obtained his early education in the schools of Sebastian county
and throughout his life he has remained a student of events which have their influence
upon the public welfare and the general interests of society. He has learned many
valuable lessons in the school of experience and the worth of his opinions on vital
questions is widely acknowledged. At maturity he turned his attention to the real
estate business and to newspaper publishing in connection with his father. He was
the originator of the movement for the building of the greater sewer and paving
districts in Fort Smith and worked untiringly to secure results along those lines, to
the end that the town now has more miles of paving and sewer than any other city
of its size in the world. He is constantly alert to the opportunities for Fort Smith's
upbuilding and substantial development and his financial aid and active cooperation can
at all times be counted upon to further public plans and measures of a beneficial
character. He is likewise one of the board of directors of the Goldman Hotel. His life
has been passed in Sebastian county and those who analyze his career must readily
recognize the integrity of his business principles and methods and his devotion to the
general good, while at the same time he has so conducted his individual affairs that
legitimate prosperity has come to him.

M. F. LAUTMAN, M. D.

Dr. M. F. Lautnian, physician and surgeon of Hot Springs, was born in Meriden,
Connecticut, April 18, 1890. He was reared in New Britain, that state, and the public
schools accorded him his educational opportunities until he had mastered the high
school course. He entered Yale University in 1907 and was graduated with the class
of 1911. Even as a boy he had been keenly interested in the science of medicine and
it was to this that he turned when making choice of a life work. Having completed
his college course, he became connected with the army on the 12th of February, as a
representative of the medical division, being commissioned a first lieutenant and sta-
tioned for service at Chattanooga, Tennessee, and also at San Antonio, Texas, where
he received his discharge on the 20th of December. He is now a captain of the Medical

112 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

Reserve Corps. He was connected with Mount Sinai Hospital of New York as interne
for three years and then opened an office in New York city, where he practiced for a
time. He came to Hot Springs as medical director o£ the Levi Hospital, which position
he filled for a year, and he is now serving on the hospital staff. He is also chief of
the clinic at the United States Public Health Service clinic.

Dr. Lautman belongs to the Masonic fraternity and has attained high rank in the
order, as indicated in the fact that he is a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. He is likewise
identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His attention and activities,
however, are largely concentrated upon his professional duties and he belongs to the
Garland County Medical Society, the Arkansas State Medical Society, the Southern
Medical Association and the American Medical Association. Through the proceedings
of these bodies he is thoroughly in touch with the advanced thought and scientific
investigation of the profession and employs the most progressive methods in his prac-
tice. Already he has attained a most creditable position for one of his years and his
future career will be well worth watching.

WILLIAM A. McHENRY, M. D.

Dr. William A. McHenry, who has been continuously engaged in the practice of
medicine and surgery at Rogers through the past fifteen years, was born in Fillmore
county, Minnesota, in 1859, a son of W. M. and Amanda (McGuffey) JIcHenry, both of
whom were natives of Ohio, in which state their marriage was celebrated. They removed
to Minnesota in the early '50s, at which time the Indians were still numerous in that
region. The father preempted a tract of land and carried on farming for a number of
years, bringing his property to a high state of cultivation and improvement. He passed
away in the state of Oregon in 1908, having for almost four decades survived his wife,
who was called to her final rest in 1869. His political allegiance was given to the
democratic party, while his religious faith was indicated by his membership in the
Methodist Episcopal church. To him and his wife were born seven children, tour of
whom survive, namely: James, who follows farming in Oregon; William A., of this
review; Sam, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Texas; and Lizzie, who is the
widow of John Nelson and resides in Dakota.

William A. McHenry obtained his education in the schools of St. Charles, Minnesota,
and after putting aside his textbooks assisted his father in the operation of the home
farm until he decided to enter professional life and with that end in view matriculated
in the College of Physicians and Surgeons at St. Louis, from which he was graduated
■with the class of 1906. In that year he came to Arkansas and at once opened an office
in Rogers, where he has since remained and has built up a practice of gratifying propor-
tions, his patronage steadily increasing as he has demonstrated his skill and ability
in coping with the many complex problems which continually confront the physician
in his efforts to restore health and prolong life. He owned a drug store in Rogers for
four years but now devotes his entire time to his professional duties. He is a valued
member of the Benton County Medical Society and also belongs to the Arkansas State
Medical Society and the American Medical Association.

On the 25th of July, 1883, Dr. McHenry was united in marriage to Miss Sadie Miller,
a native of Wisconsin and a daughter of Joshua and Huldah Miller, the former born in
Massachusetts and the latter in Pennsylvania. Joshua Miller, who was engaged in
business as a barber and laborer, lived in the states of Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri
and died in 1903 in Santa Barbara, California, passing away in the faith of the Methodist
Episcopal church, of which he was a devoted and consistent member. He participated
in the Civil war as a member of the Eighteenth Iowa Infantry, remaining with that
command until the close of hostilities between the north and the south. He was in-
jured while on a forced march and this disabled him throughout the remainder of his
life. His wife passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. McHenry, in Rogers,
Arkansas, December 23, 1914. They became the parents of six children, four of whom
are yet living, as follows: Mrs. McHenry; William A., who is a farmer residing in
Rochester, Minnesota; Herbert A., who is identified with journalistic interests in Mon-
tana; and Edith, the wife of Charles F. Harris, a contractor of Bellingham, Washington.

Dr. and Mrs. McHenry are the parents of five children: Maude E., at home; Percy
W., who is engaged in the drug business in St. Louis; Blanch, who is the wife of Milton
Brown, of Rogers, Arkansas; Ralph Ray, a physician who is engaged in Red Cross
work in Serbia; and Edith, who has been a teacher of domestic science during the past
five years and is now a resident of Rogers, Arkansas. The last named was educated
in the high school at Rogers, Arkansas, and also pursued a course of study in Baker
University of Baldwin, Kansas. Ralph Ray McHenry served in the World war with

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 113

the rank of captain for nineteen moutlis and was given a medal for bravery by King
George, wlio pinned it on liis coat in Buckingham Palace on the 19th of December, 1918.
He was one of the physicians loaned to the English government by the United States.
In politics Dr. McHenry is a republican, having stanchly supported the men and
measures of that party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. His re-
ligious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, while fraternally he is identified
with the Odd Fellows and the Woodmen. He holds to the highest ethics and standards
in the performance of his professional duties and enjoys the confidence and esteem of
his colleagues and contemporaries as well as of the general public.

ANDREW J. RUSSELL.

One of the representative citizens of Berryville is Andrew J. Russell, who for many
years has engaged in the practice of law here. He was born in Springfield. Missouri,
on the 20th of November, 1865, a son of Willis C. and Mary Ann (Goforth) Russell,
both natives of Carroll county, this state. The paternal grandfather, Lewis Russell,
was born in North Carolina and resided in that state until his removal to Illinois in
early life. In 1842 he came to Carroll county, being one of the early pioneers here.
The grandfather on the maternal side was William Goforth, a native of South Carolina.
He came to Carroll county at an early day and resided here until his demise. Willis
C. Russell was born on the 16th of April, 1843, and was but eighteen years of age at
the outbreak of the Civil war. In 1861 he entered the army from Carroll county and
after doing home guard service, became a member of Company E, Seventy-third Missouri
Infantry. He served throughout the war and participated in many of the most im-
portant battles, and personally assisted in the capture of General Marmaduke. After
receiving his discharge he resided in Springfield, Missouri, for one year, returning to
Carroll county. Previous to the war Willis C. Russell had little time for education
but on returning to this county he commenced to study at home, learning to read and
write, and in due time he took up the study of law. He became one of the successful
attorneys of the county and continued in active practice until his demise, October 1, 1919.
To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Russell four sons and one daughter were born: Andrew
J., whose name initiates this review: Jesse L., a newspaper man of Harrison, Arkansas;
Margie, the wife of Lee H. Smith, owner of a garage and automobile business in Green
Forest; Martin B., special newspaper writer with residence in Seward, Nebraska; and
Henry Berry. The last named enlisted for service during the World war as a member
of the Twenty-seventh Mining Engineers and was in active service in France for twelve
months. While returning to the United States on the transport Dakotan, his death
occurred on the 14th of March, 1919, and his body was brought to his home in Carroll
county, burial taking place on the 26th of that month. The family was reared in the
faith of the Baptist church, one of the ancestors of Mrs. Russell, John Oneal, being clerk
of a Baptist Association in Scotland more than one hundred and fifty years ago. Mr.
Russell was an exemplary member of the Masonic craft. His political allegiance was
always given to the republican party. Mrs. Russell is now living in Cirroll county,
enjoying the best of health, at the age of seventy-nine years.

In the acquirement of an education Andrew J. Russell attended the common schools
of Carroll county and in due time entered Clarke's Academy at Berryville. For eight
years, after putting his textbooks aside, he engaged in teaching school and subsequently,
deciding upon a legal career, he read law in his father's office and took a correspondence
cour.se. For ten years he published a newspaper at Green Forest, but upon his admission
to the bar in 1906 he disposed of all business interests at Green Forest and located in
Berryville and he has practiced here since, gaining for himself a place among the
successful lawyers of the state. A stanch republican, he has taken a prominent part
in that party's activities, being a delegate at large to the last two national conventions
and for two terms he served as circuit clerk. In 1911 he was a member of the state
legislature and he has been recommended as United States marshall for the western
district. For some time he was chief executive of Green Forest and he has likewise
been mayor of Berryville. Aside from his legal and political connections he is president
of the Berryville Wholesale Grocer Company and is a director in the Harrison Whole-
sale Grocer Company and is recognized as an elert and progi-esslve business man.

In 1891 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Russell to Miss Mattie Lamb, a native
of Boone county, this state, and a daughter of Jerry Lamb, one of the pioneer firmers
of Boone county. To their union six children liavc been born: Lucille, who is the
wife of Herman Dodson, a merchant at Joplin, .Missnuii; Lillian, the wife of Thomas
Clark, a merchant of Galena, Kansas; Raymond, attending a dental college at Denver,
Vol. 11—8

lU CEXTKXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

Colorado; Andrew J. Jr.. a student in the University of Arkansas; and Louise and
Lewis, attending tlie Berryville high scliool.

The family is affiliated with the Baptist church, Mr. Russell being chairman of the
board of deacons for many years. He and Mrs. Russell are members of the Order of
the Eastern Star. Mr. Russell became a Mason the night he was twenty-one, and he
is now a Knight Templar and a member of the Mystic Shrine. He has served as master
of both lodges, at Green Forest and Berryville, and he is now secretary of the blue
lodge and high priest of the Royal Arch Chapter at Berryville, and gi-and master of
the Second Veil of the Grand Chapter of Arkansas. His sons Raymond and A. J., Jr.,
are also Masons. A stanch advocate of education, Mr. Russell is a member of the
Berryville school board and also of the county educational board. He is one of the
substantial citizens of the county and one whose aid may always be counted upon in
promoting any movement for the development and improvement of the general welfare,
being president of the Berryville Commercial Club.

JOHX E. ALFORD, M. D.

Dr. John E. Alford. physician and surgeon, successfully practicing in Okolona,
Arkansas, was born near Kirby, in Pike county, this state. May 22, 1871. His father.
Dr. W. D. Alford, was born in Alabama and came to Arkansas with his parents when
a small boy. The grandfather, the Rev. Ewing Alford, after serving in the Mexican
war, being on active duty in Texas, came to Arkansas. In the early '40s he had removed
from Texas to Pike county, this state, and cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers of
that locality. The family comes of English ancestry and was established on American
soil before the War of 1812, the first representative of the name settling in Virginia
and afterward participating in the second war with England under General Jackson,
taking part in the battle of New Orleans. Thus for considerably more than a century
the Alford family has been found on this side of the Atlantic and for more than two-
thirds of a century has been represented in Arkansas. Dr. W. D. Alford, father of
Dr. John E. Alford, is still living at the notable age of eighty-seven years, his home
being In Murfreesboro, Arkansas, where he formerly engaged in the practice of medicine
for a long period but is now retired. He was at one time county treasurer of Pike
county for two terms and during the Civil war he served as head steward in a hospital
at Little Rock, where he was stationed when the city was captured by the Federal
troops under General Steele. He was with the army throughout the four years' period
of the war. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Rebecca Sharp, died in Murfrees-
boro, Arkansas, in 1898, at the age of fifty-eight years. She was born near Greeneville,
Tennessee, and the Sharp family removed from that state to Pike county, Arkansas,
in 1840. being also numbered among the early pioneer settlers of that locality. The
Sharp family is of Irish lineage, the grandfather of the Doctor having come from
Ireland to America in the '30s. He fought under General Jackson in the Seminole
Indian war in Florida. It was near Murfreesboro, Arkansas, in 1870, that Rebecca Sharp
became the wife of Dr. W. D. Alford and to them were born three sons, all of whom are
living.

Dr. John E. Alford, the eldest of the family, was educated in the common schools
of Pike county and in the high school at Murfreesboro. after which he took up the
profession of teaching, which he followed in Hempstead and Pike counties for four or
five years, or until 1894. In that year he began studying medicine in the Barnes
University of St. Louis, Missouri, and later was graduated from the Gate City Medical
College at Texarkana, Texas, winning his M. D. degi-ee in 1906. From the time when
he began the study of medicine in 1894 he was engaged in practice in Pike, Montgomery
and Clark counties, although he did not obtain his professional degree until 1906. His
medical education was acquired through his own efforts, his earnings supplying him
with 'the money necessary to meet his tuition and the other expenses of his college
course. In 1900 he opened an office in Black Springs, Montgomery county. Arkansas,
where he remained until 1908 and then went to Polk county, this state. A little later
he located at Caddo Gap, where he continued from 1909 until 1918, successfully prac-
ticing medicine there. In the latter year he came to Okolona, where he has remained,
and here he is successfully and extensively engaged in the general practice of medicine
and surgery. He is also serving as health officer of Okolona and during the World war
he was a member of the Volunteer Medical Corps.

Dr. Alford was united in marriage to Miss Occo Mauney, a daughter of M. M.
Mauney of Murfreesboro, Arkansas, the wedding being celebrated July 21. 1897. They
are parents of a son and a daughter: Millard Williams, nineteen years of age. who is
attending the Henderson-Brown College at Arkadelphia, Arkansas, where he is studying

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 113

for a Bachelor of Arts degree and is also editor in chief of the Star, a college manual;
and Alice Dell, who graduated from the Okolona high school in 1922.

Dr. Alford is a Mason, belonging to Rob Mori Lodge Xo. 106, A. F. & A. M., of
Okolona, of which he is past worshipful master, while at the present time he is serving
as secretary. He was raised a :Mason in Pike Lodge, No. 91, at Murl'reesboro in 1899.
His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and along profes-
sional lines he is connected with the Clark County Medical Society and the Arkansas
State Medical Society. He has reached high standards in his profession and his ability
is constantly increasing as the result of his experience, his wide study and thorough
investigation. He holds to the highest ethical standards of the profession and he com-
mands the respect of his professional brethren and of the laity as well.

0. A. GRAVES.

O. A. Graves, one of the most prominent attorneys of Hope, was born on a farm
near Mineral Springs. Howard county, Arkansas, July 17, 1876. His youthful days were
those of the farm-bred boy. He attended the country schools and in the summer months
worked in the fields from the time of early planting until crops were harvested. He
likewise continued his education in the public schools at Mineral Springs and next
entered the Henderson-Brown College, in which he completed his classical course, being
graduated in 1898 with the Bachelor of Arts degree. On the expiration of that period
he began teaching school, which he followed for a year at Mineral Springs, and later
spent two years as a teacher at Columbus. During the summer of 1901 lie was a student
in the law office of Judge Eakin of Washington. He had determined to become a
member of the bar and with that end in view entered the law school at Lebanon,
Tennessee, from which he was graduated in June, 1902. He then located for practice
at Hope, where he has since remained. "ftTiile advancement at the bar is proverbially
slow, no dreary novitiate awaited him. He soon secured a liberal practice that has
steadily gi-own in volume and importance as the years have passed and he now has a
large clientage. His first partner was Judge W. M. Green, with whom he was associated
for two years or until the death of the judge. He afterward became a partner of
J. D. Montgomery in 1906 and this association was maintained until 1910. Mr. Graves
was then alone in the practice of law until April, 1919, when he admitted E. F. McFaddin
to a partnership under the firm style of Graves & McFaddin.

On the 19th of June, 1907, Mr. Graves was united in marriage to Miss Jett Black,
and they have one child, Albert. Mr. Graves is a member of the Masonic fraternity
and has filled various offices in the local lodge, serving as junior and senior warden
and as worshipful master. He also belonged to the council and to the commandery
and is a member of the Modern Woodmen. He has held membership in the Metho-
dist Episcopal church frorii the age of seven years and its teachings have ever been
the guiding spirit in his .life. He has filled many public offices, serving as county
examiner of Hempstead county from 1900 until 1902, as mayor of Hope from April,
1904, until April, 1905, as prosecuting attorney from 1906 until 1910, while in 1917
he was a member of the constitutional convention. He has thoughtfully and earnestly
considered the vital questions which have come up for settlement and has lent the
weight of his aid and influence to support all measures which he has deemed of worth
and of moment to the community and the commonwealth at large.

L. L. GREEN.

L. L. Green, who since 1911 has been the cashier of the Bank of Booneville and
is a representative and progressive resident of the city in which he makes his home,
has spent much of his life in Logan county, his birth having here occurred upon a
farm January 2, 1884. His grandparents. Robert O'Riley and Nancy Caroline Green,
were natives of North Carolina, whence they removed to Mississippi and afterward to
Alabama, there residing until they came to Arkansas. The grandfather was a quarter-
master sergeant in the Civil war, serving throughout the period of hostilities. The
grandfather of L. L. Green in the maternal line was Buck Wagnon. a native of Alabama,
in which state he passed away. It was in Alabama that J. L. Green and Louise Wagnon
were married. The former was born in Mississippi in March. 1851, and the latter in
Alabama, October 20, 1849. They came to Arkansas in 1881 and both are still living.
Mr. Green rented a farm the first year but ere the close of the year purchased forty
acres of land on which was a little log house that became the birthplace of his son.

116 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

L. L. Green. The parents still reside upon the old homestead, but in appearance and
extent it bears little resemblance to the place which he secured on coming to Arkansas,
for from time to time he has extended the boundaries of his land until he now owns
twelve hundred acres, which he has brought under a high state of cultivation and to
which he has added many modern improvements. Although he arrived in Arkansas a
poor man, he is today one of the affluent citizens of his part of the state. To him and
his wife have been born ten children, of whom five are yet living: L. L.; Maude, the
wife of J. L. Franks, who occupies a farm near Booneville; 0. 0., of the Superior
Builders Supply Company of Little Rock; Ruth, the wife of Gus McLaughlin, living
on a farm in Logan county; and Charles H., also a resident farmer of Logan county.
The parents are loyal members of the Christian church and in politics Mr. Green is a
democrat. He has served as justice of the peace and was also postmaster at Golden
City, Arkansas. In various ways he has contributed to the upbuilding and progress
of this section of the state and he deserves classification with its representative and
honored residents.

L. L. Green was educated in the district schools and through the period of his
boyhood and youth lived and worked upon the home farm, early taking his place as
a hand in the fields. He likewise taught four schools in early manhood and in 1908
he removed to Booneville, where he secured a position in the Bank of Booneville, being
made assistant cashier. In 1911 he was advanced to the cashiership and has since
occupied that position. He is likewise a director in the bank, of which his father is
one of the largest stockholders and also a director. The bank is capitalized for twenty-
five thousand dollars, has a surplus of equal amount and average deposits of two
hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Its surplus has been acquired from the earnings
of the bank, which has always been wisely and conservatively managed. Aside from
his connection with the bank L. L. Green is identified with agricultural interests, being
now the owner of four hundred and seventy-four acres of well improved land, which re-
turns to him a gratifying annual income. However, he devotes the major part of his
attention to the bank and has made for himself a creditable position in financial circles.

In 1908 Mr. Green was married to Miss Nola Young, who was born in Booneville, a
daughter of George W. Young, a merchant and farmer who became one of the early
residents of this city. Mr. Green always votes with the democratic party but has never
been an aspirant for office, preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his
business affairs, which have been wisely and carefully managed. Both he and his wife
belong to the Baptist church and they occupy an enviable position in social circles
where true worth and intelligence are accepted as the passports into good society.

JOSEPH P. RUNYAN, M. D.

Dr. Joseph P. Runyan, the sole owner of St. Luke's Hospital of Little Rock and
a man of high professional standards and attainments, is also keenly interested in the
welfare of his city and stands at all times for those activities and Interests which are
a matter of civic virtue and of civic pride. His labors have been a most helpful
factor in promoting the welfare and progress of the capital city as well as in upholding
those high standards which have ever characterized the medical profession of Little
Rock. Dr. Runyan was born on a farm in Columbia county, Arkansas, January 29,
1869, and is one of a family of three sons and a daughter, whose parents were Wil-
liam and Paulina (Boyd) Runyan. By a former marriage of his father Dr. Runyan
had four half brothers and two half sisters, all deceased. The father was born on a
farm in Talladega county, Alabama, in 1830, and the mother's birth occurred on a
farm in the same county in 1844. They were married in Columbia county, Arkansas,
in 1866, Mr. Runyan having removed to that county in the year 1858. He devoted
his life to agricultural pursuits and was ranked with the representative and successful
farmers of Columbia county to the time of his death, which occurred in 1873. His
political views were in accord with the principles of the democratic party. His widow
long survived him, departing this life November 18, 1903. Of their family two of the
sons are living in Little Rock, Joseph P. and I. O. Runyan.

While spending his youthful days under tlie parental roof Dr. Runyan attended
the country schools of Columbia county and his more advanced education was ob-
tained in Tulane University, where he pursued his medical course, being graduated
in 1890. He has specialized in surgery throughout his professional career and has
made steady and substantial progress, ranking high among the ablest surgeons
of the state. In 1911 he became the founder and promoter of St. Luke's Hospital
of Little Rock and in 1916 was joined in operating the hospital by Dr. H. H. Kirby,
while a third partner. Dr. Sheppard, was admitted in 1917. This is a private hospital

DR. JOSEPH P. RTJNYAN

CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 119

owned by Dr. Runyan and rented to the firm of Ruuyan, Kirby & Sheppard. It is
splendidly equipped with all modern appliances for the care of medical and surgical
cases and its patronage taxes the capacity of the institution.- Dr. Runyan has held many
professional positions of honor and trust. He was president of the state board of health
of Arkansas from 1904 until 1906. He had previously, from 1901 to 1904, been secretary
of the Arkansas Medical Society and in the latter year was elected to the presidency,
filling the position for one term. He was also secretary of the state medical board
of the Arkansas Medical Society from 1903 to 1906. He was dean and president of the
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Little Rock from its organization in 1906 until
it was merged with the medical department of the Arkansas University in 1912. Dr.
Runyan belongs to the Pulaski Medical Society, the Arkansas State Medical Society,
the American Medical Association, the Southern Medical Association, the American
Obstetrical and Gynecological Association, the Rock Island Railway Surgeons Associa-
tion and the American Railway Surgeons Association. He likewise belongs to the South-
ern Railway Surgeons Association, being entitled to membership in these last named
organizations by reason of the active work he has done as a railway surgeon.

On the 5th of June, 1895, Dr. Runyan was married to Miss Callie Jackson, who was
born in Columbia county, Arkansas, January 7, 1870. Dr. Runyan is a democrat and
fraternally is connected with the Elks, the Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Order
of United Workmen. His religious faith is indicated in his membership in the Second
Baptist church, in which he is serving as a deacon. He takes the keenest interest in
all that has to do with the welfare and progress of his fellowmen and is now presi-
dent of the Civitan Club of Little Rock. He was the first person chosen to this office
and reelected thereto. He is also the vice president of the International Association
of Civitan Clubs for the improvement and beautifying of cities. The motto of all such
organizations is "Builders of good citizenship." He withholds his support from no
plan or project that looks to the betterment of Little Rock and has been the instigator
of many projects which have been of direct value to the city. He possesses initiative
and enterprise and when he becomes convinced that an idea would be of practical value
to the capital he at once seeks to put this idea into force and his plans and methods
are at all times far-reaching and resultant.

JOSEPH MORRISON HILL.

Joseph Morrison Hill, for thirty-four years a member of the Fort Smith bar, save
for his four years' service as chief justice of the supreme court of Arkansas, was born
September 2, 1864, at Davidson College, Mecklenburg county. North Carolina. His
father, Daniel Harvey Hill, was a descendant of Colonel William Hill, commander of a
regiment in Sumter's brigade, and also of Thomas Caheen, who served as a private
in Sumter's brigade in the Revolutionary war. Daniel Harvey Hill was a graduate of
the United States Military Academy at West Point with the class of 1842. He was pro-
moted from the rank of second lieutenant to that of major during the Mexican war
and later he was professor of mathematics in Washington College, now the Washington
and Lee University. He afterward filled the position of professor of mathematics at
Davidson College and next was superintendent of the North Carolina Military Institute
at Charlotte in that state. He served in the Confederate army as a colonel of the First
North Carolina Regiment and became successively brigadier general, major general
and lieutenant general, C. S. A. He was afterward well known as editor, writer and
educator and filled a notable place in connection with the history of the south. From
1877 until 1885 he was president of the University of Arkansas. He married Isabella
Morrison, a daughter of the Rev. Robert Hall Morrison, a distinguished Presbyterian
minister and the first president of Davidson College. On the maternal side Judge Hill
is descended from Joseph Graham, a lieutenant of the American army in the Revolu-
tionary war and later a major general.

Judge Hill pursued his classical education in the University of Arkansas and after-
ward attended the Lebanon Law School of Lebanon, Tennessee, from which he was
graduated with the LL. B. degree. He was admitted to the bar at Berryville, Carroll
county, Arkansas, September 11, 1883, and was engaged in the practice of law at Eureka
Springs, this state, from that date until 1887. He then removed to Fort Smith and
has since been a representative of the bar of this city, save for the four years of his
service as chief justice of the supreme court of the state, to which office he was called
on the 1st of November, 1904, remaining in active connection with that high tribunal
until February 1, 1909, when he resigned to accept the position of chief counsel for
the state in the railroad rate cases, which he won for the state before the supreme court

120 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OP ARKANSAS

of the United States. He now lias an extensive clientele and has long been regarded as
one of the most eminent representatives of the bar in the southwest.

On the 19th of November. 1890, at Lake Village, Arkansas, Judge Hill was married
to Miss Kate Reynolds, a daughter of General D. H. Reynolds, who was a brigadier
general in the Confederate army, also a member of the Arkansas state senate and a
most distinguished lawyer. Judge and Mrs. Hill have two daughters; Martha, the
wife of David R. Williams; and Isabel Preston, the wife of John C. Hill. Judge Hill
belongs to the Country Club of Fort Smith, to the Elks lodge and to the Masonic
fraternity, being a past master of Belle Point Lodge, No. 20, F. & A. M. In politics
he has always been a stalwart democrat and was permanent chairman of the state
democratic convention in 1920. In 1918 he served as a member of the district exemption
board of the western district of Arkansas, and since June, 1909, he has been president
of the board of trustees of the Arkansas Tuberculosis sanitarium. His keen interest
in everything pertaining to the welfare and progress of the state has been manifest
in many tangible ways, while his service on the bench was one that reflected honor
and credit upon the people who had honored him.

THOMAS J. GAUGHAN.

Thomas J. Gaughan, of the firm of Gaughan & Sitford, prominent attorneys at law
in Arkansas, makes his home in Camden. He was born in Ouachita county, this state,
on the 4th of December, 1864, his birthplace being the farm upon which he was reared.
He is a son of Patrick and Caroline (Patterson) Gaughan, the former a native of
County Mayo, Ireland, while the latter was born in Meriwether county, Georgia. Patrick
Gaughan was a youth of nineteen years when in 1847 he came to the new world. He
spent some time in New York city and then made his way to Georgia, where he met
and married Caroline Patterson. In 1858 they came to Arkansas, settling on a farm
in Ouachita county, and Mr. Gaughan was identified with the work of tilling the soil and
raising stock during the years of his active life. It is said of him that he was not
only a good farmer but also displayed notably sound judgment as a breeder of live
stock. Through the careful management of his business affairs he became one of the
successful men of Ouachita county and was also classed with the most influential and
representative farmers and citizens. He lived to the age of seventy years, while his
wife survived him and reached the age of seventy-nine years.

Thomas J. Gaughan was educated at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, where
he won the Bachelor of Arts degree as a member of the class of 1885. Returning home,
he was offered and accepted the position of deputy circuit and county clerk, in which
capacity he continued to serve for a year. During this time and later he studied law
in the office and under the direction of Colonel H. B. Bunn and was admitted to the
bar in February, 1888. He immediately began practice in partnership with Colonel
Bunn. his former preceptor, and when the latter was appointed chief justice of the
state supreme court. Mr. Gaughan entered into partnership with John T. Sifford under
the firm style of Gaughan & Sifford, a connection that still exists. Advancement at
the bar is proverbially slow and yet no dreary novitiate awaited Thomas J. Gaughan,
who rapidly advanced to a most creditable position in the ranks of the attorneys of
his section of the state. In 1891 he was elected a member of the state senate of Arkansas
for a two years' term, being one of the youngest men ever chosen to the office in this
state. In 1896 he was elected prosecuting attorney of the thirteenth judicial district
and served in that important position with notable ability for four years. His course
in office has always been characterized by the utmost fidelity to duty and by earnest
effort to promote the general welfare.

While he maintains a most creditable standing as a lawyer, he has also become
well known in other business connections. He is the vice president of the Ouachita
Valley Bank of Camden, is a director of the Frost-Johnson Lumber Company, a director
of the Valley Lumber Company, president of the Gloster Lumber Company, president
of the Rockwell Manufacturing Company, president of the Valley Oil Company and a
director of the Union Sawmill Company. He is likewise attorney for all of these cor-
porations and also for several railroads. He Is the state president of the Association
for the Recognition of the Irish Republic. Mr. Gaughan is the president of the Catholic
Lay Council of Arkansas and has been a lifelong member of the Catholic church.

On the 10th of October, 1888, Mr. Gaughan was married to Miss Lulu B. Higgins of
Montgomery, Alabama, and they became the parents of three children; John Emmet,
an attorney who is associated in practice with his father; Ruth, at home; and Thomas
J., deceased. The wife and mother departed this life in 1896 and on the 12th of Septem-
ber, 1899, Mr. Gaughan was married to Miss Helen Bragg of Camden, Arkansas. To

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 121

their marriage have been born seven children: Josephine, deceased; Caroline, who was
educated at St. Mary of the Woods Academy in Indiana; Virginia, who is attending St.
Mary of the Woods Academy; Ethel M. and Helen B., who are high school pupils in
Camden; and Mary Alice and Thomas J., who are yet in the grades.

Mr. Gaughan belongs to Camden Lodge No. 40, B. P. 0. E., also to Pine Bluff Council
No. 1153 of the Knights of Columbus. He is active in civic affairs and church work
and also is a stalwart champion of the cause of education, 'having served for seven years
as a member of the school board.

EDWARD LEVENS GAUNT.

Edward Levens Gaunt, of the firm of Chase, Wallin & Gaunt, public accountants of
Little Rock, was born in St. Louis, Missouri, August 21, 1895. He was one of a family
of four sons and three daughters, of whom three sons and three daughters are living.
The parents are Jesse Stebbins and Annette Mary (Puthoff) Gaunt. The father was
born in Booneville, Missouri, in 1862, and the mother's birth occurred in St. Louis in
1865. They were married in that city in 1884 and they now reside in Benton, Arkansas,
where the father conducts business as a lumberman. He votes with the democratic
party.

In early boyhood Edward L. Gaunt became a pupil in the public schools of St.
Louis and afterward continued his education in the public schools of Pekin, Illinois,
and of Corning, Arkansas. He next became a high school pupil at Benton, Arkansas,
and was there graduated with the class of 1911. He completed a course in a business
college in Little Rock and likewise attended a commercial school in Chicago. His train-
ing was thus thorough and comprehensive and well qualified him for the responsible
duties that have devolved upon him in later years. He came to Little Rock on the
9th of September, 1912, and was with the Foster Hardware Company for a period of five
and a half years. He then entered the ordnance department as a civilian accountant
and was so engaged until January, 1919. At that date he went to Chicago, where he
was employed by a firm of public accountants for a period of eight months, after which
he returned to Little Rock. On the 12th of August, 1919, the firm of Chase, Wallin &
Gaunt was organized in the capital city. Their clientele, however, is not limited to
Little Rock for their work calls them to all sections of the state. The three partners
are men of acknowledged ability in their profession and their business is now a sub-
stantial and growing one.

On the 11th of September, 1920, Mr. Gaunt was married to Miss Charlotte Marie
Betten, who was born September 29, 1896, in Orange City, Iowa, and is a daughter of
Dirk and Mary (NoteboomJ Betten, the former a native of Pella, Iowa, while the latter
was born in Salem, Oregon. Mrs. Gaunt was educated in Ames College of Iowa and is
a lady of liberal culture. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gaunt are held in high esteem in social
circles and they are well known as members of the Presbyterian church. At the time
of the World war Mr. Gaunt enlisted for service in May, 1917, but was rejected on
account of physical disability. It was then that he entered the ordnance department as
a civilian accountant in the department at Rochester, New York, serving there for eight
months. His political allegiance has always been given to the democratic party and he
is a firm believer in its principles. Fraternally he is a Mason and has attained the
thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, while with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine
he has crossed the sands of the desert. He likewise belongs to the Kiwanis Club and
to the Cooperative Club and of the latter he is treasurer.

LOUIS KEENER MENARD.

Louis Keener Menard, making his home in De Witt, now occupies the bench of
the county court of Arkansas county and his judicial record has been characterized by
the utmost faithfulness to duty and by strict fairness and impartiality in his rulings.
He had previously practiced law in De Witt and Arkansas county numbers him among
her native sens, his birth having occurred on a farm, in the year 1876. His father,
N. B. Menard, was born at the same place and was a son of Frank and Lucille (Nady)
Menard. The old homestead farm was likewise the birthplace of the gi'andfather, hav
ing been secured as a family home by the great-grandfather, Julian Menard, who was
the first of the family to locate in the southwest. The Menards originally came from
the southern part of Illinois and were of French-Canadian extraction, being among the
first of the early French settlers here. The Nadys were pure French, the grandmother

122 CENTKNNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

who in her maidenhood was Lucille Nady, having been born in France, whence she
came to the new world and was married in Arkansas county to Franii Menard. Here
they reared their family, which included N. B. Menard, whose youthful days were spent
on the old homestead farm and who early took up the occupation of farming as a life
work. Having reached years of maturity, he married Ellen Thompson, a daughter o£
Zachariah Thompson, who came to this state from New Orleans and settled on a tract
of land in Arkansas county. * His wife bore the maiden name of Abigail Freeman. To
the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. N. B. Menard were born five children: W. T., who is now
a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, engaged in preaching at Lake Village;
N. B., who is a railroad operator; J. G., who is in the merchant marine service; M. L..
who has departed this life; and Louis Keener.

The last named completed his literary education in Hendrix College and afterward
took up the study of law. At length he was qualified for admission to the bar and,
having successfully passed the required examination, he entered upon active practice
in De Witt. Here he was engaged in the work of the profession as a lawyer before the
courts until 1920, when he was elected county judge and is now sitting upon the bench.
In early manhood he taught school at Hendrix Academy, at Mena, Arkansas, being thus
engaged while laying the foundation for his later success as an attorney. His course
on the bench is in harmony with his record as a man and lawyer, being characterized
by a masterful grasp of every question presented for solution and by marked fidelity
to duty at all times.

Mr. Menard was united in marriage to Miss Mary Nicholson, a daughter of Charle.s
Nicholson of St. Charles, Arkansas. Judge Menard belongs to the Methodist Episcopal
church and he stanchly endorses all those forces which make for the uplift of the indi-
vidual, the betterment of the community and which promote respect for law and order
in every way.

ALEXANDER McCARTXEY.

Alexander McCartney, manager of the Sllgo Manufacturing Company of Payette-
ville, was born in Ireland, in 185S, his parents being John and Agnes (Cochran) Mc-
Cartney, who were likewise natives of the Emerald Isle, whence they came to the new
world in 186.5. They settled in Cuba, Missouri, and the father, who had been a weaver
of linen cloth in Ireland, purchased a homestead in Missouri, where he spent his remain-
ing days. His widow afterward returned to her native country and there died. They
were the parents of six children, of whom only two are living: Alexander and Thomas,
of St. Louis. The parents were members of the Presbyterian church and Mr. McCartney
was an orangeman. His political allegiance was given to the republican party.

Alexander McCartney was educated in the common schools of Missouri and after-
ward attended night school in St. Louis. He was reared to the work of the home farm
and remained thereon to the age of eighteen years, when, believing that he would find
other pursuits more congenial than those of agricultural life, he obtained a position in
a hardware store and engaged in clerking for thirty-one years. He came to Fayetteville
in 1895 and established a branch store for the Sligo Iron Store Company, which com-
pany purchased hardwood lumber for wagons and also bought timber here and likewise
has a hardwood lumber plant, manufacturing all kinds of hardwood lumber. They now
make hardwood rims and spokes for automobiles and the concern is a mammoth one,
being classed with the largest and most important productive industries of this section
of the state. The business has been greatly developed under the direction and as the
result of the enterprise of Mr. McCartney, who has been manager for the company in
Arkansas and in Oklahoma since locating in Fayetteville in 1895.

In 1881 Mr. McCartney was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Murphy, who was
born in St. Louis, a daughter of John Murphy, an architect and builder of that city.
They have become parents of the following living children: Stella is the wife of Ben
Stone, an attorney with large practice at Amarilla, Texas, who has also been referee
in bankruptcy there; Jessie is the wife of Paul C. Williams, a lawyer of Muskogee.
Oklahoma, who has a large and important practice; Isabelle is the wife of Harry Sehultz,
who is connected with the musical department of the State University at Denton, Texas:
Ruth is the wife of L. M. Holt, agent for the Dodge Brothers car at Fayetteville; Nor-
man, who is taking up business in connection with his father, entered the regular army
in the World war in May, 1917. He had previously spent six months on the Mexican
border and he trained at Little Rock, going overseas as first lieutenant in July, 1918.
He was on the front for forty-two days and received his discharge May 17, 1919. He
was with the infantry forces and at one time he had to march two hundred miles on
foot at night. He never had his shoes off for days at a time and there were periods

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 123

in which there was, indeed, little rest. On one occasion he was wounded and sent to the
hospital hut again qualified for active duty and was on the firing line on the day the
armistice was signed.

Mr. McCartney is prominent in Masonic circles, havins; attained the Knights Tem-
plar degree in the York Rite. He has passed tlimimli ull (if the chairs in the Blu:'
lodge, chapter and commandery and he is alMi ;, in.nilicr of the Knights of Pythias.
His political allegiance is given to the republican ii;irl\. He and his entire family are
faithful members and active workers in the Presbyterian eluirch. in which he is serving
as an elder. His life has ever been guided by the hishist principles and he has ever
stood as a man among men. honored and respected liy all who know him and most of
all by those who know him best.

JOHN BAUMGARTXER.

John Baumgartner. superintendent of schools at Brinkley, is a splendid type of
the progressive men and women who are now efficiently promoting the Interests of
public education in Arkansas. He holds to high ideals and employs the most practical
methods in their attainment, thus making the public schools a source of great benefit
in training the young for the responsible duties of lite. Mr. Baumgartner comes to
Arkansas from Ohio, his birth having occurred at Bluftton, in the northwestern part of
the Buckeye state, in 1880, his parents being Christ and Elizabeth (Welty) Baumgartner.
The former is of Swiss parentage, while the latter was born in Ohio and is a repre-
sentative of a very old, prominent and distinguished family in the northwestern part
of that state, a family that has furnished to the country several congressmen, including
the present member of congress from that district, who is a cousin to Mr. Baumgartner.
The parents of Mrs. Christ Baumgartner were Peter and Fannie (Bixel) Welty and like
others of the family they enjoyed the high respect and goodwill of all with whom they
came into contact.

In the acquirement of his education, John Baumgartner attended the public schools
of his native town and also studied at Lima. Ohio, and in the Northern Indiana Univer-
sity at Valparaiso, Indiana, where he won the Bachelor of Arts degree. He likewise
attended the University of Arkansas and the Chicago University, from which he received
his Master's degree, and his thorough and comprehensive training have well qualified
him for important work in the educational field. All of the schools under his direction
have made steady progress, for his methods are efficient and resultant. He served for
nine years as superintendent of the schools at Brinkley, Arkansas, and satisfaction
is everywhere evinced in connection with what he has accomplished. Among the
improved features which are now in the school are courses in home economics, voca-
tional agriculture and banking, a school bank having been established. Mr. Baum-
gartner also started a movement for a sate and sane Hallowe'en and takes the school
children on an organized hike on that day with games, races and other means of enter-
tainment, thus keeping them out of mischief. All of his work is conducted along
psychological i)rinciples and he believes that mind and hands well occupied will solve
many a problem of juvenile delinquency. He also made a record on the sale of War
Savings Stamps, receiving a special testimony from United States Treasurer McAdoo
for his work in this connection, acting as chairman of the War Savings Stamps sales
in the county. He was likewise chairman of the Y. M. C. A. drive for three counties
and he did much other effective wni-k in liehalf of the country during the war period.

Mr. Baumgartner was nnilid in nianiase to Miss Van Arsdell of Stuttgart, Arkan-
sas, who is also a teacher in ilic l;iiiil»|c'\ liigh school. They attend summer school
each year, thus equipping tin nisilvs fnr Ijetter service and their labors are indeed most
efficacious in advancing the interests of the schools, in promoting the standards of
education here and in producing practical results. They are studying broadly and
thinking deeply along those lines which have to do with public progress, and their
influence is an immeasurable force for good and for advancement among the young
people who come under their instruction.

JOHN ELMORE CULP.

John Elmore Culp. one of the leading and representative business men of El Dorado,
now occupying the presidency of the Arkansas Wholesale Grocery Company, one of the
leading commercial enterprises of the city, was born February 14, 1892, in the city which
is still his home, his parents being Mr. and Mrs. Elmore W. Culp, of whom extended

124 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

mention is made on another page of this work. At the usual age he became a public
school pupil, passing through consecutive grades in El Dorado and later enjoying the
benefit of a commercial course in Draughan's Business College at Little Rock. He
completed his studies there in 1910 and returned home to become associated with his
father in business as a member of the office force of the Arkansas Wholesale Grocery
Company. He then bent his energies to a mastery of every phase of the business with
which he became connected in the discharge of his official duties and had thus been
well trained for further responsibilities when in 1915, immediately following his father's
death, he was elected to the presidency of the company. He has since served in this
capacity, covering a period of six years, and his prominence in business circles is further
Indicated in the fact that he is the president of the El Dorado Building & Loan Asso-
ciation.

For some years Mr. Culp was a member of the city council, exercising his official
prerogatives in support of many measures for the general good. He is a member of the
Rotary Club and of the board of directors of the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce. He
belongs to El Dorado Lodge, No. 1129, B. P. O. E., of which he was exalted ruler in
1917-18. He has membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and his entire lite has
been guided by those principles which neither seek nor require disguise. His course
reflects credit upon an honored family name and he is regarded as a dominant figure in
the commercial circles of the city.

GENERAL VIRGIL AUGUSTUS BEESON.

Arkansas on the whole has been signally favored in the class of men who have
occupied her public offices. They have been men of ability, loyal to the welfare of the
state, and have greatly advanced the interests of the commonwealth through the faith-
ful performance of duty. To this class belongs Virgil Augustus Beeson, who is now
state adjutant general, and his effective service has given high standing to the military
interests of the commonwealth. Making his home in Little Rock, he was born In
Monroe City, Missouri, June 3, 1880, and is a son of the Rev. Isiac Richard Marion
and Lulie (Merriman) Beeson. The father was born in North Carolina in 1843 and
in early life took up the work of the ministry as a representative of the Baptist church.
After forty-six years of active service he retired from the ministry shortly before his
death. In politics he was always a democrat and at the time of the Civil war he
espoused the cause of the Confederacy, joining General Price's army, with which he
served during the last three years of hostilities between the north and the south. He
accomplished great good during the long years devoted to the upbuilding of the church
and the advancement of moral progress. He came to Arkansas in 1914 and died at
Morrillton in December, 1916. His wife, who was born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1847,
and whom he wedded in that city in 1875, died in Savannah, Missouri, in 1906. They
were the parents of two sons and two daughters, and one son and one daughter are
yet living.

Virgil A. Beeson, having acquired his early education in the public schools of his
native state, afterward spent two years as a student in the William Jewell College at
Liberty, Missouri. He has been prominently identified with military and public affairs
since attaining his majority and his record in both connections is of most creditable
character. He was a member of the Second Arkansas Infantry and on the 7th of June,
1917, he offered his services to the country in connection with the prosecution of the
World war, enlisting as a private in Headquarters Company of the Second Arkansas
Infantry. He was commissioned captain of D Company, Third Arkansas Infantry.
When the state troops were drafted into the federal service on August 5, 1917, he went
to Fort Logan H. Roots, Arkansas, and later to Camp Beauregard, Louisiana, remaining
at the latter place until July 30, 1918, when the troops left for the port of embarkation,
sailing for France on the 6th of August, 1918. General Beeson remained in Prance
until the latter part of July, 1919, and w.is promoted to major there on the 19th of
May. He was on overseas service from the 6th of August, 1918, until July 31, 1919,
when he was honorably discharged, the demobilization occurring August 19, 1919. He
was appointed major of infantry of the Officers' Reserve Corps on that date and was
appointed major of infantry of the Arkansas National Guard Reserve on the 18th of
Sei'tember of the same year. On the 1st of February, 1921, he was appointed adjutant
general of the state by Governor Thomas C. McRea and is now serving with that rank.

Before entering the army General Beeson was connected with the publishing busi-
ness, becoming widely known as editor and publisher between the years 1900 and 1917.
He was connected with the following papers: The Democrat of Savannah, Missouri;
Times Dispatch of Pawnee, Oklahoma; Republic of St. Louis, Missouri; and the Mor-

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS ' 125

rillton Headlight of Morrillton, Arkansas. In 1915-1916 he was president of the Ark-
ansas Press Association.

On the 21st of April, 1908, General Beeson was married to Miss Charlotte Howe
Lewis, who was born in Missouri in 1883 and is a (graduate of the Howard Payne Col-
lege at Payette, that state. She is a daughter of Ch nlrs O. Lewis, also a native of
Missouri. General and Mrs. Beeson have memlinsliiii in llie Presbyterian church and
take an active and helpful interest in its work. Fraleiually he is connected with
Masonry as a thirty-second degree member of the Scottish Rite. He also belongs to
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
Politically he has always been a democrat, loyal to the interests of the party, and has
rendered active service to the commonwealth as a legislator, having been a meaiber of
the general assembly from Conway county in 1915 and 1916. The service which he has
rendered to the state both along political and military lines ranks him as one of the
honored and representative residents of the capital city.

ALEXANDER JAMISON WILSON.

Alexander Jamison Wilson, manager since 1909 of the insurance department of the
Southern Trust Company of Little Rock, was born in Monticello, Arkansas, August 28;
1873, a son of Alexander Jamison and Eliza H. (McCain) Wilson. The father was born
in Chester district, South Carolina, March 4, 1836, and in 1857 became a resident of
Monticello, Arkansas, so that the entire period of his adult life was spent in this state,
his attention being given to farming and fruit raising. In 1862 he responded to the-
call of the Confederacy and became chief gunner in the Drew Battery of Light Artillery,
which for a time was connected with Forrest's command. He always voted with the
democratic party. His death occurred in Monticello, Arkansas, in 1910, and he is
survived by his wife, who yet makes her home in that city. She was born on a farm
in Tipton county, Tennessee, August 21, 1840, and their marriage was celeljrated in
that county in December, 1857. They became parents of two sons and four daughters,
of whom one son and three daughters are yet living.

Alexander J. Wilson pursued his education in the schools of Monticello until grad-
uated from the high school with the class of 1890. He then resided in Drew county until
1897. Taking up the profession of teaching, he was thus active in the work of the
schoolroom in Drew and Ashley counties for a period of seven years. He has been
Identified with the Southern Trust Company as manager of the insurance department
since 1909 and is one of the directors of the corporation. His entire attention is now
given to this business and he has been instrumental in the development of a strong
and growing department.

On the 1st of November, 1905, Mr. Wilson was married to Mamie Eloise Fuller,
whose birth occurred in Nashville, Tennessee, November 5, 1884, her parents being
Felix De Moville and Mary (Osborne) Fuller, the latter a native of Georgia. They
resided lor some time at Nashville, Tennessee, but the father is now deceased. Mrs.
Wilson was reared in that city and is a graduate of the Nashville Conservatory of
Music. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have one daughter, Elizabeth, whose birth occurred Novem-
ber 21, 1915.

Politically Mr. Wilson is a democrat and while residing at Pordyce, Arkansas, filled
the position of recorder for two years and for one year directed the affairs of the city
as its mayor. During the World war he served on all the bond drives and otherwise
supported to the extent of his ability and opportunity those interests which had to do
with the support of the government in financing the war. He belongs to the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks, the Lakeside Country Club, and is an active member of the
First Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has served as secretary of the board of
stewards since 1919. For several years he has been treasurer of the Arkansas Sunday
School Association and is very active in both local and state Sunday school work.

REV. WILEY LIN HURIE.

Rev. Wiley Liu Hurie. pastor *ot the Central Presbyterian church of Russellville,
ha.^ devoted many years to the ministry and his religious instruction has been a tangible
force for good in the various communities in which he has labored. He was born in
Petersburg, Illinois, March 17, 1885, a son of J. S. and Anna (Houghton) Hurie, both
of whom were born in the central part of that state. The paternal grandfather, Josiah
Hurie, was a native of Pennsylvania and became one of the pioneer farmers of Illinois,

126 CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKAXSAS

in which state his demise occui-red. The maternal grandfather, A. M. Houghton, was
born in central Illinois and there spent his life. J. S. Hurie, a man of good education,
who has devoted much time to reading and study, is now residing on his farm, having
engaged in agricultural pursuits for a number of years. His political allegiance is
given to the democratic party and he is a Knights Templar Mason and is also identified
with the Knights of Pythias. Mrs. Hurie died in 1910, in the faith of the Presbyterian
church. Mr. Hurie is also affiliated with that religious denomination, joining the church
over which his son was at that time presiding. In the family were four children: A.
E. and E. J., who are operating farms in Illinois: Wiley Lin; and Frank J., who is also
engaged in farming in that state.

Wiley Lin Hurie acquired his early education in the country schools of his native
state and then became a student in an academy at Jacksonville, Illinois, completing his
course in 1902. while four years later he was graduated from Illinois College of that
place. He then entered the Union Theological College of New York city and was grad-
uated from that institution with the class of 1912, but had engaged in preaching the
gospel in the country adjacent to Petersburg previous to this time, erecting a church
at Hickory Grove, Illinois, which was named the Lin Hurie chapel, in his uonor. While
attending the theological seminary he supplied the pulpit of the First Presbyterian
church at Petersburg, was student pastor of the Church of the Covenant in New York
city, pastoral supply at Christ church, and acting pastor of the Church of the Covenant
in 1912. In November, 1912, he was called to Russellville to fill the pastorate of the
Central Presbyterian church, of which he has since been in charge, and under his
guidance the work of the church has materially expanded and developed. It now has
a membership of three hundred and seventy, of which number about fifty are non-
residents, and its influence is constantly broadening, the church being recognized as a
potent force for good in the moral progress of the community.

On the loth of November, 1917, Rev. Jlr. Hurie was united in marriage to Miss
Ula Moores, who was born at Richmond, Arkansas, a daughter of Alexander Ross 'and.
Nellie Virginia Moores. The father was for many years a prominent merchant of that
place and later he became connected with mercantile interests of Russellville. To this
union has been born a daughter, Mary Virginia, who is but a few months old. In his
political views Rev. Mr. Hurie Is a democrat and in Masonry he has attained high rank,
having taken all of the degrees up to and including those of the consistory. For a
number of years Rev. Mr. Hurie has been president of the board of trustees of the
College of the Ozarks, the synodical college of the Presbyterian church, located at
Clarksville, Arkansas. He is a gentleman of liberal culture and superior intellectual
attainments, who by example as well as precept has pointed out to others the best way
of life, and his course has at all times awakened admiration and respect.

LEON A. WILLIAilS.

Leon A. Williams, numbered among Arkansas' capitalists, makes his home at Fort
Smith and owns and controls important farming and live stock interests. His land
holdings are, indeed, extensive and he employs the most progi'essive and scientific
methods in the care of his fields and in the breeding of his stock.

Mr. Williams is a native of Kansas, born in 1S81. He was but fourteen years of
age when he took up his abode in Arkansas and settled in Fort Smith and here he
started out in the business world by trading horses and mules. Young though he was,
he displayed excellent judgment in recognizing the value of the animals and. prosper-
ing in his undertakings, he acquired after a time a barn of moderate size. Gradually
he expanded and developed his business interests and in this connection erected one
of the largest barns of the kind in Arkansas. He rented his first barn at ten dollars
per month and from that modest beginning he steadily worked upward until he has
become one of the wealthy and influential men of the state. While only forty years
of age, he is the owner of eight thousand acres of land and has also made investment
in some of the best business property of Fort Smith, with an estimated value of three
hundred thousand dollars. WTienever he has seen opportunity for judicious investment
he has added to his property holdings and he is today one of the foremost agricul-
turists of the southwest, employing the most scientific and improved methods in caring
for his fields and in the development of his herds.

Mr. Williams has ever recognized the fact that play is second in importance only
to work and that a man's recreations make or break him as surely as do his business
habits. He has largely found his diversion in fox hunting, keeping a kennel of fine
hounds which are the best bred of any to be seen in this section of the state. In busi-
ness he has ever recognized the fact that application is what counts and that every

CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 127

man has it in liim to work if he wants to. Indifference is the iirincipal cause of failure
and a lack of real interest in the business keeps most men from financial success. Mr.
Williams, however, has always found pleasure in his work and has steadily improved
and developed his opportunities until prosperity has followed all his undertakings.

THOMAS N. BLACK, M. D.

Dr. Thomas X. Black, one of the younger physicians of Hot Springs, whose ability,
however, is bringing him rapidly to the front, was born in Little River county, Arkan-
sas, June 24, 1891, his father being Thomas N. Black, a native of Alabama. Dr. Black
was largely reared at Ashdown, Arkansas, where he pursued a public school education,
while later he attended a high school in Oklahoma and also was a student in the Cni-
versity of Oklahoma. He thus laid broad and deep the foundation upon which to build
the superstructure of professional knowledge, when he had decided to engage in the
practice of medicine as a life work. In 1911 he entered Tulane University at New
Orleans, Louisiana, as a medical student and was graduated therefrom with the class
of 1918. His first practical experience came to him through serving as an interne in
Charity Hospital of that city. He afterward opened an office in Hot Springs in connec-
tion with Dr. Tribble, his office being in the Thompson building. He specializes in
urology and surgery and is making rapid advance along those lines, attaining a marked
degree of efficiency in each. In addition to his private practice he is serving on the
staff of the St. Joseph Hospital.

Dr. Black was united in maiTiage on the 30th of June, 1920, to Miss Fern Burhop
and they now have one child, Natta Lee. Dr. Black is a member of the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks and also of the Knights of Pythias, while along professional
lines he is identified with the Garland County Medical Society, the Arkansas State Medi-
cal Society, the Southern Medical Association and the American Medical Association.
His interest in his profession has its root not only in a desire for success but also in
broad humanitarian principles and he maintains the highest standards in his practice,
anxious at all times that his service shall be of real practical benefit to his fellowmen.

C. M. RICE.

C. M. Rice, a member of one of the pioneer families of Arkansas, has long occupied
a position of prominence at the bar of Bentonville and has also served as mayor of the
town. He was born in McMinn county, Tennessee, September 5, 1859, a son of Charles
W. and Julia A. (Cobb) Rice, who were also natives of that state. They were married
in Tennessee and in 1859 came to Arkansas, locating at Pea Ridge. The father became
the owner of a large farm in that section, on which he and his wife spent their remain-
ing years. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he was identified
with the Masonic order, holding membership in the chapter. He was a democrat in
his political views and in an early day served as circuit clerk of Benton county. He
was a widely known and highly esteemed resident of his community, being numbered
with the pioneer settlers of Arkansas whose labors were resultant factors in the develop-
ment and upbuilding of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Rice became the parents of thirteen
children, of whom eight are living, the subject of this review being one of the younger
members of the family. R. S. and C. A. Rice are prominent physicians of Rogers, this
state, and Roland, W. C. and M. B. Rice are successful business men residing in Ben-
ton county.

In the acquirement of an education C. M. Rice attended the schools of Benton county,
after which he became a student in the State University o£ Michigan at Ann Arbor,
from which he was graduated with the class of 1886, on the completion of a law course.
Returning to Arkansas, he opened an office in Bentonville in 1887 and here has since
engaged in professional work, his ability being attested in the large clientatre accorded
hira. He has been admitted to practice in all the courts and is now serving ;is president
of the examining board of the supreme court of the state. In a profession where advance-
ment depends upon individual merit and ability he has gradually worked his way
upward, his success coming to him because of his close reasoning, his logical argument,
his correct application of legal principles and his ability to present his contention in
the strongest possible light.

In 1885 Mr. Rice was married to Miss Martha Ragan, who was born near Petersburg,
Illinois. Her parents. Mr. and Mrs. John Ragan, were natives of Virginia and in the
'70s thev became residents of Arkansas, and died in Benton county. Her paternal

128 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

grandfather, John H. Ragan, lived to a very advanced age, being one hundred and four
years old at the time of his demise. Mr. and Mrs. Rice have become the parents of
five children: Russell, the eldest in the family, has been connected with government
work since 1916 and is now occupying the position of finance clerk at Camp Pike, near
Little Rock. Arkansas; Ethel Anderson is a teacher in the schools of Oklahoma; Jef-
ferson Randolph was educated in the grammar and high schools of Bentonville, after
which he pursued a law course in the State University of Arkansas, and is now asso-
ciated in practice with his father; Phillip pursued a course in electrical engineering
at the Arkansas State University, standing at the head of his class, and is now man-
ager for a large electrical plant at Rochester, New York. During the World war he
entered the British army as a volunteer and was subsequently transferred to the Ameri-
can forces. His term of service covered two years, during which he participated in all
of the major engagements of the war; Paul, who was also in the service of his country,
became ill in camp and has not yet entirely regained his health.

Mr. and Mrs. Rice are members of the Baptist church and fraternally Mr. Rice
is identified with the Masons, holding membership in the lodge. He is a stanch demo-
crat in his political views and takes an active interest in the welfare and success of
the party but has never been an aspirant for public office, although he has been called
upon to serve as mayor of Bentonville and was also president of the school board, mak-
ing a most creditable record in both connections. He has always been loyal to any trust
reposed in him and puts forth every possible effort for the benefit and upbuilding of
his community, county and state, doing effective service for the public good, while in
his law practice whatever he does is for the best interests of his clients and for the
honor of the profession.

HARRY CLYDE KING, M. D.

Dr. Harry Clyde King, a surgeon of notable capability, by reason of thorough train-
ing and long experience and who at all times is most conscientious in the performance
of his professional duties, was born in Luray, Clark county, Missouri, December 16,
1871, and is the youngest of a family of eleven children, whose parents were Alfred A.
and Ellen (Dennis) King. The father was a mechanical engineer, who served in the
Civil war, there being seven brothers in the family who joined the army and all were
killed save two.

Dr. King of this review was but nine years of age at the time of his father's
death. He soon afterward left home to attend school in Cherokee, Kansas, and there
lived with a married sister, remaining at that place until he had completed a high
school course. He afterward removed from the Sunflower state to Wisconsin, where
he continued his studies in a private school and still later he became a student in the
University of Chicago. After a preparatory course there pursued he entered Rush
Medical College, which is the medical department of the University of Chicago and
has an endowment from the Rockefeller foundation. Lacking necessary funds to meet
his tuition and the regular expenses of a college course, yet determined to qualify for
the practice of medicine Dr. King slept in the basement of the college in order to save
room rent and paid for his tuition by acting as an orderly and waiting on table in the
student's boarding hall, thus providing for his board and maintenance. Notwithstand-
ing his financial handicap his fellow students recognized his personal worth, ability
and high character and elected him to the position of secretary of his class, which was
the first four-year class being graduated from that institution. He completed his studies
in 1899, gaining thereby his much coveted degree of M. D. In later years Dr. King
has taken postgraduate work in New York. On leaving the east he went to Weir City,
Kansas, where he established himself in the practice of medicine in connection with his
brother. Dr. Dennis W. King, who was then the physician and surgeon for the Central
Coal & Coke Company of Weir City. During an epidemic at Bonanza, Arkansas, Dr.
King was sent to that place by the Central Coal & Coke Company and continued for a
period of six years. He was not only prominent as a physician there but was also-
a recognized leader in connection with many interests of gi-eat public importance and
moment. He served as mayor of the city, was chief of police and occupied other posi-
tions of public honor and trust, thus displaying his devotion to the welfare and progress
of the community.

It was in 1906 that Dr. King came to Port Smith, where he has followed his pro-
fession for a period of fifteen years and he is today recognized as one of the leading
physicians of the city. He has developed great skill and ability as the years have
passed and his efficiency is manifest in many ways. He has always specialized in
surgery and he possesses intimate knowledge of anatomy and the component parts of

DE. HAERY C. KING

CEXTEXXIxVL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 1:JJ

the human body and thoroughly understands the onslaught made upon it by disease.
From 1907 until 1916 he acted as chief surgeon for the Midland Valley Railroad and
he has been chief surgeon for the Port Smith Light & Traction Company since 1906.
In 1915 he organized the Union Hospital Association among the Union Mine Workers
of District No. 21, comprising Arkansas. Oklahoma and Texas. The present member-
ship is ten thousand, representing fifty thousand people. Almost every year Dr. King
leaves home to attend an important clinic in the larger medical centers of the country.
While in Chicago he did service in the Cook County Hospital. He is a local member
of the Surgeons College at Rochester. Minnesota, and he belongs to the Sebastian County,
the Arkansas State and the American Medical Associations. He was a member of the
Medical Reserve Corps during the World war, but could not get overseas, as it was
thought best that he should remain at home on account of his duties as chief surgeon
of the mine workers.

Dr. King was united in marriage to Miss Agnes Cummings of Toronto, Canada, and
they have become parents of three children: Linton, who attends the Southwestern
University; Eleanor; and Juanita. Mrs. King is a most active club woman and is inter-
ested in many of the projects and problems that have to do directly with the welfare
.and benefit of the people at large. She is now president of the Anti-Tuberculosis Asso-
ciation of Sebastian county and during the World war she acted as chairman of
Liberty Loan drives in Fort Smith. Dr. King belongs to the Lions Club and the Country
Club of Fort Smith, is also a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and
has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in Masonry, while with the
Nobles of the .Mystic Shrine he has crossed the sands of the desert. Both he and his
wife are recognized leaders in the field in which they labor and to which they direct
their attention and they are actively interested in all those concerns which are of
vital worth to the community, their influence being ever on the side of progi-ess and
improvement.

W. A. BURKS.

The legal fraternity of Bentonville finds a leading representative in W. A. Burks,
who also has important business interests, and in both lines of activity his efforts have
been attended with a gratifying measure of success. He is a native of Kentucky, his
birth having occurred in Logan county in February, 1S71. His parents were A. L. and
Sallie A. (Terry) Burks, who were also natives of the Blue Grass state, the birth of
the former having occurred in Logan county, while the latter was born in Barren
county. They were married in Kentucky, remaining residents of the state until 1891,
and the father devoted his attention to farming, in which he was very successful. On
leaving Kentucky he made his way to Bentonville, Arkansas, and here lived retired
until his demise. Mrs. Burks was a member of the Christian church, while he was a
Baptist in religious faith, and his political allegiance was given to the democratic party.
In their family were three children: B. T., a prominent merchant of Bentonville; Lizzie,
the wife of W. T. Dudley, who is also engaged in merchandising here; and W. A., of
this review.

In the pursuit of an education Mr. Burks attended the public schools of Kentucky
and on starting out in life for himself he first took up the occupation of farming. Later
he entered upon the study of law in the office of C. M. Rice of Bentonville, and in 1896
he was admitted to the bar, having successfully passed the required examination. He
began the practice of law in association with Mr. Rice, with whom he continued for
eight years, and then organized the Fidelity Savings Bank & Loan Company, of which
he was president for several years. Following the liquidation of the bank he resumed
the work of his profession in connection with bonds and innrl-.mvs irnd the list of
his clients is now an extensive and representative one. H< i- 1-m;iI iMnruey for the
'Frisco & Kansas City Southern Railway Company and he li i li . n rnnm.cted with a
number of important cases which have come before the ccuuls ui hi^ di.strict. He is
a man of logical mind, studious, well versed in the law and therefore highly qualified
to take care of important litigation. He is a prominent figure in business circles of
Bentonville. being president of the Monarch Investment Company, and he is also presi-
dent of the Texas Oil & Refining Company and the Blue Hawk Refining Company, for
which he likewise acts as attorney. In addition he had made extensive investments
in land in Benton county and is an astute, farsighted business man, whose plans are
carefully formulated and promptly executed.

In 1902 Mr. Burks was united in marriage to Miss Essie Smart, a native of Benton-
ville and a daughter of Dr. John Smart, who has for many years been numbered with
the leading physicians of the town. Mrs. Burks is a member, of the Presbyterian

182 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

church and Mr. Burks is affiliated with the Christian church. His political allegiance
is given to the democratic party and fraternally he is identified with the Knights of
Pythias, of which he is a past chancellor commander. His entire career has been
actuated by a spirit of progress and enterprise that has been productive of substantial
results. He has constructed his own success and in business and professional circles
of Bentonville his standing is of the highest.

OLIVER W. CLARK, M. D.

Dr. Oliver W. Clark, engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at Pine Bluff
and owner of the Clark Sanitarium and member of the Pine Bluff Clinic, is regarded
as a most valuable addition to professional circles here. He utilizes the most advanced
and scientific principles and at all times keeps abreast with the progressive thought of
the times bearing upon the treatment of disease. Because of his wide and favorable
acquaintance in Pine Blufl' and this section of the state his life history cannot fail to
prove of interest to many of the readers of this volume. Dr. Clark was born at Nash-
ville, Arkansas, in 1875, a son of George M. and Amelia (Anderson) Clark. His father
was a captain of the Confederate army during the Civil war and afterward devoted his
life to merchandising. He became a pioneer in the southern section of the state and
erected the first building in Texarkana, Arkansas. He was a native of Alabama but
removed to Arkansas sixty-four years ago and in various ways contributed to the
progress and upbuilding of this state, just as his father, William Clark, had done in
Alabama, where he was rated as a distinguished citizen. The mother of Dr. Clark was
a daughter of O. P. Anderson, representative of one of the old families of South Carolina
that was later established in Mississippi and thence removed to Arkansas. Mr. and
Mrs. George Clark were parents of three children; Oliver W.; A. B.; and Mrs. J. R.
Hill of Texarkana.

Dr. Clark enjoyed liberal educational opportunities. He attended the Ouachita
College, there completing his more specifically literary course, and later he entered the
Memphis Medical College, which constituted the initial step to his further study in
Tulane University, from which he was graduated with the class of 1903. He then put
his theoretical knowledge to the practical test by serving in St. Joseph's Hospital at
Memphis for a year, gaining that broad and valuable experience which is never so
quickly acquired in any other way as in hospital practice. In 1904 he came to Pine
Bluff, where he has continued in the active work of the profession, enjoying a large
general practice for a decade. He toured Europe in 1914 with members of the American
Clinical Congress of Surgeons, visiting chief medical centers, and after returning he
established the Clark Sanitarium, in association with Dr. W. H. Simmons and Dr. J.
S. Jenkins. This institution is now devoted exclusively to the service of the Pine Bluff
Clinic, being supplied with every modern surgical equipment and appurtenance. The
physicians in charge are all men of marked ability and progressiveness and the work
accomplished there is of a most advanced and highly satisfactory character. In addition
to his connection with the medical profession Dr. Clark is well known as a successful
oil operator, owning producing wells in Louisiana, and he has sold oil acreage, owned
in fee by him, for thousands of dollars. He is now actively interested in the develop-
ment of a part of his holdings and his work in this connection is making substantial
contribution to his annual resources.

Dr. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Willie Jean Atkinson of Pine Bluff and
they have become the parents of two children: William George and Sterling Moore.
Dr. Clark and his family are most widely and favorably known here, enjoying the
hospitality of many of the best homes, and their friends are legion.

BENJAMIN L. ROSS.

Prominent in the financial circles of Arkansas is Benjamin L. Ross, cashier of the
Merchants & Planters Bank at Eudora. of which institution he is also a director. He
is a native son of Arkansas, his birth having occurred at Arkadelphia, on the 27th of
August, 1885. His father, Robert R., who died in 1918 at the age of sixty years, was
for many years active as a bookkeeper and for some time held the office of circuit
clerk in Clark county. He was also in the land office at Camden for many years. Mr.
Ross died in Arkadelphia and his passing came as a severe blow to his many friends
in the community. One of his brothers, Jesse A. Ross, was a major in the Confederate
army during the Civil war. The Ross family was one of the pioneer families in Clark

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 133

county. In Memphis, Tennessee, in 18S3, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Ross to
Miss Sue John Ligon, a native of Mason, that state. She is now making her home In
Memphis, aged fifty-flve years. To their union two boys and one girl were born, all
of whom are living. Benjamin L., whose name introduces this review, was the second
in order of birth.

In the acquirement of an education, Benjamin L. Ross attended the public schools
of Arkadelphia, and after graduating from the high school there he took a two-year
liti.'rary course at Ouachita College. His higher education was acquired through his
own efforts, for he worked in a sawmill during the summer vacations in order to secure
enough money to pay his tuition. In 1907 he went to work with the Gulf Congress
Company of Little Rock, as clerk, and was active in that capacity for one month. The
following three months were spent as clerk in the State National Bank at Little Rock,
at the termination of which time he was transferred to the Bank of Lake "Village,
being promoted to the position of assistant cashier. For about one year he was con-
nected with that institution and was then transferred to the Bank of Eudora, being
employed in the same capacity. All of these banks were branches of the Bankers Trust
Company of St. Louis. Missouri. Two years later, or in 1910, Mr. Ross became cashier
of the Citizens State Bank at Lake Village and remained with that institution until
1911, when he returned to Eudora. Subsequently he organized the Merchants and
Planters Bank here, of which he was elected cashier and has remained active in that
capacity since. The success of the institution seemed assured from the start and today'
the deposits amount to some one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The bank was
organized with twenty-five thousand dollars, paid up capital, and since organization it
has paid about seventy per cent dividends. The surplus and undivided profits now
total twenty thousand dollars. Mr. Ross is one of the stockholders in the bank and is
acting as secretary and director of the Eudora Congress Company of this city.

Mr. Ross was married on the 24th of December, 1908, at Eudora, to Miss Essie Crab-
tree, a daughter of Benjamin Crabtree, a well known resident here. To their union
four children have been born: Benjamin L., Jr., aged twelve years; Sue Elizabeth,
ten years of age; Roberta A., eight years of age; and Robert Harlan, aged six months.
The three older children are attending the Eudora public schools.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Presbyterian church, which Mr.
Ross serves as deacon. Fraternally he is Identified with the Masons, holding member-
ship in Concord Lodge, No. 23, A. F. & A. M., of Eudora; Eudora Chapter, No. 132,
Royal Arch Masons, of which he is high priest; Arkansas Consistory at Little Rock;
and Sahara Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Pine Bluff. He is a Scottish Rite Mason.
During the World war Mr. Ross took a prominent and active part in all activities and
served on various committees in the interest of Red Cross, Liberty Loan and other
drives. He is one of Eudora's most public-spirited and representative citizens and is
never too busy to give his aid in the furtherance of any movement for the development
and improvement of the community. Mr. Ross has many stanch friends throughout
the county and state who appreciate his true personal worth and he is held in high
esteem by his fellowmen.

OTTIS GRADY HIRST, M. D.

Arkansas numbers among her native sons Dr. Ottis Grady Hirst, a member of the
firm of Drs. Buchanan, Buchanan and Hirst of Prescott. He was born on a farm in
Nevada county, on the 4th of July, 1897, a son of Judge Jesse J. and Susan A. (Also-
brook) Hirst, both natives of this county. The paternal and maternal grandparents
came to this state at the same time, in the '40s, the former emigrating from Virginia
and the latter from Georgia. Judge and Mrs. J. J. Hirst are still living, making their
home on the old farm in the southern part of Nevada county. For four years the
father held the oflSce of county judge of this county and he is one of the influential
men here, having done much for the development and improvement of both county and
state.

In the acquirement of an education Ottis Grady Hirst attended the public schools
of Cale, and after graduation from the high school there with the class of 1914, entered
the medical department of the University of Arkansas. He received his M. D. degree
on the 29th of May, 1918, and for the following year he served as an interne in the
Logan H. Roots Memorial Hospital at Little Rock. In May, 1919, he came to Prescott
and formed a copartnership with Drs. Buchanan & Buchanan, further mention of both
being made on another page of this work, and he has remained active in that associa-
tion. Although Dr. Hirst is but twenty-four years of age he has demonstrated his skill
both as a practitioner of internal medicine and as a surgeon.

i:U CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

Along strictly professional lines. Dr. Hirst has membership in the Nevada County
Medical Society, Arkansas State Medical Society, American Medical Association and
Southern Medical Association and through these bodies he keeps in constant touch with
the advancement being made by eminent members of the profession. Fraternally Dr.
Hirst is a member of Chi Zeta Chi, a Greek letter college fraternity, and he is identified
with the Order of the Eastern Star; the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which
he holds membership in Xevada Lodge, Xo. 203; and Prescott Chapter of the Royal Arch
Masons. Dr. Hirst has many friends in this community who have known him since
boyhood and the consensus of public opinion places him among the representative mem-
bers of the profession in the state.

D. M. WATKINS.

Xo history of the business development of Mena, of Hatfield and of this section of
the state would be complete were there failure to make reference to D. M. Watkins, who
is actively associated with its commercial and industrial development. He was born
in Birmingham, Alabama, March 23, 1871, and is a brother of William E. Watkins, in
connection with whose life history on another page of this work mention is made of
their parents and ancestry. D. M. Watkins started out in the business world as an
employe in the mills of Birmingham. He was thus engaged for seven years and gained
good practical business experience during that period. In 1900 he came to Mena, where
he joined his brother, W. E. Watkins, in the establishment and conduct of a hardware
store. Since that time they have constantly developed and expanded their interests
and are now owners of a hardware store at Hatfield and of large lumlter and sawmilling
interests, while their property holdings include both farm lands and city real estate.
Their investments have been most judiciously made and are representative of the sound
judgment, broad intelligence and keen discrimination of the brothers, who have been
so long and so successfully associated in their business undertakings. D. M. Watkins
has charge of the hardware business, while his brother is the active manager of their
lumber trade.

In 1902 D. M. Watkins was married in Mena to Miss Alice Gi-ay, who was born
in Logan county, Arkansas, a daughter of Mr. Gray, who settled in Logan county on
coming to this state from Illinois. He served in the Confederate army. Mr. and Mrs.
Watkins have become parents of one child, Edward, who was graduated in the spring
of 1922 from the high school at Mena. Mrs. Watkins belongs to the Methodist Episcopal
church, South, and Mr. Watkins has membership relations with the Masons, having
attained the Knights Templar degree of the York Rite. He is past master of the lodge,
past high priest of the chapter and past eminent commander of the Knights Templar
Commandery. He also belongs to the Elks Lodge, No. 781. In politics he has ever
been a stalwart advocate of democratic principles and has served as a member of the
city council of Mena, taking an active interest in promoting all those forces which make
for the advancement of civic standards and the adoption of higher civic ideals. His
cooperation can at all times be counted upon to further any plan or project that is
looking to the benefit and improvement of city and state.

At the same time Mr. Watkins remains one of the most forceful and representative
figures in the business circles of Polk county. He is the president of the Watkins Hard-
ware Company of Mena and vice president of the Watkins Lumber & Mercantile Com-
pany of Hatfield, and a half owner in the Watkins Lumber Company of Mena, being a
full partner of his brother in their undertakings. Not by leaps and bounds but by a
steady progression has he reached the creditable and enviable place which he now occu-
pies in the business and financial circles of this section of the state and his lite should
serve to encourage and inspire others, showing, what can be accomplished by persistent
effort intelligently directed.

HENRY THOMAS SMITH, M. D.

In 1910 Dr. Henry Thomas Smith entered upon the practice of medicine and sur-
gery in McGehee and as the years have passed he has won a well established position
in the ranks of his profession, owing to his conscientious application and scientific
attainments. He is one of Arkansas' native sons, his birth having occurred at Cin-
cinnati, on the 16th of October, 1886, and his parents were Reuben J. and Nannie C.
(Bond) Smith, the former a native of Missouri and the latter of Tennessee. In child-
hood they were brought by their parents to Arkansas and in this state their marriage

CEXTKXXIAL HISTORY OP ARKANSAS 135

occurred. The father, who has departed this life, followed the trade of a blacksmith.
The mother is residing with a daughter in Pryor, Oklahoma.

After completing his high school course Henry Thomas Smith became a student at
the University of Arkansas and in 1907 he took up the study of medicine, graduating
from the University of Tennessee at Memphis in 1910, with the M. D. degTee. In
September of that year he opened an office in McGehee, where he has since successfully
followed his profession, and he is now assistant surgeon for the Missouri Pacific Rail-
road in this section. He is thoroughly familiar with the scientific principles upon which
his work rests and is correct in the application of his knowledge to the needs of his
patients. His labors have been attended with a gratifying measure of success and with
the passing years his practice has steadily increased as he has had opportunity to
demonstrate his professional skill and ability.

In 1912 Dr. Smith married Miss Mary Olive Avery of McGehee, and they have a
large circle of friends here. In religious faith they are Presbyterians and fraternally
the Doctor is identified with the Masons, belonging to Desha Lodge, No. 643, P. & A.
M.; Albert Pike Consistory, No. 1, A. & A. S. R.; and Sahara Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.,
of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He is also connected with the Knights of Pythias lodge and
the Woodmen circle, while his professional relations are with the Desha County and
Arkansas State Medical Societies and the Southern Medical Association. He utilizes
every possible opportunity to promote his knowledge and increase his efficiency, ever
keeping in touch with the advancement that is being made along the lines of medical
and surgical science, and he enjoys the respect of his collengups and also of the gen-
eral public.

J. F. SIMS.

J. F. Sims, president of the New Bank of Hazen and also identified with the busi-
ness interests of the city as a merchant, has likewise figured in public affairs and has
filled the office of sheriff of Prairie county. Thus he has led a busy, useful and active
life, contributing to the progress and upbuilding of the district in which he makes his
home. Mr. Sims is a native of Missouri, his birth having occurred in Mexico, that state,
in 1878, his parents being John and Melinda (Crockett) Sims. Thirty-four years ago
his parents moved to Hazen and his father is still a prominent factor in the business
circles of this city, where he has for more than a third of a century taken active part
in promoting the upbuilding and advancing the civic interests of the community. With
the removal of the family to Hazen, J. F. Sims became a pupil in the public schools
here and when his textbooks were put aside he entered upon the live stock business
and likewise engaged in the shipment of hay. Since his early start in the business
world he has constantly enlarged and developed his business activities and his enter-
prises have been forceful factors in the growth and substantial improvement of this
section of the state. He early devoted acreage to rice cultivation, being among the
first in this section to grow rice, planting one hundred and fifty acres to that crop the
first year that rice was produced in this part of the state. He now has eighteen hun-
dred acres of good rice land and he also owns other lands. He turned his attention
to merchandising at La Grue, Arkansas, there remaining until his election to the office
of sheriff, when he removed to Hazen to enter upon the duties of that position, in which
he served by reelection for two terms. He is now president of the Xew Bank of Hazen,
in which he has previously been a director and he gives much of his time to the execu-
tive control of the bank, which has become recognized as one of the strong financial
institutions of Prairie county. He also owns one of the largest mercantile establish-
ments here and in all of his undertakings is very successful, owing to his close appli-
cation, his thoroughness and his progressive spirit. His plans are always carefully
formed and promptly executed, so that he never fails to reach his objective in any
business transaction.

Mr. Sims was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Johnson, a daughter of Lee John-
son, and they have become parents of five children: Annabelle, Bessie Grace, Blanche,
J. T, and I. T.

During the World war Mr. Sims was chairman of the exemption board and did
everything in his power to uphold the interests of the government and promote those
activities constituting a basis for the success of the American and allied forces. Fra-
ternally he is prominently known, having membership with the Masons, the Odd Fel-
lows, the Elks, the Woodmen of the World and the Modern Woodmen of America. He
is loyal to the teachings and purposes of these different orders and his life has been
actuated by a progi-essive spirit, which has made him a valued representative of these
different organizations and made him a prominent and forceful factor in business circles.

136 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

In politics, too, he has exercised considerable influence and in office he proved a
capable and faithful official but his ambition has been rather in the field of
progression than of office holding. Watchful of all the opportunities pointing to suc-
cess, he has wisely used his time and talents in the control of his business affairs and
as banker, merchant and planter is today widely known and highly honored.

HENRY HENNEGIN TUCKER.

Henry Hennegin Tucker, secretary of the Fones Brothers Company, controlling an
extensive wholesale hardware business, of which he is part owner, has thus gained
an enviable position as one of the substantial business men of Little Rock, his native
city. He was born January 14, 1888, and is a son of Sterling W. and Jennie (Hennegin)
Tucker. Following the death of the father, the mother later became the wife of D. G.
Fones, of the Pones Brothers Hardware Company, one of the mammoth business con-
cerns of the capital city. When she passed away she left this business to her two sons,
Sterling W. and Henry H. Tucker.

The younger son was educated in the public schools of Little Rock and also attended
the Arkansas Military Academy for two years before entering Cornell University at
Ithaca, New York, from which he was graduated in 1909 with the degi-ee of Bachelor
of Arts. Having completed his education, he returned to his native city and here
became identified with the wholesale hardware house of Fones Brothers. He has since
been identified with this business and has contributed in no small degree to the success
and continued growth of the undertaking. In June, 1912, he became secretary of the
company, while his brother. Sterling W., succeeded to the presidency in 1916. The
brothers are now joint owners of this business, which is one of the most important com-
mercial interests of the city, its trade relations covering a very wide territory. They
have always fully sustained the high reputation which the house has borne since its
founders first opened the doors of the establishment and at the same time they have
kept apace with the mo"st progressive commercial methods, the gradual expansion of
their trade being the direct result of carefully formulated plans and sound judgment.

On the 5th of June, 1919, H. H. Tucker was united in marriage to Miss Katharine
Duke, who was born in Baxter, Arkansas, August 14, 1893. a daughter of Charles Talbot
and Willie (Slemons) Duke. The father, a native of Arkansas, is now deceased and
the mother has also been called to her final rest. To Mr. and Mrs. Tucker has been
born a daughter, Elizabeth Duke, whose birth occurred April 21, 1921.

In his political views Mr. Tucker has always been a stalwart democrat but never
an aspirant for office. He and his wife are consistent members of the First Methodist
Episcopal church. South, and the nature of his interests aside from the lines indicated
is manifest in his membership relations with the Rotary Club and the Country Club.
That his has been a well spent life is indicated in the fact that many of his stanchest
friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present. He is a
splendid representative of that class of wide-awake, alert young business men who,
meeting present-day requirements of the commercial world, also measure their activi-
ties by the highest ethical standards of trade.

ISAAC DREYFUSS.

Isaac Dreyfuss is one of the pioneer merchants of Pine Bluff, where he is conduct-
ing a well appointed department store. Enterprise and persistency of purpose have
actuated him in all of his business career and his success is the merited reward of his
labors. Mr. Dreyfuss is a native of Louisiana, his birth having occurred in New Orleans
in 1850, his parents being Isaac and Rosina (Meyer) Dreyfuss. The parents were from
Germany and on coming to the United States settled in New Orleans, where the father
engaged in merchandising.

Isaac Dreyfuss, one of a family of four children, was educated in his native city,
after which he traveled through this section of the south. In 1869 he located at Grand
Lake, where he engaged in merchandising on his own account and after eleven years
there spent came to Pine Bluff in 1880. Here he opened a small store on Barraque
street and some time afterward established his store at his present location. Here he
founded the nucleus of what is now a large department store, gradually adding different
departments to the original store until he is at the head of a very substantial com-
mercial enterprise. He is one of the oldest merchants in years of continuous connec-
tion with business in Pine Bluff and his slogan "your grandparents traded here" is

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 137

literally true. His lines are comprehensive in their scope, tasteful in selection and
reasonable in prices and his .patronage has steadily grown as the years have passed by.
Mr. Dreyfuss was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Simon of New Orleans, and
their children are: H. C. J. M., D. S. and Hattie. The son, D. S. Dreyfuss, served with
the Red Cross during the World war and was also at Camp Pike. The sons are engaged
in business with their father and are progressive young men, whose enterprise and
zeal are guided by the sound business judgment and experience of the father, making
this a strong combination. Mr. Dreyfuss certainly deserves much credit for what he
has accomplished as he started out in the business world empty-handed and by per-
sistent effort has made continued advancement, his labors winning for him the just
and merited reward of diligence and persistency of purpose.

GEORGE FERDINAND SNYDER.

George Ferdinand Snyder, secretary-treasurer of the Charles F. Penzel Grocer
Company of Little Rock, has been identified with this business continuously since 1906,
or for a period of fifteen years. He started in a humble capacity, but has gradually
been advanced as his powers and capability have increased until now he is one of the
executive officers of the concern, Mr. Snyder displays the enterprising spirit that has
been characteristic of the development of the southwest. He was born in Morrillton,
Arkansas, September 11, 1887, and is a son of John W. and Anna (Rolf) Snyder, who
are now residents of Little Rock. The father was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
in February, 1866, and the mother's birth occurred in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, in 1868.
Both came to Arkansas in early life and they were married in Morrillton on the 26th
of August, 1886, They became parents of five sons and two daughters and the family
circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death. On the 1st of January, 1895, John
W. Snyder removed with his family to the capital city, where he is engaged in business
as a bookkeeper. His political views are in accord with the principles of the democratic
party.

George F. Snyder was a lad of but eight years when the family home was established
in Little Rock, where he pursued his education in the public schools. When a youth
of sixteen, or in 1903, he became office boy for the Little Rock Board of Trade. During
the two succeeding years he occupied the position of bookkeeper with the National
Biscuit Company at Little Rock and in 1906 he entered the employ of the Charles F.
Penzel Grocer Company as assistant bookkeeper. On the 1st of January, 1907, he was
promoted to cashier and credit man and on the 15th of November, 1920, was elected
secretary and treasurer, which position he now fills. He is an energetic, progressive
and farsighted business man and is accomplishing much in the commercial world by
reason of his determination and unabating industry.

On the 14th of June, 1910, in Subiaco, Arkansas, Mr. Snyder was married to Miss
Anna Cecilia Spieler, whose birth occurred February 12, 1888, in the town of Spielerville,
Logan county, Arkansas. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder are members of the Catholic church and
he is identified with the Knights of Columbus. His political endorsement is given to
the republics^n party, but he has never been ambitious to hold office, preferring to con-
centrate his efforts and energy upon his business interests. This consistency of purpose
has been one of the salient elements in his advancement and today he ranks with the
successful and representative merchants of the capital city.

WILLIAM H. JOHNSON.

The name of William H. Johnson is well known in connection with the industrial
and financial interests of Fort Smith, where he is the vice president of the Merchants
National Bank. Along the line of steady progression he has reached his present posi-
tion, learning many valuable lessons in the school of experience and constantly develop-
ing his powers until his labors have become a potent force in the city's improvement
and material upbuilding. Mr. Johnson came to Arkansas from New England, his birth
having occurred in Bridgeport, Vermont, his parents being R. H. and Susan (Smith)
Johnson. In early life he became a resident of the middle west and his preliminary
education was supplemented by a course of study in Drake University at Des Moines,
Iowa.

The year 1896 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Johnson in Arkansas and through the
intervening period he has been actively identified with the lumber business and timber
interests and eventually became president of the Fort Smith Wagon Company. While

138 CEXTEXXIAI. HISTORY OV ARKANSAS

a resident of Iowa he engaged in the hardware business and his initial experience
along mercantile lines acquainted him with the best methods of conducting his interests.
He early recognized the eternal principle that industry wins and industry became the
beacon light of his lite. He learned to value opportunity correctly and has ever dis-
played ready discrimination between the essential and non-essential in business affairs,
thus developing his interests along constructive lines and he made for himself a most
creditable place in connection with the lumber trade of the southwest and with the
manufacturing interests of Fort Smith as general manager of the Wagon Company.
On January 1, 1917, he became one of the directors of the Merchants National Bank
and in 1921 was elected to the vice presidency, so that he is now the second executive
officer in this strong financial concern.

Mr. Johnson has also found time and opportunity to promote public Interests and
has displayed hearty cooperation in all movements for the general good as president
of the Business Men's Club. During the World war period he acted as chairman of
the county council of defense and was also chairman of the Liberty Loan drives and
Red Cross work. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and also with
the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and in his life exemplifies the beneficent spirit
upon which these societies are founded. He has many traits admirable and worthy of
all praise and one meeting him face to face would know at once that he is an individual
embodying all the elements of what in this country we term a "square" man.

GARDNER K. OLIPHINT.

When old age comes upon an individual, family and friends feel that the end is
near and that it is but natural to pass from this life to eternity, but when death comes
in young manhood or middle age it always carries with it a sense of the deepest regret
and bereavement to the close associates of the one who has died. Gardner K. Oliphint
was but thirty-three years of age when the final summons came to him. It is doubtful
if there are many men who have crowded so much into a short lifetime. His entire
career was one of intense activity and it was the keen mental labor of his early years
that undoubtedly hastened the end.

Mr. Oliphint was born in Little Rock, October 13, 1888, and attended the grammar
schools in his boyhood days and also assisted in his father's law offices. He early began
using a typewriter— in fact he was a child prodigy in this respect. When but four and
a half years of age he was taken throughout the state by a traveling man, a friend of
the family, and the little lad would demonstrate in store windows how easy it was to
use an old L. C. Smith typewriter. When but seven years of age he was taking deposi-
tions direct on the machine. By the time he was twelve he had become an expert
stenographer and at thirteen years of age he was private stenographer for one of the
officials of the Rock Island Railroad. At seventeen he had full charge of the wholesale
liquor establishment of the Sandefur-Julian Liquor Company and when a youth of but
nineteen he had become a court reporter on the first circuit of Arkansas. Throughout
his remaining days Mr. Oliphint continued to act as court reporter. He had won a
medal for being the most rapid typist in the state when but twelve years of age and
his skill in stenogi-aphy and typewriting was of great value to him in his reportorial
work. He remained for a time in his father's office as stenogi-apher, studying law until
he was admitted to the bar in 1913. The same year he was admitted to the bar at
Little Rock and continued to engage in practice to the time of his demise. In 1917 he
was appointed by Chancellor John E. Martineau as official court reporter for the district
embracing Pulaski, Lonoke and White counties, and Judge Martineau granted him per-
mission to practice law in addition to the performance of his other duties. Mr. Oliphint
was a member of the firm of Oliphint & Powell, court reporters. After engaging in this
line of business alone for a number of years his business had grown to such an extent
that he could not handle it alone and he therefore entered into partnership relations
with Mr. Powell of St. Louis. He was engaged in the performance of his duties as
court reporter when death overtook him. He started to drive his motor car from Little
Rock to Pine Bluff, there to engage in court reporting work, but as he and his wife
neared Wrightsville he became ill and Mrs. Oliphint returned with him to their home,
death occurring a little later.

It was on the 10th of March, 1917, that Mr. Oliphint was married to Miss Helen
Nothwang of Little Rock, a daughter of William and Alice Nothwang, the former a
native of Germany and the latter of Illinois. Heavy had been the business responsibili-
ties that had devolved upon Mr. Oliphant from his childhood, due to the notable aptitude
and capability which he had displayed in early youth. He was a phenomenon in his
work— perhaps unequaled by any other in the United States— through the period of

GARDNER K. OLIPHIXT

CEXTENXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 141

his minority. His business and professional activities liad brouglit him a wide acquaint-
ance and he was greatly esteemed by all who knew him because of the many admirable
traits of character which were his. He left behind him many friends and his memory
will be cherished for years to come.

REV. JOSEPH SCHLATTERER.

Rev. Joseph Schlatterer, pastor of the Holy Rosary Catholic church at Stuttgart,
was born in Baden, Germany, in 1S53. He studied for the priesthood at the theological
seminary of Freiburg, Germany, and was ordained by Bishop Kubel. His first pastorate
was in Baden and later he was transferred to Offenburg, while subsequently he labored
as a priest at Constance.

It was in 1900 that Father Schlatterer came to Arkansas and took up his abode at
Pocahontas as successor to the Rev. Father Sattele. He also held a pastorate at Knobel,
Clay county, and largely through his influence many German farmers went to that
locality and settled. In 1910 Father Schlatterer was assigned to the pastorate of the
Holy Rosary Catholic church at Stuttgart, a church that was founded about twenty-five
years ago and had previously been served by Rev. P. J. McCormick, Rev. J. Plamondon
and Rev. J. McQuaid in turn. The parochial school conducted in connection with the
church is taught by the Benedictine Sisters and has sixty pupils. There are about
eighty-two families that worship at the Holy Rosary church and the work of the church
has been thoroughly systematized and is being efficiently carried on under the guidance
of Father Schlatterer.

BRADFORD KXAPP.

Bi-adford Knapp, dean of the College of Agriculture of the State University, is a
man who combines high ideals with practical methods. He has accomplished great
good in the educational field, especially in connection with the enlightenment of the
farmer as to more progressive and adaptable methods of crop production and the cure
of stock. The value of his service in Arkansas is almost inestimable. Mr. Knapp was
born at Vinton, Benton county, Iowa. December 24, 1870, his parents being Seaman A.
and Maria E. (Hotchkiss) Knapp and he is a grandson of Bradford Knapp. Seaman
A. Knapp became a man of national reputation in connection with agricultural develop-
ment. He was born in Essex county. New York, December 14, 1833, and after pursuing
his early education in private schools he attended the Troy Conference Seminary at
Port Edwards, New York. He also became a student in Union College at Schenectady,
New York, and later was professor and associate president of the Troy Conference
Seminary. Subsequently he was associated with the management of the Ripley Female
College at Pulteney, New York, and in 1866 he removed to the west, settling on a farm
at Big Grove. Benton county, Iowa, becoming a prominent factor in the agricultural
development of that state. He published the Cedar Rapids farm paper at one time and
his influence became a most potent force in agricultural progress. He removed to
the west on account of his health and after living on his farm for a time he established
his home in Vinton, Iowa, although retaining the ownership and operation of his farm
property. In 1869 he was elected superintendent of the College for the Blind, located
at Vinton, and remained at the head of the institution until 1874. when he resigned and
again engaged in farming. He was one of the early breeders of Berkshire hogs and
shorthorn cattle and was a member of the First Iowa Live Stock Breeders' Association.
In the latter part of the '70s he began the publication of the Western Stock Journal
and Parmer and his continued labors for agricultural progress and improvement brought
him more and more constantly into public notice. In 1879 he was elected professor
of agriculture in the Iowa State Agricultural College at Ames, and president of the
same institution in 1883, and there continued until 1886, when he removed with his
family to Lake Charles, Louisiana, and accepted a position with a large corporation
engaged in the development of the southwestern section of that state. He devoted
twelve years to that work and in 1898 and again in 1901 he was chosen by Hon. James
Wilson. Secretary of Agriculture, during his administration, to go to China, Japan and
the Philippine Islands as an agricultural explorer to secure available information
regarding rice varieties, rice production and rice milling. When the United States
acquired Porto Rico, following the Spanish-American war. Secretary of Agriculture
Wilson sent Dr. Knapp to the island to make a special report with regard to agricultural
resources there. A notable thing concerning Dr. Knapp's important work is that he

14-J CEXTKXXIAL IIISTOHV OF ARKANSAS

did not enter upon that line of activity in wliich he became famous until he was past
seventy years of age. His own experimentation and successful operations in rice cul-
tivation in Louisiana, combined with the knowledge that he had gained of the production
of the crop in the Orient, afterward made him known as the father of the rice industry
in this country. In 1904 he originated the cooperative demonstration work under the
United State.s department of agriculture, which was a plan for practical demonstrations
on farms where the farmer received his instruction and applied it on his own farm.
This was the origin of the county agent work. He also conceived the idea of forming
boys' and girls' clubs in order to stimulate the interest of the young in agricultural
development. He began home demonstration for farm wotiien and girls in 1910, along
the same practical lines. He had charge of the demonstration work in the south at
the time of his death, which occurred in 1911, when he was seventy-seven years of age.
To him belongs the credit for having added a new branch of our educational system,
for his work resulted in the cooperative extension work under the Smith-Lever Act of
1914 and the employment of county agents, county home demonstration agents and
boys' and girls' clubs throughout the whole country. Even foreign countries have adopted
the same system of practical teaching.

His son, Bradford Knapp. was educated in the country schools of Iowa and in the
Iowa Agricultural College at Ames, in which he remained a student for three years,
after which he entered the Vanderbilt University at Nashville, Tennessee, and was there
graduated with the class of 1892. When he had completed his course he began farming
in Louisiana and cultivated a sugar and cotton plantation for two years. He afterward
devoted three years to raising rice and in 1892 he and his father sustained heavy losses
in the widespread financial panic of that year. Afterward Mr. Knapp entered upon
the study of law in the State University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and was there
graduated in 1896. Later he practiced law in Iowa for a few years and also engaged
in farming in that state. In the meantime he was keeping in close touch with demon-
stration work as carried on by his father and in 1909 he was made assistant under
his father in the agricultural department at Washington, D. C. After his father's death
he was appointed his successor and thus upon Mr. Knapp devolved the task of formulat-
ing practical plans for continuing the development of the demonstration work. In
1913 Mr. Knapp was sent to Europe to study farm conditions and in his travels covered
Belgium, Germany, Denmark, England and Ireland. During the war period he prepared
programs on farm production for the Southern States, which were adopted and uni-
versally followed. During this period he created the phrase "Safe Farming" to describe
such a degree of diversification as will permit the production of food and feed for home
needs and the maintenance of soil fertility. While in the department he wrote several
pamphlets on safe farming, publishing one such pamphlet each year and his writings
on this subject have been widely used and quoted. He also prepared a pamphlet on
the agricultural interests of Arkansas in 1920. His labors have been extremely helpful
in the various sections of the country where he has been heard on questions relative to
agricultural development, or where his writings are known. He remained in active
connection with the agricultural department at Washington until 1920, when he came
to Fayetteville to accept the position of dean of the College of Agriculture and director
of experiment stations of the State University.

In the year 1904 Dr. Bradford Knapp was married to Miss Stella White, a daughter
of L. A. White, a farmer of Iowa, and they have become the parents of five children:
Bradford, Jr., who at the age of sixteen years is a high school pupil; Marion, fifteen
years of age; DeWitt. twelve; and Roger, ten. all in school; and Virginia, who is two
years of age.

Mr. and Mrs. Knapp belong to the Methodist Episcopal church and he is a Scottish
Rite Mason. He also belongs to the Kappa Alpha, a college fraternity, and the Alpha
Zeta, an honorary fraternity. He has membership in the Rotary Club and is interested
in all those forces which make for progress and improvement along every line of uplift
and general development. His duties at the present time are many. He has charge
of the state experimental stations and under his supervision a thousand acres of land
are being cultivated. One of the experimental stations is located at Fayetteville and
the other at Scotts, Arkansas. He has taken much interest iu the new method of
cooperative marketing the cotton crops. He has devoted his chief study and effort
along three lines, the development of extension work, safe farming, and agricultural
economics, especially marketing of farm products. Perhaps no better indication of
Dr. Knapp and his ideals can be given than by quoting from an article that appeared
in the Christian Century of June 23, 1921, as follows: "Dean Bradford Knapp of the
Arkansas State College of Agriculture would be named by all informed southerners as
the greatest agricultural leader in America. All will admit that he is foremost in the
southland. His distinguishing characteristic is what might be called his evangelistic
spirit. He is an apostle and prophet of the better rural life. He possesses all the

('EXTEXXIAI> IIISTOKV OF ARKANSAS 14:5

cool acumen of the scientist, all the practical administrative ability of the detached
executive, and adds an enthusiasm for his task and a fervency of interest in human
life that would honor a social reformer. In fact Dean Knapp is a social reformer; he
is not primarily interested in the material factors he so ably promotes— he is interested
in theai as means to the making of better farm homes, less provincial rural com-
munities, a larger outlook for the farmer and a wider chance for his children to share
the good things of life.

"The last thing Bradford Knapp would do would be to give his time merely to help
a farmer 'grow more corn to feed more hogs to buy more land to grow more corn' and
so on round and round that vicious circle of materialism. He helps make two blades
of grass and two strands of wool grow where one grew before as a means to less
drudgery, more culture, better schools and churches and a better citizenship. It is a
striking fact in American university life that the agrcultural college faculties take
an interest in the church to a greater degree than any other faculty in the university
circle. And there is no other single profession, not even excepting the teachers and
Red Cross nurses, that shows more interest in rural churches than do the county farm
agents. Dean Knapp says 'Emancipate the farmer's wife and you will emancipate the
farmer; solve her problems and you will have solved the rural problem.' "

THOMAS HUMPHREYS.

Thomas Humphreys, mayor of Bradford, to which office he was called througii a
lecognition of his public spirit and devotion to high municipal ideals, was born in
Pike county, Ohio, on the 1st of November, 1864, and is a son of J. F. M. and Nancy
(Fillers) Humphreys, who were natives of West Virginia and Ohio, respectively. In
tracing the ancestral line it is found that the family has long been established on
American soil. The great-grandparents lived in West Virginia, where Howell Humphrey,
the grandfather, was born. He was employed in connection with iron work at the
furnaces and he also engaged in flat boating on the rivers. For some time, however,
he was foreman in different iron works in West Virginia, but eventually removed to
Ohio, where he carried on farming and fruit raising. He married Edith McCracken, a
native of West Virginia and both departed this life in Ohio at an advanced age. The
maternal ancestry is one of. long connection with the Buckeye state, for the grandfather,
Cyrus Pillers, was born in Ohio, where he followed farming and fruit raising and also
operated a still, but died in early manhood. His wife, who bore the maiden name of
Polly Beakman, lived to an advanced age. In their family were nine daughters and
one son and those living are: Abbie, Nancy, Elizabeth, Lou and Cyrus. Both the
parents died in Ohio.

Having attained his majority, J. F. -M, H\iiiiiiiirc,\ s. then a resident of Ohio, turned
his attention to the sawmill business, wliii li h- lnUnwcil in both Pike and Scioto counties,
Ohio. He constructed and operated the null- tlnic ;,ii'i hIm) engiged in general lumber
manufacturing. He likewise owned land jiid fuUuwed farming in the Buckeye state
and in 1885 he removed to Bradford, Arkansas, bringing a sawmill with him. This
he put in operation in Jackson county, where he purchased timber land and cutting
the trees, sawed the timber. He also manufactured wagon stocks, shingles and lumber
of various kinds and continued the operation of his sawmill until his death, which
occurred in 1895, when he was fifty-eight years of age, his natal day having been
January 13, 1837. Ere his demise he had cleared a half section of land, which he placed
under cultivation, devoting it to general farming and stock raising. He thus contributed
to the material development of the county and was a man of marked business enterprise
and capability. His wife, who was born in 1833, survived him until 1899. They belonged
to the Methodist Episcopal church. South, and Mr. Humphreys always voted with the
democratic party. Their family numbered six children, five of whom are living: Edgar
^„ a farmer of Bradford; P. H., who was a merchant of Bradford for some time but
now follows farming; Thomas; Mary, who became the wife of W. S. Clark and died in
Ohio; J, F. M., a farmer of Bradford; and Minnie, the wife of T. E. Hickman, a druggist,
postmaster and farmer of Pleasant Plains, Arkansas.

In the aco,uirement of his education, Thomas Humphreys attended the country schools
of Pike county, Ohio, for two or three months in the year, having to walk about three
miles to sclmol, wher? he studied his lessons sitting on homemade benches of split logs,
while the other furnishings of the little schoolhouse were equally primitive. He remained
with his parents to the age of twenty-seven years and came with thorn to .\rkansas. He
afterward purchased land which was partly improved and ln'sjn Ihc rnriliri- dtvelop-
ment and cultivation of a farm, situated on the White rivei- in .link-nn couniy. There
he continued until 1905, when he bought a saw.iiill in Wliit^' cnu'iiy and di'voted the

144 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

succeeding six years to its operations and the manufacture of wagon stock. At length
he sold his interests in the business to his brother, E. L. Humphreys, and purchased
forty acres of land near Bradford, since which time he has engaged extensively in the
cultivation of strawberries, employing the most modern and scientific methods in the
care of his crops.

Mr. Humphreys was married to Miss Margaret Shelley, a native of this state and
a daughter of R. J. Shelley, a farmer. They now have four children: Frankie, who is
employed as a stenographer by the Frisco Railroad at Springfield, Missouri; Irene, the
wife of James W. Durham, a farmer of Bradford; Thelma, who died in 1910 at the age
of seven years; and Harold T., who was born in 1912 and completes the family.

Mr. and Mrs. Humphreys are consistent followers of the Methodist Episcopal
church, South, and fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America.
He has always given his political allegiance to the democratic party and his fellow
townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to office. He
served for nine years on the school board and was president of the board of com-
missioners of White and Jackson counties, having in charge the road improvement in
district No. 1. For 10 years he has been the mayor of Bradford, his reelection standing
in incontrovertible proof of his capability, fidelity and the trust reposed in him. Over
the record of his official career there falls no shadow of wrong nor suspicion of evil,
for at all times he has been actuated by a most earnest desire to serve the city, giving
to it a practical businesslike administration during which he has introduced many
needed reforms and improvements in the methods of managing city affairs.

G. A. WARD.

No matter in how much fantastic theorizing one may indulge as to the cause of
success, investigation into the lives of those who have won honorable prosperity
shows that their advancement is due not to any unusual combination of circumstances
but to the fact that they have improved opportunities and that industry, determination
and honorable dealing are salient forces in winning success. Such has been the record
of G. A. Ward, who since 1916 has been owner and editor of the Conway County
Unit, one of the most enterprising newspapers in this state. He is not a native son
of Arkansas, for he was born in Orange county. New York, on the 15th of January,
1857, a son of Alexander and Sarah Ward. His father was a native of England
and came to this country in early life. He engaged in farming in New York state
and there met and married his wife. G. A. Ward was the only child born to their
union. His mother was a native of New York state.

G. A. Ward had but little opportunity for education, attending the country schools
for a period of about six years. When twelve years of age he started out in life on
his own account and obtained a position in the printing office of the Bath Times,
Steuben county. New York, which was his introduction into the newspaper business.
He then went to Bingham, New York, where he worked on a paper for several years
as a compositor and the next eight years he spent in working on papers in various
places. For some time he was on a paper in Dodd City, Arkansas, and then removed
to Yellville, Arkansas, and discontinued his newspaper activities for some time.
He engaged in the construction of a telephone system from that place to Forsyth,
Missouri, and he had charge of the business there, which was known as the Yellville
Telephone Company. The call of the newspaper proved too great, however, and he
resigned his position and removed to Leslie, where he worked on the Leslie News.
For some time he was on the Searcy News and later he engaged in farming near
that place for two years. He farmed near Nettleton for one year but finally dis-
posed of his land interests and in 1916 came to Morrillton. where he has since resided.
For one year he was employed on the Democrat and subsequently established the
Conway County Unit, in the conduct of which paper he is now active. He istalled
all modern machinery, cylinder presses, linotype machines and other equipment and
he prints a semi-weekly paper, having a circulation of some two thousand. The
paper is conducted on a progressive and independent basis and it is one of the best
papers in the county. Mr. Ward also does commercial printing and book printing.
He is tireless in his devotion to his newspaper interests and the success he has
achieved in this connection is the result of his own intelligently directed efforts
and innate ability.

In 1901 at Yellville, this state, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Ward and
Miss Amma Wood, a daughter of Joseph Wood, a successful agriculturist near Plip-
pin. To their union six children have been born: Marina, the wife of W. C. Morgan,
a resident of Morrillton, Ark.; Burleigh, employed in the office of the Conway County

CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 14.")

Unit; Ruby, also employed in the office of the paper; Evelyn and Anna Sue, at home;
and Bernice, whose demise occurred at the age of twelve years.

Mr. Ward follows an independent course in politics, giving his support to the
man he thinks best fitted for the office without regard for party principles. Frater-
nally he is identified with the Masons and he is a member of the State Press Associa-
tion. Mr. Ward is rightly entitled to the proud American title of self-made man
and those who meet him find that he possesses many of the qualities which awaken
admiration and give rise to warm friendships. He started out in the business world
with no false ideas concerning the way of attaining success. He early realized that
diligence is the root of all honorable advancement and by reason of his persistent
purpose and the skill which he has constantly displayed (tor he has continually
studied the newspaper business in its various phases), he has gained the liberal
patronage which is accorded him and which is certainly well merited.

F. D. WATSON.

F. D. Watson, automobile dealer of Huntsville. handling the Ford Cirs. was born
in Hall county, Georgia, near Gainesville, in 1890. He is a son of W. M. and Nancy
( Hansen ) Watson, who were also natives ol Georgia and on coming to Arkansas in
1892 settled in Madison County. There the father purchased a farm, on which he
spent his remaining days, his death occurring in 1918. His father was David Watson,
who was born in South Carolina, but in early life removed to Georgia, where he
died at the advanced age of ninety years. He had served under General Longstreet as
a Confederate soldier in the Civil war. The maternal grandfather of F. D. Watson
was David Hansen, who was born in Georgia, and came to Arkansas, wjiere his remain-
ing days were passed, his death occurring when he had reached the age of eighty-
eight. His daughter, Mrs. Nancy Watson, survives and is now living with her son.
She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which her husband also
Ijelonged and his political allegiance was given to the democratic party. They became
parents of eight children: Minnie, the wife of Calvin Stanfield, residing on a farm
in Madison county; Garland, a farmer, living in Fayetteville, Arkansas; J. A., a sales-
man with the Bear State Oil Company at Springdale, Arkansas; E. M., whose home
is on a farm near Fayetteville; F. D.. of this review; Paul, a teacher in the schools
of Madison county; Luther, living on the old homestead farm; and Lee, who is living
with his brother, F. D. Watson, and attending school.

In Ms youthful days F. D. Watson mastered the branches of learning taught in
the schools of Huntsville and then took up the profession of teaching, which he fol-
lowed for eight years, imparting readily and clearly to others the knowledge that
he had acquired. He then purchased a store which he conducted for three years and
in 1918 he established the Ford plant and has continued in this business to the
present time. He not only maintains a Ford agency but handles all kinds of sup-
nlies and his business is now one of large proportions.

In 1910 Mr. Watson was married to Miss Addie Dyer, who was born in Huntsville,
a daughter of J. W. Dyer, a well-known farmer of Madison county. Mr. and Mrs. Watson
are the parents of four children; Era, Carl. Mildred and Stanley, all yet in school. Mr.
Watson and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal church, and he belongs also to
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has always voted the democratic ticket since
age conferred upon him the right of franchise, but has never sought nor desired office
as a reward for party fealty, preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his
business affairs. His close application, unfaltering energy and thoroughness have been
the salient features in the success which has come to him, making him one of the repre-
sentative young business men cf the city.

D. W. GOLDSTEIN, M. D.

Dr. D. W. Goldstein, who is connected with the Cooper clinic at Fort Smith, his activ-
ities covering the departments of radium, therapy and dermatology, was born in Green-
ville, Mississippi, in 1888, his parents being Merx and Rosa (Wolf) Goldstein. He
obtained a high school education, after which he entered the University of Tennessee
for the study of medicine, having mentally reviewed the broad field of business in order
to select a vocation which he believed would prove congenial and profitable. Attracted
by the practice of medicine and surgery, he matriculated in the University of Tennessee,
winning his M. D. degree in 1910. He afterward went abroad for postgraduate work.

146 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

studying in Vienna, Berlin and London. He also studied in Philadelphia and New York,
and in his practice has always specialized in dermatology, having gained a marked
degree of efficiency in that field.

In May, 1917, Dr. Goldstein enlisted for service in the World war and was com-
missioned a first lieutenant at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. He was sent to Camp Gordon
at Atlanta, Georgia, as battalion surgeon of the Three Hundred and Twenty-fifth
Infantry, and in April, 1918, went overseas. While in France he was promoted to a
captaincy in the Eighty-second Division. He was with the field troops in the offensive
and defensive sectors on the western front, being stationed at Toul and at Maubache.
He was also on active duty in the offensive at St. Mihiel, in the Meuse-Argonne and
was with the combat troops of the Three Hundred and Twenty-eighth Infantry. Later
he was made regimental surgeon of that command and received a citation for distin-
guished service in rendering first aid under fire. He met all of the experiences of modern
warfare and exerted his professional skill to the utmost in rendering aid to wounded
and stricken comrades, never considering his own health or safety when he could make
his labors of avail in ministering to the soldiers of his regiment. In June, 1919, he was
sent to Camp Pike, Arkansas, and was recommended for a promotion to the rank of major.

With his return to Fort Smith Dr. Goldstein joined Cooper clinic and has since done
important work in this connection in radium, therapy and dermatology. He has at all
times kept abreast with the trend of modern professional thought, research, investiga-
tion and progress, and is accounted one of the able young physicians of western Arkansas.

Dr. Goldstein was united in marriage to Miss Florence Pahotski. Beyond the interests
of his home, outside activities make little claim upon the time and attention of Dr. Gold-
stein, for he has always preferred to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his
professional interests, and he discharges his duties with a marked sense of conscientinus
obligation.

HERBERT P. LEWIS.

Herbert P. Lewis, who owns and edits the Gravette News-Herald, one of the leading
newspapers of Arkansas, has also gained prominence as an author, possessing literary
ability of a high order. He was born in Minnesota, February 24, 1874, a son of Leland B.
and Emily (Chreviston) Lewis, the former born at Cornish Flats, New Hampshire.
August 23, 1826, and the latter at Racine, Wisconsin, in 1843. When a young man of
twenty-three years, the father joined the rush of gold seekers who made their way to
California in 1849, and subsequently he went to Minnesota, where his marriage^ccurred.
He resided in that state from 1859 until 1891, when he came to Arkansas, settling at
Sulphur Springs, in Benton county, where he followed the occupation of farming. He
was a Freethinker in his religious views, and politically he was a democrat with inde-
pendent tendencies. He died at Gravette, Arkansas, at the age of eighty-three years,
and Mrs. Lewis died August 14, 1921, at her home in California. She was a member of
the Baptist church. They became the parents of eight children; one son and a
daughter, are deceased. Those living are: Edward, who was formerly engaged in the
jewelry business at Fairmont. Minnesota, but is now operating a fruit farm at Santa
Ana, California: Charles F.. a leading physician of Austin, Minnesota, owning a clinic
there in association with two other members of the profession: Alvin, who is assisting
his brother Edward in conducting his California farm; Herbert P., of this review: George,
a resident of Willis, Kansas, and Orin J., who resided with his mother in Los Angeles,
California. The paternal grandfather, Thomas Lewis, was of Irish descent, and his
demise occurred in one of the New England states. The maternal grandfather, William
Chreviston, was born in Pennsylvania, and prior to the Civil war went to Minnesota,
where he spent his remaining years.

Herbert P. Lewis acquired his education in the rural schools of Minnesota and the
high school at Fairmont, that state. Twenty-five years ago he became a newspaper corre-
spondent and has gained prominence in this connection, contributing articles to the
Little Rock (Ark.) Gazette and also to The Democrat and other leading publications.
Fifteen years before starting his newspaper he was connected with business interests
of Gravette as a photographer and jeweler, but for the past fourteen years has devoted
the greater part of his time to journalism. He owns and edits the Gravette News-
Herald, which he is conducting along the lines of modern and progressive newspaper
education, and its circulation is steadily increasing. He is a trenchant, forceful, scholarly
writer and has become well known as the author of Uncle Eb and also The Man From
Arkansas, written in defense of Arkansas and in humorous style.

In 1896 Mr. Lewis was united in marriage to Miss Rosemonde Cooper, a native of
Kansas and a daughter of George W. Cooper, who served as a soldier in the Union army

t'EXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF AKKAX8AS 147

during the Civil war. Mrs. Lewis was eclucated at Vinita Academy of Vinita, Oklahoma,
and by her marriage she has become the mother of four children: H. Wyric, the eldest
of the family, is his father's assistant in business. Previous to the World war he was
stationed with the United States troops on the Mexican border, and on the 8th of Sep-
tember, 191S, he reached France, being attached to the One Hundred and Forty-fourth
Arkansas Regiment. He enlisted from Fayetteville, Arkansas, and became corporal and
battery clerk. He volunteered for service in company with another young man from
Gravette, and in 1919 returned to the United States. Jesse D., an automobile mechanic
residing at Taos, New Mexico, is the only member of the family who has married.
L. Frank is attending the Gravette high school, and Sadie Lea is also in school.

The family are all momlievs nf the Christian church, with the work of which
Mr. Lewis ha.s lifui] actively iiliMii ilicil for a period of twenty-five years. He has served
as clerk and cliltr and toi- IuuiIiimi years has been superintendent of the Bible school,
working untiringly tu upbuild thu interests of the church. His fraternal connections
are with the Knights of Pythias, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has taken the Rebekah degree. He is a
democrat in his political views, and during his residence in Gravette has been called
upon to fill a number of public positions, serving at clerk of the school board for nine
years, and he has also been city clerk. That he is public spirited and progressive is
indicated in the fact that during the entire peridd of his residence here he has acted as
secretary of the Commercial Club. In 1920 he spent seven months in Little Rock as
publicity director for Jim G. Ferguson. For several years he has been a member of the
Authors and Composers' Society of that city. He has been a close student of the
questions and issues of the day as affecting the welfare of community, state and nation,
and has made the News-Herald the champion of every movement tending toward the
upbuilding of Benton county along intellectual, political, material and moral lines.

ROBERT WARREN QUARLES.

Robert Warren Quarles, a dental surgeon practicing at Van Buren, his professional
standing being indicated in the fact that he has been honored with the presidency of
the Arkansas State Dental Association, was born at College Hill, Mississippi, in 1853. a
son of J. J. and Sallie E. (Buford) Quarles. The father was graduated with first honor
in the first class that completed the course in the University of Mississippi and afterward
became a professor in the Synodical College at La Grange, Tennessee. He continued
. his teaching there until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he enlisted in the Confed-
erate army from Mississippi and served until his death, which occurred in a hospital
at Atlanta. Georgia, in 1863. in the midst of the conflict.

Dr. Quarles was reared and educated in his native city and in young manhood
became a student and assistant in the office of Dr. J. S. McCorkle of Oxford, Mississippi.
In 1884 he came to Van Buren, where he has since followed his profession, and for
many years has been accorded an extensive practice. He has kept informed concerning
the latest researches and discoveries of the dental profession through his niemliership
in the Port Smith Dental Society, the Northwest District Dental Society and the Arkansas
State Dental Association, and in the last named has filled the offices of secretary and
president. He likewise has membership with the Knights of Pythias.

In October, ISSS, Dr. Quarles was married to Miss Minnie Hynes, a daughter of
Charles J. Hynes. editor of the Warrensburg Democrat, published at Warrensburg.
Missouri. R. S. Hynes, an uncle of Mrs. Quarles, was the founder of the Crawford
County Bank in Van Buren. Dr. and Mrs. Quarles have become parents of four children:
Ashwell J., Donald A., Kathryn E. and Virginia C. Ashwell J., who was graduated from
Cornell University, is now residing in Montreal, Canada, where he has charge of a
department in a large machinery jobbing house, their trade extending to all parts of
Canada, so that the position of Ashwell J. Quarles is an important one. Donald A., a
Yale graduate, who completed his course at the university with a record in mathematics
and entered the first training camp organized in the United States at Fort Benjamin
Harrison, coming out as first lieutenant, and he afterward became identified with the
Rainbow Division, while subsequently he was promoted to captain and transferred to
the First Division in the Army of Occupation. He had gone overseas to receive special
training in artillery given by the French and assisted in establishing an artillery training
school for American artillery officers in France. Since his return he has become identified
with the experimental laboratory of the Western Electric Company in New York city.
Of the daughters. Kathryn E. is now the wife of Lawrence Harrison, a minister in
Ontario, Canada, while Virginia C. has just graduated from the Fort Smith high school.
Such in brief is the history of Dr. Quarles and his family, who have long occupied

14^ CENTENNIAL HISTORY OP ARKANSAS

an enviable social position, while in his profession the Doctor has made steady progress.
He is also regarded as one of the public-spirited citizens of Van Buren, giving ready and
helpful support to all those plans and projects which have to do with the progress and
improvement of city, county and state.

WILLIAM J. WAGGONER.

William J. Waggoner, filling the position of prosecuting attorney of Lonoke, was
born in Lonoke county in 1889. his parents being Thomas J. and Nancy (Munsch)
Waggoner. The father was a native of Tennessee and belonged to one of the old southern
families. The mother was a daughter of Nicholas Munsch. Thomas J. Waggoner and
his wife resided in Illinois for some time after their marriage, making their home near
Decatur, but about thirty years ago came to Arkansas, first settling in White county,
but later removing to Lonoke county. They became the parents of a family of ten
children, five of whom are living: William J.; John; Jess; Joseph; and Viola, the wife of
Charles Hudson.

Reared under the parental roof, William J. Waggoner pursued his education in the
schools of Lonoke until he had completed his high school course. A review of the
broad field of business led him to the determination to make the practice of law his life
work, and with this end in view he became a law student in the University of Arkansas,
from which he was graduated in 1913. He then located in Lonoke for practice, entering
upon the active work of the profession in which he has made steady advancement.
While progi-ess at the bar is proverbially slow, he soon gained recognition of his ability,
and his powers have constantly expanded through experience and broad study, for he
is most careful in the preparation of his cases. He is also numbered among the law-
makers of the state, for he served in the legislature in 1915 and 1917, nor did he
lightly regard the duties that devolved upon him in this connection. In the latter
year he was made a delegate to the constitutional convention.

Mr. Waggoner also has a military chapter in his life record, for he entered the army
at Camp Leon Springs, Texas, and was commissioned a second lieutenant, after which
he was assigned to duty at Camp Gordon, Georgia, and later at Camp Pike, Arkansas, as
an infantry officer. He went overseas on the 24th of August, 1917, and was assigned to
the Thirty-second Division. He was in reserve at St. Mihiel, in the offensive in the
Argonne Forest and was wounded in battle, being thus incapacitated for further service.
His wound was sustained on the 30th of September in the drive on Montfaucon, his left
hand and his left leg both being injured. Later he was assigned to the One Hundred
and Seventh Ammunition Train of the Thirty-second Division and was stationed at
Heimbach, Germany, for two and a half months, with the Army of Occupation. Subse-
quently he returned to the United States, making the voyage on the battleship Louisiana
and reaching the American shore on the 13th of May, 1919. He was then sent to Camp
Merritt. New Jersey, and afterward to Camp Pike, Arkansas, where he received his
discharge on the 27th of August, 1919. Following his return home Mr. Waggoner was
elected to the office of prosecuting attorney and by reelection is still filling this position.
He is proving a splendid official, prompt and faithful in the discharge of his duties.
and his conscientious service, coupled with his ability as a lawyer, has won him high
endorsement.

On the 14th of February. 1919. Mr. Waggoner was married to Miss Ruth Bradford,
a daughter of John C. and Lula (Eagle) Bradford of Lonoke and a granddaughter of
Judge H. T. Bradford. Mr. Waggoner belongs to the Masonic fraternity, having attained
the thirty-second degree, and is also a member of the Ancient Order of United Work-
men. He belongs to the Christian church, while his wife is a Baptist. They are well
known socially, having many warm friends in this part of the state, and their record
at all times commends them to the confidence and high regard of those who know them.

G. C. ELLIS.

The high educational standards to which Arkansas is rapidly approaching are fully
maintained in the efforts of G. C. Ellis, county superintendent of schools in Scott
county. Actuated by a laudable ambition, he is doing everything in his power to promote
the interests of the schools and during his incumbency in this position has introduced
virions improvements. A native of Tennessee, he was born in Rockwood, December 7.
1S84, his parents being John and Mary Elizabeth (Bacon) Ellis, who are also natives
of Tennessee, in which state they were reared and married. The father was a son of

C'EXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 14!)

Monroe Ellis, a native of Tennessee, who owned a large plantation there, together with
about one hundred negroes. The giandfather in the maternal line was John Bacon,
who was likewise born in Tennessee and was & direct descendant of Nathaniel Bacon.
John Bacon served as a Confederate soldier in the Civil war and was badly wounded.
In 1S99 John and Mary Elizabeth (Bacon) Ellis left Tennessee and came to Arkansas,
settling upon a farm in Scott county, where they still make their home. They are
stanch supporters of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, in which they hold
membership, and in politics Mr. Ellis is a democrat. He served in the Confederate army
under General Joseph Wheeler for four years and on one occasion was slightly wounded
and also was captured, but soon afterward was exchanged. To Mr. and Mrs. John Ellis
there were born the following children: G. C. whose name introduces this review;
Claude, a farmer living at Mansfield, Arkansas; Jarvis, who married Henry Presson and
is located at Dayton, Arkansas; Mae, the wife of Leota Waters, a farme.r of Huntington,
Arkansas; Cole Y., who is a school teacher at Mansfield, and Jane, who married Earl
McDonald and lives at Shawnee, Oklahoma.

G. C. Ellis pursued his education in the Arkansas State Normal School at Conway
and in the State Normal at Tyler, Texas. He took up the profession of teaching in 1905
and continued to engage therein until elected county superintendent of schools in Scott
county in 1918. Throughout the intervening period to the present he has made a most
excellent record in office, and the county is to be congratulated upon having at the head
of its school system one who is so thoroughly informed concerning modern methods and
who is so thoroughly interested in bringing about the best possible conditions in the
schools over which he has supervision.

In 1907 Mr. Ellis was married to Miss Willie Simpson, who was born in Scott county,
Arkansas, a daughter of S. W. Simpson, a native of this state and now living at
Mansfield, where he owns considerable land. To Mr. and Mrs. Ellis have been born three
sons, Byron, Weston and Merrill, all in school.

Mr. Ellis is a democrat in his political views. He has membership with the Masons,
with the Odd Fellows and the Junior Order of American Mechanics, and he is likewise
a consistent and faithful follower of the teachings of the Methodist Episcopal church.
South. His labors have been a potent force in liringing about intellectual and moral
progress in his community and he has accomplished a work the results of which are
immeasurable.

HON. ANTHONY HALL.

Hon. Anthony Hall, lawyer and lawmaker, who in years of practice in the courts
of Arkansas has left indelibly his impress upon the history of the state bar and also as
a lawmaker upon the legislative enactment of the state, serving in the house of repre-
sentatives during the forty-third general assembly, and is a splendid example of those
men of foreign birth who, coming to America, have espoused American principles and
have stood tor the highest standards of American manhood and chivalry. Mr. Hall
was born in Biersted, Allborg, Denmark, in September, 1857, and is a son of August
Peter and Inger Marie (Mueller) Hall. The father was born in Banders, Denmark, in
January, 1808, and the mother in Allborg, in 1830. They were married at Biersted in
1850, and in the year 1870 August Peter Hall brought his family to the new world.
Notwithstanding he was then sixty-two years of age. he had the hardihood to sail with
his wife and children for the United States, and after a brief period spent in Illinois
came to Arkansas, where he devoted his attention to farming until his death in Septem-
ber, 1878. He became a naturalized citizen and the sterling worth of his character
commanded for him the respect and confidence of all who knew him. His wife died in
November, 1875. They were the parents of five children: Harold, August, Anthony.
Mette and Nelson.

Anthony Hall was a lad of thirteen years when he accompanied his parents to
the new world. He had pursued his education in his native country up to that time,
mastering not only the common branches of learning but also studying sciences and
history under a private tutor. After the family reached Illinois he became a pupil
in the public schools of that state, eagerly applying himself to his studies for a year.
Circumstances later kept him out of school for a time but in 1S79 and ISSO he was
again an apt and eager pupil in the public schools. In the meantime, how-
ever, he had removed with his parents to Arkansas and this state has since been his
home. In two years, from 1880 until 1882, he completed the regular four years' high
school course in Dardanelle. Already he was planning to become a member of the
bar and he eagerly availed himself of the opportunity of pursuing his studies under
the preceptorship of George S. Cunningham, then judge of the circuit court. In 1884

],-,(l CENTENXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

he successfully passed the required examination admitting him to the bar and in the
following year he opened a law office in Paris, where he has remained. In less than
a year after taking up his abode in Paris he was made deputy prosecuting attorney
of Logan county. In this connection a contemporary writer has said that the fact
that he was called to this position "speaks for itself of Mr. Hall's personality. Nor
has the early good impression which he made upon his neighbors ever suffered a
reversal in almost forty years of his career among them. Few men, indeed, are more
genuinely esteemed than he for unfailing integrity and kindliness of character. He
is the sort of man to whom the so-called honors of public office make no appeal; in
accepting for a period of four years the mayoralty of Paris, he was simply and solely
actuated by a high sense of duty to society; in the selfsame spirit did he accede to
the wishes of public opinion — and only when drafted for the post — to represent at
once the county of Logan and the state of Arkansas in the house of the forty-third
general assembly." His official record is one over which there falls no shadow of
wrong nor suspicion of evil. He has always been a stalwart believer in democratic
principles and his opinions have been the result of thorough study and investigation
of the political issues and conditions. Therefore by reason of his high sense of the
duties of citizenship he has been impelled to perform any task assigned him for the
good of his party. He served continuously on the democratic central committee of
Logan county from 1886 until 1918, or for a period of almost a third of a century,
and acted both as secretary and chairman of the committee. In 1918 he was elected
to the state central committee and again he rendered signal service to the party in
this connection by reason of his executive ability, his keen insight into situations
and his recognized standards of honor in all matters of citizenship. As a lawyer he
has long stood in the front rank. While advancement at the bar is proverbially slow,
he soon won recognition of his ability and his powers have been continually augmented
through his comprehensive reading and study.

On the 2Sth of September, 1887, Mr. Hall was married to Miss Julia Idelle Daniel,
who was born in Alabama, in May. 1867, and is a daughter of Dr. John E. and Eliza
J. (Teague) Daniel, who resided at Roseville, Logan county, after removing to Arkansas.
Mrs. Hall is a graduate of Hendrix College and by her marriage she has become the
mother of five children: Edgar A., who died at the age of eighteen years; Marie;
Daniel A.; Julia Lucille and Elizabeth Pearl. The son, Daniel A., volunteered for
service in the World war and after training at Camp Beauregard, was sent to France
as a second lieutenant in the outfit of the One Hundred and Forty-first Machine Gun
Battalion. Mr. and Mrs. Hall are active and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal
church. South. He has given generously of his time and means in support of the
work, has acted as chairman of the building committee and also as trustee. A recog-
nition of the threefold nature of man, physical, intellectual and moral, has led to his
earnest support of all agencies or projects which make for development and improve-
ment of the individual, that he may serve the highest purposes of life and maintain
the most advanced standards of individual worth and of public good. His own career
has been one of signal service and usefulness to his fellowmen and he is today ac-
counted one nf the prominent lawyers and legislators of the state.

ROSCOE GREEN JENNINGS, M. D.

It is in the pioneer history of a community, where unusual demands are made
and where opportunities and advantages are few, that the real nature of the individual
stands most strongly forth. Meeting every exigency and every requirement with the
strength that comes from steadfast purpose and high ideals, Dr. Roscoe Green Jen-
nings, pioneer physician of Little Rock, made for himself a prominent place in the
affections of the people and in the regard of all who knew him. He was born at
Leeds, Kennebec county, now Androscoggin, Maine, June 11. 1833, and was the fourth
son and fifth child in the family of Perez Smith and Johanna (Lane) Jennings.
The father, a man of considerable local prominence, devoted his attention to farming
and served for some time as justice of the peace, rendering decisions that were
strictly fair and impartial. He was a son of Samuel Jennings, a native of Salem.
Massachusetts, who figured prominently in that historic old town. The great-grand-
father had settled in Salem at an early period. He, too, was Samuel Jennings and
was one of three brothers who came to America in 1703, emigrating from England
to the new world. He held an important office under King George III while this
country was still numbered among the colonial possessions of Great Britain. He
suffered confiscation of his estate by reason of his loyalty to the crown and was forced
to flee into the wilderness of the "eastern territory" which afterward became 'the

DE. EOSCOE G. JENNINGS

C'EXTEXXIAL IIISTOKY OF ARKANSAS 153

state of Maine. The mother of Dr. Jennings was a daughter of James Lane, a lumber-
man of Fayette, Maine, who married a member of the well known Ledbetter family,
whose representatives were particularly prominent because of their physical stature.
General Ledbetter of Confederate fame belongs to one branch of this family.

The boyhood days of Dr. Jennings were spent on the banks of the Androscoggin
river, working on his father's farm in the summer seasons and devoting the winter
months to the acquirement of a public school education. He early learned the value
of earnest toil and discharged his duties promptly and faithfully in every relation.
When but seventeen years of age he had become so proficient in his studies that he
was chosen to teach the school in which he had previously been a student, his salary
being but fourteen dollars per month without board. His earnings as a teacher
enabled him later to attend school in Wayne village, where he came under the in-
struction of Oliver O. Howard, subsequently a major general in the army. Dr. Jennings
afterward attended the academy at Monmouth and also the Kent Hill Seminary at
Readfield, Maine, and his work as a teacher in the summer seasons enabled him to
meet the expenses of his advanced education. As he pursued his studies it was always
with the hope of entering Boudoin College, but his plans in this direction were
frustrated by his father's death in 1851. Up to that time he had never been more
than twenty miles from home, but he determined to see something of the world, and
borrowing one hundred dollars, he made his way to New York city, afterward to
Pennsylvania and eventually to Port Golden, New Jersey, where he took charge of
a boys' school noted for the rough treatment accorded former teachers. He met the
situation with determination, proved himself the conqueror of the unruly pupils and
continued to teach there for four months, after which he entered upon preparation
for the medical profession under Dr. William Cole. Soon afterward, however, he
returned to Maine, where he further studied under the preceptorship of Dr. Alonza
Garcelon, who was later governor of that state. He next attended a course of lectures
in the Dartmouth Medical College and continued his studies in the Medical School
of Maine at Brunswick, from which he was graduated with honors in 1856.

Dr. Jennings at once made his way westward and after living at several places
for a short time, took up his abode in Lapeer, Michigan, where he successfully practiced
until December, 1857, when he became a resident of New Orleans. He afterward
made his way to Washington, Arkansas, where his eldest brother, Hon. Orville Jen-
nings, had previously established his home. Dr. Jennings formed a partnership with
Dr. Jett, one of the pioneer physicians, and entered upon regular practice, while
later he also became interested in the ownership and conduct of a drug store. He
became attached to the institutions and ideals of the south and in 1861 was appointed
a surgeon of the Twelfth Arkansas Infantry in the Confederate army. In August
of that year the regiment was sent to Memphis, Tennessee, and afterward to Columbus,
Kentucky, subsequent to which time they participated in the battle of Belmont. In
December the regiment was ordered to New Madrid, Missouri, where it remained
during that winter and until March, 1862, when the place was captured by General
Pope. His regiment, already greatly reduced by disease, escaped to the Tennessee
side of the Mississippi and Dr. Jennings was ordered with the transport of one hundred
and fifty sick and wounded past the Federal batteries at Point Pleasant, at night, to
Memphis, which he reached safely. As the hospitals at this place were full, he was
then ordered to Vicksburg, Mississippi, with an additional transport and one hundred
and fifty men sick and wounded, where he placed one hundred and fifty in the city
and the same number in the Marine Hospital, and then he rejoined the army in time
to take part in the evacuation of Island Xo. 10 and witness the capture of most of
his regiment. On April 7, 1862, near Tiptonville, Tennessee, he was captured with
others of his regiment but escaped and for two weeks wandered in the bogs and
swamps of that region, finally making his way to Memphis and then to Corinth, and
reported to the surgeon general of Beauregard's army. He was assigned to duty as
surgeon of Jackson's brigade, Withers' Division of Trapiers' Corps. After the battle
of Farmington, in May, he was attacked by camp fever and was unfit for duty many
weeks. In August he returned to Washington. Arkansas, and remained until the
following spring, when he was able to rejoin his command at Jackson, Mississippi,
but here was stricken with typhoid pernicious rheumatic fever and forced to resign
his commission. He returned to his home and in March, 1864, was given permission
to pass the lines to Little Rock, then in possession of the Federal forces, for treat-
ment. Great sickness prevailed in the camps there and after a partial recovery he
was offered the position of contract surgeon in the United States army. He accepted
and served with satisfaction till the end of the war, later continuing duty in the
Freedmen's Hospital.

In the meantime Dr. Roscoe Green Jennings had established a large private
practice and had rendered valuable aid to the families of absent Confederate soldiers.

I'i4 CEXTEXXIAL PIISTORY OF AEKAXSAS

He figured prominently in connection with the public lite of the community and in
1874, during the Brooks-Baxter difficulties. Dr. Roscoe Green Jennings gave his sup-
port to the latter and was commissioned surgeon general of the Arkansas troops.
During the period of early development in Little Rock there was built on the block
bounded by Broadway, Arch, Sixth and Seventh streets a beautiful southern home
containing many spacious rooms and surrounded by attractive shrubbery. It soon
became the property of Orville Jennings, the circuit attorney of the state and a brother
of Dr. Roscoe Green Jennings. The former was a warm friend of Colonel Robert
G. Ingersoll, who was at one time his law partner and for whom he stumped the
state of Illinois during one of the colonel's political campaigns. Subsequent to the
demise of Orville Jennings, which occurrej in his handsome home in Little Rock,
the property came into the possession of Dr. Roscoe Green Jennings, who leased it
for several years as the Arkansas governor's mansion and as such it is still known
to the older residents of the city. During the time of the Civil war it was used as a
hospital for wounded soldiers. The property is still in possession of the Jennings
family, being now owned by Mrs. James Arthur Bowman, the only daughter of Dr.
Roscoe Green Jennings.

On the 10th of April, 1869, only a tew years after his return from the army, Dr.
Roscoe Green Jennings was married to Miss Gertrude Elizabeth Elliott, a native of
Camden, Arkansas, and a representative of a pioneer family of that locality. Her
father, William A. Elliott, belonged to a prominent Georgia family, while her mother
was a lineal descendant of Daniel Boone, the famous hunter and pioneer who carried
civilization into the wilds of Kentucky when it was known as "the dark and bloody
ground." Dr. and Mrs. Jennings had three children: Octavia, the wife of James
Arthur Bowman; Orville; and Elliott Crews. The family circle was broken by the
hand of death when in 1899 Dr. Jennings departed this life. A review of his life
shows that he was the possessor of many splendid qualities and that he was a sub-
stantial contributing factor to the upbuilding and progress of the state. He held
to the highest standards in his profession and was a prominent member of the City,
County and State Medical Societies, all of which honored him with the presidency.
He became one of the founders of the medical department of the State University
and served as secretary and executive officer thereof for thirteen years and was long
one of the lecturers of the department. In 1869 he became a member of the American
Medical Association and retained his connection therewith to the time of his death.
For thirteen years he served as examining surgeon for the United States pension
bureau and he was also a member of the state board of health, acting during a part
of the time as its secretary. He ever stood for progress and improvement in all that
had to do with the welfare and upbuilding of city and state. He was active in con-
nection with bridge building and pile driving for fifty miles along the Texas Pacific
Railroad from Dallas to Wills' Point, Texas, in 1870-71, being one of the contractors
in connection with this important project.

Nor did Dr. Jennings neglect the higher and holier duties of life. He was a
consistent member of the Protestant Episcopal church and belonged to the Royal
Arcanum. In politics he voted with the democratic party but was never an aggressive
partisan. He continued in the practice of his profession at Little Rock for many
years and as time passed he gave more and more of his attention to charity work
in connection with professional duties. No one sought his aid in vain, his broad
humanitarianism prompting him to put forth a helping hand wherever he believed
he could be of real assistance to a fellow traveler on life's journey. Thus it was that
he became closely endeared to the community and few men have passed on so deeply
and widely regretted as Dr. Jennings, whose memory is enshrined in the hearts of
many who knew him, while the story of his good deeds is cherished by all who came
within the intimate circle of his friendship.

RUDOLPH NEY.

Rudolph Ney, manager and part owner of the Boston Store at Port Smith, Arkansas,
has been identified with the commercial interests of this city for a period of twenty-
eight years, or since 1893, and in this interval he has made steady progress, contribut-
ing not only to his own success but also to the commercial advancement and upbuilding
of the city. He dates his residence in America from about 1880, having come to this
country from the Palatinate, where his birth occurred. He located first in New York
city, where he resided for a time and then crossed the continent to Colorado, where
he remained until he came to Fort Smith in the year 1893. His previous experience
along commercial lines and his recognized ability led to his appointment to the position

CEXTEXXIAL IIISTOKY OF ARKANSAS 155

of department manager in the Boston Store when he came to Fort Smith. In the
intervening years he has steadily advanced as the result of the capability and efficiency
which he has displayed and is now general manager and part owner of this store,
which was founded in 1879 by the firm of Baer Brothers & Puller, the partners in the
undertaking being Julius Baer, Sigmund Baer and Aaron Fuller. At a later period
the business was incorporated with Aaron Fuller as the president, H. Kaufman as
vice president, G. E. Berson as treasurer and Rudolph Ney as secretary. The store
has been gradually enlarged until it has become one of the leading merciintile enter-
prises of the state and is the largest in Fort Smith. In fact it would be a credit to
a city of many times the size of Port Smith, owing to the attractive line of goods
carried, the beauty of the display, the honorable metho(,is of the house and the earnest
effort put forth to please the customers. The company has always maintained the
highest standards in the line of goods carried, in the personnel of the establishment
and in the treatment rendered to its patrons and thus its success has constantly grown.
The efficiency, farsightedness and enterprise of Mr. Ney have led to his being made
general manager, and as the years have passed he has acquired stock in the enter-
prise. Moreover, he is one of the stockholders in the Goldman Hotel Company and
whatever he undertakes he carries forward to success, allowing no obstacles or diffi-
culties to bar his progress if they can be overcome by persistent, earnest and honor-
able effort.

Mr. Ney was united in marriage to Miss Marie Baer and they have become parents
of a son, Lester, who is a veteran of the World war. While America was at war
with Germany, Mr. Ney took a prominent part in the sale of Liberty bonds and in
suijport of all the activities which arose out of war conditions necessary for the suc-
ceshiful iinisfiution of hostilities. He has made a most creditable record in business
ciriU's and is prominent as a man whose constantly expanding powers have taken
him Ironi humble surroundings to the field of large enterprises and continually broaden-
ing opportunities. To the solution of complex problems he brings a clear understanding
and his powers of coordination have enabled him to unite unrelated and even diverse
elements into a harmonious whole.

WILLIAM V. HIGGINS.

At eighty years of age William V. Higgins is a hale and hearty man, and althougl;
he is now retired from business he remains a factor in the world's work, inasmuch
as he gives out of the rich stores of his wisdom and experience for the benefit of
others. For many years he was active in agricultural circles, likewise in tlie conduct
of a mercantile business and in ginning, and won success that can be attributed to
his energy and diligence and, above all. to his honesty and integrity. The years marked
his advancement and at length he reached a position where he felt that his success
and his age justified his retirement. The most envious could not grudge him his
prosperity, so well has it been won and so worthily used.

William V. Higgins was born in Gibson county, Tennessee, on the 18th of August,
1841, a son of Michael M. and Mary L. (Partee) Higgins. both natives of the South-
land. They came to Yell county, this state, in 1846, making the trip by boat, and
the father purchased some land in the county. He cleared it himself and resided
thereon until his removal to Ferry county, where he farmed until his demise in 1855,
when forty-six years of age. Mrs. Higgins died at the age of seventy-four years. Seven
children were born to their union: Marcia, J. M. M., Pollyann, Mary Jane, Mathias
P., and Arkansas, all deceased; and William V., whose name initiates this review.
The family was reared in the faith of the Baptist church and Mr. Higgins was a stanch
supporter of the democratic party, in the interests of which he took an active part.

In the acquirement of an education William V. Higgins attended the old log
schoolhouses of Perry county, walking a distance of three miles each day. At the
age of twenty years he enlisted in the Confederate army and served under Colonel
Merrett and General Bowen, participating in many of the important battles of the
war. among them those of Shiloh and Port Hudson. He was captured at Port Hudson
but was soon paroled and then went into a hospital at Helena. He was in active
service four years. At the close of hostilities he returned to Conway county, without
a dollar to his name, and securing some land he engaged in farming, achieving such
success as soon enabled him to buy a tract of land. He carried on general farming
and stock raising and was known throughout the county as one of the most pro-
gressive farmers. For five years Mr. Higgins conducted a mercantile business in Oppelo
and he ran a steam gin there for three years. In every undertaking with which he
was connected he won prosperity and in 1900 he retired from active business life. He

156 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

is still interested in farming and owns six hundred and eighty acres of well improved
land, from the rental of which he receives a substantial income. He is now residing
in Ola with Thomas Howell.

Mr. Higgins was twice married. His first wife was Miss Isabelle Hallett, a native
of Conway county, and her demise occurred in January, 1S76. To their union two
children were born, both of whom are deceased: One, whose demise occurred in infancy
and Anna, who lived to the age of twenty-two years. Mr. Higgins' second marriage
was to Miss Mary Pierce, a native of this state, and her death occurred on the 7th
of January, 1916.

Since age conferred upon Mr. Higgins the right of franchise he was always a stanch
supporter of the democratic party, although he neither sought nor desired public office,
preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his business interests. His re-
ligious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church and he is a regular attendant
at the church in Oppelo. .Mr. Higgins has many friends throughout the county and
there is no man more justly entitled to the proud American title of self-made man
than he.

LOUIS C. DeWOODY, M. D.

Dr. Louis C. DeWoody, physician and surgeon of Hot Springs, was born in what is
now Nevada county, Arkansas, near the city of Prescott, June 25. 186S, his parents being
Mr. and Mrs. John A. DeWoody. The father was a planter, who served in the Confed-
erate army during the Civil war, as did two of his brothers. He died when his son.
Dr. DeWoody, was but three years of age. and the mother died when the Doctor was
but two years old. The boy was then reared by his uncle. Philip G. DeWoody, who was
also an ex-Confederate soldier and who in times of peace followed the occupation of
farming. Louis C. DeWoody acquired a common and high school education at Bluff
City, Arkansas. He took up the study of medicine under the direction of his father-in-
law, who was a physician. He continued his reading in this way for a time, and in
1S94-1895 attended lectures at the State University at Little Rock. In the spring of
1895 he began the practice of his profession at Norphlet, Arkansas, where he remained
for four months, and then returned to a point near his own home locality in Nevada
county. He continued there for three years and next went to Stamps, Lafayette county,
Arkansas, where he resided for six years. In 1908 he came to Hot Springs, where he
has since specialized in genito-urinary diseases, having developed a high degree of
efficiency in this particular branch of practice. He has studied thoroughly along that
line, keeping in touch with the latest scientific researches and discoveries and as a
genito-urological surgeon he has gained a notable position.

Dr. DeWoody is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and his life is
ever guided by its teachings. Dr. DeWoody also belongs to the Masonic fraternity and
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, but has comparatively little time for lodge work,
as his efforts and energies are demanded by his professional duties. He belongs to the
County, Arkansas State and Southern Medical Associations. His ability is constantly
augmented and promoted by his thorough study and research, and he is familiar with
all that scientific research has brought to light concerning the profession, especially
in the line to which he is mainly devoting his attention.

FREDERICK J. SCHMUTZ.

Frederick J. Schmutz, trust officer of the American Bank of Commerce & Trust
Company of Little Rock, came to Arkansas trom the land of the Alps, his birth having
occurred in the beautiful city of Bern. Switzerland, March 5, 1871. He is a son of
Gottlieb and Elizabeth (Schmied) Schmutz. who were likewise natives of Switzerland,
the former born in 1840 and the latter in 1842. They were married in Canton Bern
and became parents of two sons and five daughters, all of whom are living with ihe
exception of one daughter. Crossing the Atlantic to the new world they made their way
to Arkansas and took up their abode in the vicinity of Little Rock, where Gottlieb
Schmutz followed the occupation of farming. He gave his political support to the
republican party but was not an aspirant for public office. Both he and his wife died
in the year 1881.

Frederick J. Schmutz was but ten years of age when left an orphan. He acquired
his education in the public schools of Little Rock and in a business college and was
thus qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. Throughout his business career

CEXTEXXTAL IIISTOKY OF ARKANSAS Vu

opportunity has ever been with him a call to action. He has utilized his chances for
advancement wisely and well and step by step has progressed until he has reached
the responsible position of trust officer in the American Bank of Commerce & Trust
Company. He is likewise the vice president and one of the directors of the Lonoke
Rice Milling Company. In business affairs his judgment is sound and sagacity keen,
and by reason of these qualities and his well known spirit of fidelity he is proving most
competent in the responsible position which he now fills in connection with one of the
strongest financial institutions of the state.

On the 14th of February, 1914, Mr. Schmutz was united in marriage to Miss Lassie
Shoffner, . who was born in Cabot, Arkansas, in 1887. They have one child, a son.
Frederick H.. whose birth occurred March 20 1915. During the World war period Mr.
Schmutz took active part in promoting all bond drives and otherwise holding the
home lines which constituted the support of the great American Expeditionary Force
on the western front. His political endorsement has always been given to the men and
measures of the republican party at national elections since age conferred upon him
the right of franchise. He is a Master Mason and a member of the First Presbyterian
church and in these associations are indicated the rules which govern his life and
direct his conduct in relation to his fellowmen.

WILLIAM FRAXCIS BARRETT.

William Francis Barrett, well known in newspaper circles in his section of the
state as the owner of the Gillett Reporter, comes to Arkansas from Indiana, his birth
having occurred at Fort Wayne, that state, while his natal day was June 23, 1884. His
father, J. E. Barrett, was a farmer by occupation and after following that pursuit in
Indiana for some time removed to Sumner county, Kansas, while later he became a
resident of Port Wayne. Indiana. He married Elizabeth May.

Their son, William F. Barrett, spent his youthful days under the parental roof
and acquired a public school education. He then turned his attention to newspaper
publication and as a reporter on the Record and he not only wrote the editorials and
supervised the composition but also learned the mechanical end of the business and
did considerable work as a job printer. At length he determined to try his fortune
in Arkansas and here worked on the Marianna Courier and later on the Daily World
at Helena. He afterward removed to Clarksdale. Mississippi, where he became associated
with the job department of the Daily Register. During all these years he was acquaint-
ing himself thoroughly with every phase of the newspaper business and acquiring
knowledge that has been of the utmost value to him since he started out in business on
his own account. After severing his connection with the Daily Register at Clarksdale,
Mississippi, he came to Gillett and purchased the Gillett Reporter. This paper was
established in 1914 by Frank N. Henderson and was first printed in England. Arkansas,
the papers being then shipped to Gillett. The next owner was W. Charles Hopper, who
was later city editor of a paper published at Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Mr. Hopper sold
the Reporter to Mr. Barrett on the 13th of October, 1919, and the latter has since
developed this into a popular sheet, with a growing circulation in Gillett and vicinity.
It has been placed on a safe basis, has become a good advertising medium by reason
of its increased circulation and in connection with the publication of the paper Mr.
Barrett does a good job printing business.

On November 15, 1915. Mr. Barrett was united in marriage to Miss May Dillingham
of De Witt. Arkansas, and they have become the parents of a son, Willi:ini I'^rmcis, .Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Barrett have made many friends during the period of tin ir i c-iiliiirr in
Gillett. His social, genial nature makes for popularity wherever he goes and Ins irilciw
townsmen recognize in him an alert, energetic and progressive business man.

WILLIAM G. OWNBEY.

William G. Ownbey, a druggist of Springdale, in which city he was born November
S, 1877, is a son of Julius F. and Elizabeth (Eidson) Ownbey, both natives of Washington
county, Arkansas. The father was a son of Porter M. and Martha (Martin) Ownbey.
who settled in Washington county during the period of the Civil war and the grand-
father remained a resident of this section of the state until his death. His widow
survives at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. They came to the state from
Georgia and Porter M. Ownbey always followed the occupation of farming. His son.
Julius F. Ownbey. was reared in Washington county and he, too. followed the occupa-

L-)S CEXTENXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

tion of farming and also dealt in stock. He was one of the pioneers in the development
of orchards in this county and contributed much to the uphuilding of the fortunes of
others as well as to his own, through his successful introduction of fruit raising into
this part of the state. He was a democrat in his political views and his religious faith
was that of the Methodist Episcopal church. In early manhood he wedded Elizabeth
Eidson, also a native of this county. She survives her husband and now makes her
home in Springdale. They were the parents of three children, of whom two are living:
William G. and Carl, the latter connected with the Farmers & Merchants Bank at
Springdale.

William G. Ownbey was educated in the public and high schools of his native city
and in the State University of Arkansas. In early life he began learning the drug
business, with which he has since been identified, devoting his entire time to commercial
activity of this character. He is owner of a large store in Springdale and also another
at Fayetteville. His capable management, indefatigable energy and persistency of
purpose have been dominant factors in the attainment of his present-day success.

In 1900 Mr. Ownbey was united in marriage to Miss Bertie Parker, a native of
Illinois and a daughter of Theodore and Jane (Prater) Parker, who were likewise
natives of that state. They came to Springdale about 1887 and Mr. Parker here engaged
in the produce business, but he and his wife are now residents of the state of Washington.
Mr. and Mrs. Ownbey have become parents of two children: Julian and Margaret, both
in school. Mr. Ownbey belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. South, while his
wife is a member of the Christian church. He is identified also with the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks and with the Masons and is a loyal follower of the teachings
and purposes of these societies. His political endorsement is given to the democratic
party and for five years he filled the office of alderman, taking active interest in all
that pertained to the progress and development of the community He likewise filled
the office of city recorder for two years and as mayor during a two years' term he gave
to Springdale a businesslike and progressive administration that was thoroughly
beneficial. He also has an interesting military record, for he was a National Guardsman
when America became engaged in war with Spain. He saw his first service in 1898
as private in the First Arkansas Infantry and was stationed at Chickamauga Park.
Again his military spirit was aroused when Mexico showed decided hostility to the
United States in 1916 and he became a captain of the Second Arkansas Infantry, with
which he went to the border, being there stationed through 1916 and 1917. In the
latter year he was promoted to the rank of major. He was graduated from the School
of Musketry at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in 1917 and from the School of Fire for Field
Artillery at Fort Sill in the same year. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant
colonel and was commissioned colonel by the Federal government in May, 1918, and
placed in command of the One Hundred and Forty-second Field Artillery. He served
with that unit in France from August, 1918, until June, 1919, when he returned home
and received his disrliariic He and his command did the firing for the artillery schools
at Valdahon, Ki;. ih,v mi. I Ik- is still holding his commission of colonel of the Field
Artillery Reservr Cuiii,-. liiited States army.

Colonel Ownljey has spent his life in Springdale and his many sterling traits of
character have gained for him the high esteem in which he is held. He has carefully
directed and managed his business affairs and has made steady progress, well qualified
for the work by reason of the tact that he is a graduate of the Ohio Institute of
Pharmacy at Columbus and had thorough practical training. He has most wisely
directed his activities along mercantile lines and has built up a large lousiness at both
Springdale and Fayetteville. What he has accomplished in the business world represents
the fit utilization of his time and opportunities, while in matters of citizenship he has
always stood for the highest and best, proving his loyalty to community and common-
wealth in days of peace just as he has demonstrated his loyalty to the country in times
of war.

FINIS E. STOCKTON.

Finis E. Stockton, identified with banking interests of Ozark, was born on a farm
ten miles from this city, July 17, 1883. His grandfather. Willi;ini Stockton, was a
Confederate soldier, who was killed in the battle of Peach Tree ( reck. The father,
William G. Stockton, was born in Alabama and came to Franklin rnunt}', Arkansas, in
1880. He was a farmer and schcol teacher, being well educated for his day, in the
schools of Alabama. The greater part of his life has been devoted to educational work
and he is now principal of the school at Hodgen, Oklahoma. He is a thirty-second
degree Mason and a past master of the blue lodge. His political allegiance is given to

CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 159

the democratic party and while residing in Franklin county, Arkansas, he served tor
two terms as county judge. In early manhood he married Hannah Ford, a native of
Alabama and a daughter of George Ford, who also served as a soldier of the Confederate
army, having participated in the battle of Shiloh, during which time one of his arms
was shot off. He was a resident of Franklin county at the time of his demise. They
were married in that county and became the parents of seven children, six of whom
are living: Finis E.; Inez, who married Joe .Mantooth, a farmer, residing at Newport,
Arkansas; Winnie, who is the wife of Bradley Cotton of Cowlington, Oklahoma, where
he follows farming; William, a school teacher of Oklahoma; George, a farmer and
school teacher, living at Rogers, Arkansas; Una, the wife of UeWitt Durham, a machinist
of Allen, Oklahoma; and Sam, who is in the post otfice at Tulsa, Oklahoma. The wife
and mother departed this life in 1905. In religious faith Mr. Stockton is a member of
the Methodist Episcopal church.

In the acquirement of his education Finis E. Stockton mastered the branches of
learning taught in the country schools and afterward attended the State University of
Arkansas for two years. He then began teaching in the rural schools of Franklin
county and followed the profession for two years, while later he pursued a commercial
course at Fort Smith. He then started out in mercantile lines by working in a store
for two years, after which he became connected with the People's Bank of Ozark, in
1910. His original position was that of bookkeeper and in 1916 he was advanced to
the cashiership, since which time he has occupied that position. He is thorough and
systematic in all of his work in connection with the bank, is courteous and obliging
to its patrons and has made a popular official. The People's Bank is capitalized for
twenty-five thousand dollars, has a surplus and undivided profits of thirty thousand
dollars and its deposits amount to more than two hundred and fifty thousand dollars.
The bank was established in 1905 and is under the presidency of L. L. Ford.

In 1910 Mr. Stockton was united in marriage to Miss Annie Bearden, who was
born in Webb City, Arkansas, a daughter of Moses Bearden, a farmer of Alma, Arkansas.
They have become the parents of five children: Grady, Finis and Axie Catherine, who
are in school: Christina and Wilson, who are not yet of school age. The religious
faith of the parents is that of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Stockton is
a Royal Arch Mason, has served as master of the lodge and high priest in the chapter.
In politics he is a democrat and is now serving as chairman of the democratic county
central committee. He does everything in his power legitimately to promote the success
of the party because of his firm belief in its principles and he is interested in all that
pertains to the city's welfare and promotion of public interests.

SAMUEL JOSEPH ESTES, M. D.

Dr. Samuel Joseph Estes, physician and surgeon of Little Rock, who has practiced
in this city since 1915, was born at Holly Springs, Mississippi, August 27, 1S74, anl
was a lad of but seven years whon his parents removed to Denmark, Tennessee, there
taking up their abode in 18^1. He is a son of Robert Fenner and Mattie Emma (Sharp!
Estes. The father's birth Dccunfil in Jackson, Tennessee, in 1841, and the mother
was born in Wall Hill, Mis,sis;<ippi. in 1850. They were married in the year 1866 at
Wall Hill and became parents of three sons and a daughter, all of whom are living.
The wife and mother, however, died in March, 1910. The father resides at Brownsville,
Tennessee. He has always been a democrat in his political views and he was a soldier
of the Civil war, serving as a captain in Forrest's command. He was with the Con-
federate troops for four years and was captured at the battle of Fort Donelson, but
soon afterward made his escape.

Dr. Estes was largely reared in Denmark, Tennessee, where he pursued his educa-
tion until graduated froai the high school with the class of 1895. At a later period he
attended the Mississippi State Normal School at luka and there won the degree of
Bachelor cf Science as a member of the class of 1898. He was graduated in medicine in
1902 from the Memphis Hospital Medical College and in the following year he disl
postgraduate work in Memphis. Since that time he has continuously practiced his
profession and has made his home in Little Rock since 1915. His success has resulted
from close application, broad study, careful analysis and a sympathetic nature that
enables him readily to win the confidence of his patrons. Wide reading has kept him
informed concerning the latest scientific researches and discoveries and he is quick to
adapt his knowledge to specific needs. He is conceded by the profession, not only in
Little Rock but throughout the South as an especially fin-e diagnostician.

On the 10th of May, 1901. Dr. Estes was married to Miss Sallie Bobbitt, who was
born in Lorado, Arkansas, June 10, 1883. and was graduated from the high school there.

Kid CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

The children of this marriage are: Donald Babbitt, who was born in 1904; Everett
Edward, born in 1906; Alma Estelle. born in 1908; and Snmuel James, born in 1915.

Dr. Estes always votes with the democratic party, which he has supported since age
conferred upon him the right of franchise. His religious faith is that of the Methodist
denomination, his membership being in the Highland Methodist Episcopal church. South,
in which he is serving as a member of the board of stewards. Fraternally he has wide
connections. He is a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason and member of the Mystic
Shrine, is a past master of Lorado Lodge, Xo. 241. I. O. 0. P.. and is also a representative
of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He is greatly interested in the good road
movement and does everything in his power to advance improvement along that line.
He finds his recreation in outdoor life and is fond of all manly sports. These things,
however, are not allowed to interfere with the faithful performance of every professional
duty that devolves upon him and he is an esteemed and valued member of the Pulaski
County Medical Society, the Arkansas State Medical Society, the Tri-State Medical
Association and the American Medical Association.

BEN ALLEN.

Ben Allen, sheriff of White county and a resident of Searcy, is ever found prompt
and faithful in the discharge of his offlcial duties and his record is one which reflects
credit and honor upon himself and has proven highly satisfactory to his constituents.
A native son of Arkansas, he was born in Cleburne county, September 23, 1872. his
parents being Thomas and Missouri (Butler) Allen. The Allen family has been
represented in this state from pioneer times. The grandfather, Eli Allen, was a native
of Virginia, born in 1804 and followed farming in that state ere his removal to Arkansas
in 1818. He first made his way to New Orleans, thence up the Mississippi and White
rivers to Des Arc, from which point he traveled to Heber Springs, becoming one of the
earliest settlers in that district. He fished, hunted and trapped and carried the furs
to Arkansas Post, trading among the Indians. He had seen hundreds of buffaloes in
droves on the western plains and he passed through all of the experiences and hard-
ships of pioneer life. In the early days he was a squatter but afterward entered land
from the government and engaged in farming and on his land he reared his family.
He departed this life at the age of eighty-five years. His son, Thomas Allen, was born
in w^hat was then old Van Buren county and is now Cleburne county, in 1823, and his
life record covered the intervening years to 1888, when his death occurred. His wife
was born in Missouri and died in 1919 at the age of sixty-five years. Thomas Allen was
educated in the old-time subscription school, the schoolhouse being a log structure with
split log benches and puncheon floor. Reared amid pioneer surroundings he became
familiar with all of the conditions of life on the frontier and bore his share in the work
of early development and progress. In 1861 he enlisted for service in the Confederate
army, joining the Tenth Arkansas Infantry, with w'hich he served the greater part of
the time, going to Mississippi under Captain Miller. He participated in the battle of
Shiloh and served throughout the period of the Civil war. With his return from military
life he again settled in Van Buren county, where he followed the occupation of farming,
homesteading land in that locality. The tract which he secured was covered with timber
and he had to clear most of this. At one time he owned a thousand acres of land, for
which he paid only a dollar per acre. In the early days most of his trading was done at
Batesville, at Des Arc and at Little Rock. He crossed the ice on the Arkansas river at
Little Rock in order to get to market. There was much wild game to be had in this
section of the country in those days and the hunter had no difficulty in securing meat
for the table. During the Civil war Mr. Allen lost everything that he had accumulated
and when he returned home his stock consisted only of an old mule. With undaunted
courage he took up the task of regaining his lost possessions and for many years en-
gaged in general farming and stock raising. At a later day he removed to Texas, where
he purchased land and his last years were spent in the Lone Star state. He always
gave his political allegiance to the democratic party and both he and his wife were
consistent members of the Missionary Baptist church. In their family were nine children,
six of whom are living: J. G., a practicing physician, residing at Commerce, Texas:
Ben, of this review; John, living in Hunt county, Texas, where he follows farming;
Theopholis, a photographer, also living in Hunt county, Texas; Vester, a government
mail clerk, living at Waco, Texas; and Dora, the wife of Joe Tedfbrd of Pueblo, Colorado.
One daughter, Effie, died at the age of twenty-three years and two children died in
infancy.

Ben Allen was educated in the common schools of Heber Springs and remained in
Cleburne county through the period of his boyhood and youth. He afterward taught for

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 1(31

a few terms in the rural districts of Cleburne county and then took up the occupation
of farming. He bought and cleared land, securing a part of his father's old homestead
and devoted his attention to the task of developing the fields and producing substantial
crops. In 1S93 he came to White county and entered the employ of the llillen Lumber
Company at St. Louis, Missouri, occupying the position of general manager for eight
years. He next purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land near Beebe and while
engaged in farming there he served as constable and as deputy sheriff for a period of
eight years. He was afterward elected justice of the peace at Beebe and occupied that
position tor four years, while in 1920 he was elected to the offlce of sheriff, entering upon
the duties of the position on the 1st of January, following, and is serving in an acceptable
manner. He still owns his farm of one hundred and twelve acres, from which he is
deriving a good rental.

Mr. Allen was married to Miss Jennie Thompson, who was born in White county,
Arkansas, a daughter of Wes Thompson, a farmer and stock dealer. They have become
parents of six children: Opal, who is the wife of Albert Bevill, a farmer of White county;
Homer, farming in the same county; Nellie, the wife of Elbert Walls, a barber of Cabot,
Arkansas; Elvis, Velda and Oatley, all at home. Mrs. Allen is a member of the Pres-
byterian church, Mr. Allen belongs to the Masonic lodge at Beebe and is also identified
with the Woodmen of the World. His political endorsement is given to the democratic
party and he keeps well informed on the vital questions and issues of the day. In all
matters of citizenship he stands with those men who are seeking to promote progress
and uphold high civic standards.

S. E. McREYNOLDS.

S. E. McReynolds, county and probate clerk of Conway county, was born in Conway
on the 19th of December, 1S91, a son of T. J. McReynolds and Isabelle (Templeton)
McReynolds. The paternal grandfather, James McReynolds, came to Conway several
years prior to the Civil war, making the trip overland with oxen. He entered land
here, which he had to clear and upon which he erected log improvements. He did
his trading at Lewisburg. a landing on the Arkansas river and obtained his meat by
shooting deer, bear and turkey. He was an extensive farmer and slave owner and
resided on his homestead until his death, at the age of seventy-four years. T. J.
McReynolds was born in Conway county, where he engaged in farming, owning some
valuable land, the original homestead acquired by his father. He received his edu-
cation in the country schools of the county attending them but three months out of
every year. He won substantial success as a general farmer and stock raiser. Upon
the outbreak of the Civil war, his sympathies being with the south, he enlisted in
the Confederate army and served under Colonel Gordon, for the most part west of
the Mississippi. He was captured and held prisoner at Rock Island, Illinois, his release
being secured only after hostilities had ceased. He then returned to Arkansas, where
he lived until his death at the age of fifty-nine years, in 1903. Mrs. McReynolds died
in 190S, at the age of fifty years. To their union six children were born, four of
whom are living: T. J., who is a mail carrier of Morrillton; S. E., the subject of
this review; Walter, a barber at Morrillton; and Terry, a stenographer for the board
of Commerce at Little Rock, Arkansas. Two other children died in infancy. The
family was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church and Mrs. McReynolds was
an active worker in that organization. Throughout his life the father was a stanch
supporter of the democratic party, having firm belief in the principles of that party
as factors in good government.

S. E. McReynolds received his education in the country schools of his native county
and later attended the high school at Hattieville. Upon putting his textbooks aside
he became bookkeeper for the sheriff of Conway county, being then but twenty-one
years of age, and he was active in that connection for six years. At the termination
of that time he became bookkeeper of the Bank of Morrillton and the Rainwater Bank
and he was active in financial circles until 1920, when he was elected to his present
office of county and probate clerk. He devotes his entire time to the duties devolving
upon him in that oflice and has won the respect and confidence of all with whom he
has come into contact.

In 1921 occurred the marriage of Mr. McReynolds to Miss Ora Childress, a native
of Conway county and a daughter of J. W. Childress. Her father was a well known
business man in Hattieville, where he conducted a mercantile establishment for some
time. Mrs. McReynolds is prominent in the club and social circles of Morrillton and
is a consistent member of the Christian church.

On October 19, 1918, Mr. McReynolds enlisted for service in the World war and

162 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

as a member of Company 36, Depot Brigade, he received training at Camp Pike. He
was there ten days when he was transferred to Benton as clerk on the local board
and he served in that capacity until receiving his discharge on the 19th of December.
1918, at Camp Pike. In his political views he is a democrat and he has always taken
an active part in local political affairs. He is discharging the responsibilities of his
present office in a manner highly creditable to himself and his constituency and by
reason of his faithful discharge of all matters of trust and his high standards of
citizenship, he has won the esteem of the community.

HERMAN PEAY MADDOX.

Herman Peay Maddox, who ranks high among the prominent lawyers of Arkansas,
has engaged in practice in Harrisburg since 1912, and his constantly increasing ability
has brought him continuous recognition in a large and distinctively representative
clientage. He is of Scotch-Irish ancestry on both paternal and maternal sides. His
ancestors came to this country at an early day and became prominent figures in the
public life of the communities in which they resided. Herman P. Maddox was born
in Rockport, Ohio county, Kentucky, on the 14th of June, 1884, a son of James E. and
Verda (Gentry) Maddox. His father, who is living in Harrisburg at the age of sixty-
seven years, is active in the milling business and is achieving more than substantial
success in that connection. For many years the father was engaged in farming in Ohio
county, Kentucky, the county of his birth. He was married in Ohio county in 1880,
to Miss Verda Gentry, who is also living at the age of sixty-seven years. She was born
and reared in that county, her family having been among the pioneer settlers there. To
the union of Mr. and Mrs. Maddox ten children were born, seven boys and three girls.
Five sons and the three daughters are living. Two sons died in infancy. Herman P.,
whose name initiates this review, was the second in order of birth.

Herman P. Maddox received his early education in the common schools of Ohio
county, Kentucky, and after graduating from the high school at Beaver Dam, that state,
entered the Bryant & Stratton Business College at, Louisville. After completing his
course there he started out in the business world as assistant cashier of the Rockport
Deposit Bank at Rockport, a position he held for two years, 1905-07. At the end of
that time he came to Arkansas and located In Cherry Valley, where he was employed
as cashier with the Bank of Cherry Valley, and this position he held for five years.
During his spare time he took up the study of law and in 1910 was admitted to practice
in the circuit and chancery courts. He remained with the bank, however, until January,
1912, when he went to Wynne, Arkansas, and began the active practice of law, which
ho continued there until October, 1912. He then removed to Harrisburg, established
his office and began practice independently. He soon built up a distinctively represen-
tative clientage. He has concentrated his time, energies and attention upon his pro-
fessional duties and the work that he has done as advocate and counselor indicates
clearly his familiarity with the principles of jurisprudence and an analytical power
that enables him correctly to apply those principles to the question under consideration.
On April 5, 1915, Mr. Maddox was admitted to practice before the state supreme court
and on October 5th, following, he was admitted to the federal court. In 1916 he was
elected deputy prosecuting attorney of Poinsett county and was active in that office
for two years. He is now a member of the local city council. Although the greater
part of Mr. Maddox's time is devoted to his professional interests, he is well known in
financial circles as a stockholder in the Bank of Cherry Valley, at Cherry Valley, this
state.

On the 21st of February, 1909, occurred the marriage of Mr. Maddox to Miss Ruth
Halk, a daughter of George and Anna Halk, well known residents of Cherry Valley.
To their union four children were born: Edward Stacey, twelve years of age; Maurine,
ten ye:.rs of age; Vivian, aged six; and Herman Peay, Jr., aged five. Mrs. Maddox's
demise occurred on the 19th of October, 1918, at Harrisburg, and came as a severe blow
to her family and many friends.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Baptist church, to the support of
which Mr. Maddox is a generous contributor. Fraternally he is a Scottish Rite Mason:
a member of Poinsett Lodge, No. 184, A. F. & A. M., of Harrisburg; Arkansas Consistory.
No. 1, Little Rock; and Sahara Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Pine Bluff. He is like-
wise affiliated with Lodge No. 1080, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of Paragould
and Cherry Valley Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Along strictly
professional lines he is identified with the Arkansas State Bar Association. During the
World war Mr. Maddox was chairman of the legal advisory board and a Pour-Minute
man, making many speeches throughout the county in behalf of various war activities.

HERMAN PEAY MADUOX

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 165

He is readily conceded to be a public-spirited citizen of Harrisburg and is reco^ized as a
man of well-rounded character, whose interests are varied and who at all times keeps
in close touch with the trend of modern thought and progress.

THOMAS E. ALLYN.

Thomas E. Allyn has been engaged in the general practice of law in Marked Tree
since 1916. He was bom near Mt. Vernon, Posey county, Indiana, on the 1st of April,
1S83, a son of Elisha and Laura (Lewis) Allyn. On the paternal side he is of English.
Irish and Scotch extraction. Progenitors of the Allyn family in this country came
from England on the Mayflower and located at Plymouth. The branch of the family
from which Thomas E. is descended migrated to Pennsylvania and thence down the
Ohio river to Mt. Vernon, Indiana. They were among the pioneer settlers of that
section of the country. Elisha Allyn was born and reared in Indiana and on the 1st
of September, 1901, came to Arkansas, where he acquired land in Clay county. For
many years he followed agricultural pursuits and achieved more than substantial
success. He is now living on his farm near Boydsville, at the age of sixty -five years.
In Posey county, Indiana, in 1881, Elisha Allyn was married to Miss Laura Lewis,
who was likewise born and reared in Indiana. She was of Irish extraction, although
members of her family have lived in America for many generations. The demise of
Mrs. Allyn occurred in 18S4, at the age of twenty years. To Mr. and Mrs. Allyn one
son was born. Thomas E., whose name initiates this review.

Thomas E. Allyn received his early education in the common schools of Posey
county, Indiana. At the age of seventeen years he started teaching school near Piggott,
this state, having come to Clay county in company with his father. He was engaged
along educational lines continuously from 1901 to 1916. In the meantime he had been
reading and studying law and in 1910 he was admitted to practice in the state courts.
He came to Marked Tree in 1916, established offices for the practice of his profession
and has remained here, practicing under his own name. He has built up an extensive
and lucrative clientage, most of the litigation which he conducts being of chancery
and civil character. During the World war Mr. Allyn served on the legal advisory
board of Poinsett county. He was likewise active as one of the Four-Minute men,
and made speeches throughout the county in behalf of the various drives.

On the 5th of December, 1912, in Clay county, occurred the marriage of Mr. Allyn
to Miss Gussie Choate, a daughter of James and Ollie A. Choate, prominent residents
of St. Francis. Arkansas. To their union four children have been born: Gerald
Elisha, who died at the age of five years; Lloyd Exter, eight years of age; Frances
Elaine, six years of age; and James Joseph, four years of age.

Since attaining his majority Mr. Allyn has given his political endorsement to
the republican party and the principles for which it stands. Fraternally he is identi-
fied with the Masons, being an exemplary member of the craft. He belongs to Marked
Tree Lodge, No. 668, F. & A. M.. of which body he is past worshipful master, and
he has been worshipful master of St. Francis Lodge, No. 505, F. & A. M. He is district
deputy grand master of the Tenth District of the Grand Lodge of this state and was
grand representative of Panama Grand Lodge to this state. He is likewise identified
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, holding membership in Marked Tree Lodge,
No. 197, of which he is past grand. He is now holding the office of treasurer in the
local lodge. He has served as noble grand of several other lodges and is now grand
conductor of the Grand Lodge of the I. O. O. F. of this state. For some time he was
district deputy grand master of District 89, of the I. O. O. F. Grand. Along strictly
professional lines Mr. Allyn is connected with the County and District Bar Associations.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Methodist church and for many years
Mr. Allyn has served the church as a steward. During the years of his residence
here he has wielded a great influence for good in the community and his friends

WINSTON LEE WINTERS.

Winston Lee Winters has gained creditable standing as a civil and hydraulic en-
gineer and is now practicing his profession with offices in the Merchants National
Bank building at Fort Smith. He has been a resident of this place for twenty-four
years, or since 1897. His birth occurred in Charleston, Arkansas, and he was a youth
in his teens when he came to this city. Here he resumed his education, entering

IGG CENTENNIAL HISTORY OP ARKANSAS

the high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1900. He afterward
pursued a course of study in the University of Arkansas and is numbered among
its alumni of 1906, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Civil Engineering. Since
entering upon this professional work he has given most of his attention to civil and
municipal engineering. In 1910 he established the firm of Winters & Dove, Civil &
Hydraulic Engineers, and conducted the business under a partnership relation tor a
number of years but in 1918 he assumed entire control and has since directed the
efforts of the office. He has been engaged in municipal engineering, including the
building of water works and sewer systems, and the contracts awarded him have been
of an extensive and important character, calling him in their execution into various
sections of the state. Today as monuments to his skill, ability and handiwork are
seen the water systems of Ashdown, Clarendon, Meno and Clarksville, Arkansas, and
also of Sallisaw and Stigler, Oklahoma. He has likewise been the builder of the sewage
systems of Siloam Springs, De Queen, Clarksville and Bentonville, Arkansas, and in
the construction of these important plants he has solved many difllcult engineering
problems and has shown himself fully equal to the responsibilities thus devolving
upon him.

Mr. Winters was united in marriage to Miss Loma Harriss of Texarkana, Arkansas,
and they are widely and favorably known in Fort Smith, where they have many
friends Mr. Winters belongs to the American Society of Engineers, also to the Amer-
ican Association of Engineers and he keeps abreast with the best thinking men of
the age in relation to all engineering problems, constantly studying to develop his
skill and efiiciency, while already he has reached a notable place in professional circles.

OSSIAN H. KING, M. D.

Dr. Ossian H. King, specializing in the treatment of diseases of the eye, ejr, nose
and throat, has been numbered among the medical practitioners of Hot Springs since
December, 1915, with the exception of one year spent in the service of his country
during the World war. He was born in Louisiana on the 27th of October. 1886, and
was seven years of age when his parents established the family home in Little Rock,
Arkansas. His early education obtained in the public schools, was supplemented by
a course of study in the old Arkansas Military Academy and on attaining his majority
he entered the College of Physicians & Surgeons, from which institution he was gradu-
ated as a member of the class of 1911. He then attended Knapp's Eye, Ear. Nose and
Throat Sanitarium of Vlncennes, Indiana, and later pursued postgraduate work on
the eye and ear in both New York and Chicago. In December. 1915, he located for
practice at Hot Springs, where he has remained through the intervening period to
the present, with the exception of one year's service as a medical officer during the
World wpr. He joined the Medical Corps in March, 1918, and was attached to the
air service at Kelly Field and at Ellington Field, being commissioned first lieutenant.
He was discharged in April. 1919. and has a captain's Cfmmission in the Medici Officers'
Reserve Corps. On returning to civil life he resumed his professional duties in Hot
Springs, where he has built up an enviable practice of lucrative proportions that is
a merited tribute to his skill and ability in his chosen line His professional member-
shin connections are with the Garland County Medical Society, the Arkansas State
Medical Society, the Southern Medical Association, the American Medical Association
and the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Oto-Laryngology.

In 1914 Dr. King was united in marriage to Miss Margaret McDonald and they are
a well known and popular young couple of Hot Springs. The Doctor is a Knights
Templ-'r Mason and also be'ones to the Mystic Shrine, exemplifying in his daily life
the beneficent spirit of the craft. In the field of his specialty he has demonstrated a
degree of skill and efficiency that has established him among the representative and able
members of the profession in his adopted state.

G. A. HUGHES, M. D.

Dr. G. A. Hughes is a native son of Arkansas and one of the old established physi-
cians of Benton county, having for twenty-six years followed his profession in this
locality. S'nce 1918 he has been a resident of Siloam Springs and his thorough knowl-
edge of his profession and broad. experience have secured for him a large practice. He
wos born in Scott county, Arkansas, February 9. 1870, a son of John H. and Louise
(Pnllen) Hughes, the former a native of eastern Tennessee, while the latter was born

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 167

in Georgia, in which state their marriage occurred. After the Civil war they came to
Arkansas and in 18S1 settled in Benton county, where the father purchased land, which
he continued to cultivate throughout his remaining years. When a youth of eighteen
years he enlisted in the Confederate army and remained in the service for a period of
four years. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and his political
allegiance was given to the democratic party. He died in Benton county on the 22d
of February, 1910. Mrs. Hughes survives and is residing with a sister in Siloam Springs.
They became the parents of eight children, of whom five are living, the subject of this
review being the second in order of birth. The paternal grandfather. Rice Hughes, was
a native of Tennessee and subsequently removed to Scott county, Arkansas, where he
became the owner of a large plantation, on which he died in 18S1. The maternal grand-
father, the Rev. William Pullen, was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church and
died in Georgia when nearly one hundred years old.

In the pursuit of an education Dr. Hughes attended the schools of Scott and Benton
counties, Arkansas, after which he spent three years as a student in the State University
of Arkansas, completing his course in 1889. He later entered the medical department
of Vanderbilt University at Nashville, Tennessee, from which he was graduated with
the class of 1894, Coming to Arkansas, he opened an office at Canehill, where he remained
for four months and then removed to Gravette, where he successfully continued In
practice for twenty-three years. In 1918 he became a resident of Silonm Springs and
his labors have been attended with a gratifying measure of success, the list of his
patients being already an extensive one. He engages in general practice but devotes
considerable attention to surgical work and through constant reading and careful study
of the cases that come under his care he is continually broadening his knowledge and
ability. His professional connections are with the Benton County Medical Society, of
which he has been president, the Arkansas State Medical Society and the American
Medic'l Association. He is also the owner of a farm in Oklahoma which has proven a
profitable investment.

In November, 1895, Dr. Hughes was united in marrlase to Miss Josephine Lewis,
a native of Canehill, Arkansas, and a daughter of William Lewis, formerly a prominent
merchant of that locality, but now living retired at Siloam Springs. To this union have
been born five children: Otto, the eldest, died at the age of fourteen years; Lillian, a
stenographer in the employ of the Benton County Hardware Company of Siloam Springs;
Lewis, who is a student in the State University of Arkansas; and Lina and Louise, both
of whom are attending school.

Dr. and Mrs. Hughes are members of the Christian church and fraternally he is
identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias, in
which he has pissed through all of the chairs, and in Masonry he has attained the
Royal Arch degree. He is a stanch democrat in his political views and has been called
upon to fill a number of public positions of honor and trust, serving as mayor and health
officer of Gravette. He is the present health officer of Siloam Springs and is abiy dis-
charging his duties in this connection. He has led an active and useful life, employing
every opnortunity to advance, and his present success is entirely attribut-'ble to his
own labors, his close application and his laudable ambition. He is most conscientious
in the discharge of his professional duties and his ability is not only attested by his
fellow practitioners but by the general public as well.

BONNIE DAVIS.

One of the alert and enterprising citizens of Magnolia is Bonnie Davis, who was
born in Havnesville. Louisiana, on the 11th of November, 1876, a son of Alexander and
Cassie T. (Green) D<ivis. On the paternal side the family is of Scotch-English descent
and members of the f'^mily emigrated to this country at an early day, first locating in
North Carolina. Alexander Davis came to this state from Mississippi in 1856 and was
one of the early settlers in southern Arkansas. He engaged in farming ue<r Emerson.
His death occurred on the home place In 1913, at the age of sixty-five yeirs. In 1874
was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Davis to Miss Cassie T. Green, a native of Louisiana,
the ceremony being performed at Haynesville, that state. To their union six children
were born, three boys and three girls, Bonnie D. being the second in order of birth.
All of the children are living with the exception of two sons. Mrs. Divis died on the
home farm in 1911, at the age of fifty-nine years. The three daughters are Lula May,
who marr'ed Luther McDonald of Shongaloo, Louisiana; Lillie, the wife of E. W.
Warner of Emerson: and Amelia, who is now Mrs. B. T. Gallaher and resides in Trout,
Louisiana.

In the acquirement of an education Bonnie Davis attended the country schools of

168 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

Columbia county and later entered Ouachita Baptist College at Arkadelphia, where he
took a literary course, withdrawing at the end of two and one-half years. In 1S99 he
began teaching and was thus engaged in the public schools of Louisiana and in Columbia
county, this state, for a period of fifteen years. He is now secretary and treasurer of
the Columbia County Farm Bureau and conducts an abstract business. He owns con-
siderable valuable real estate in Columbia county. Mr. Davis has not only become
prominently known in educational and business circles but has served his fellowmen in
the state legislature, having been elected to that body for the first time in 1909 and
again In 1911, 1913 and 1917.

Fraternally Mr. Davis is identified with the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, having
membership in Emerson Lodge, and he is likewise afBliated with the Woodmen of the
World, belonging to Lodge, No. 336, of Bristol, this state. He is one of the foremost
citizens of Magnolia, is a man who takes an enthusiastic interest in every progressive
public movement, and champions every cause that he feels will advance the welfare of
the municipality either morally, intellectually, socially or financially.

GEORGE A. HENRY, M. D.

Dr. George A. Henry, who has successfully devoted his attention to the practice of
medicine and surgery in Horatio during the past quarter of a century, was born in
Haynesville, Louisiana, on the 13th of March, 1866. Practically his entire life, however,
has been spent in Arkansas, for he was brought to Magnolia, this state, when but two
years of age. He attended the public schools in the acquirement of an education and
received his professional training in the medical department of the University of Louis-
ville at Louisville, Kentucky, being graduated from that institution with the class of
188S. He first located for practice at Mars Hill and thence removed to Lewisville.
Lafayette county, Arkansas, where he followed his profession until 1896, which year
witnessed his arrival in Horatio. Here he has remained throughout the intervening
period of twenty-five years and has been accorded a constantly growing practice that
is indicative of his marked skill and ability in his chosen field. He owns two hundred
acres of river bottom land and derives therefrom a gratifying annual income.

Dr. Henry has been twice married. He first wedded Mary T. Rudd and they had
a daughter, Lessie, who is now the wife of B. L. Daniel. For his second wife the Doctor
chose Miss Annie M. Mathews, by whom he has two children, Helen and George A., Jr.

Fr-iternally Dr. Henry is identified with the Masonic order, being a past master of
his lodge, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Baptist church.
He h-is ever conformed his practice to the highest standards and ethics and enjoys in
unusual degree the confidence and respect of his professional colleagues. Brought to
Arkansas when but two years of age, he has witnessed the growth and development of
the commonwealth during the past half century and has been an active factor in all
movements which have contributed to the welfare and upbuilding of his home community.

WILLIAM FRANK NORRELL.

William Frank Norrell, one of Arkansas' native sons, is devoting his attention to
the practice of law and is recognized as one of the rising young attorneys of Monticello,
being a member of the firm of Wilson & Non'ell, accorded a large and distinctively
representative clientage. He was born in Milo, Ashley county, August 29, 1896, his
parents being Frank and Sarah Elvie (Richardson) Norrell, the former a native of
Alabama and the latter born in Drew county, Arkansas, where their marriage occurred.
The father followed the occupation of farming and also conducted a general store in
Milo for many years, being numbered among the enterprising merchants of the town.
He died in 1898. The mother is still a resident of Milo.

In the acquirement of an education William F. Non-ell attended the public schools
of Milo. the Fourth District State Agricultural School and the College of the Ozarks at
Clarksville, in which he completed his course in 1918. He then entered the Arkansas
Law School at Little Rock, from which he was graduated with the class of 1919, and
in May, 1920, he was admitted to the bar. In June of that year he began his professional
career at Monticello, becoming a partner of R. W. Wilson, at that time assistant United
States district attorney, and this relationship has since been maintained. Their interests
are conducted under the firm style of Wilson & Norrell and they are numbered among
the most successful attorneys in southeastern Arkansas. They have built up a large
clientele in Monticello and have been retained as counsel by many large corporations.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 169

among which may be mentioned the United States Fidelity & Guarantee Company, the
Hankins Hardware Company, the Bailey Production Oil Company and the American
Surety Company.

Studious by nature, Mr. Norrell has closely applied himself to the mastery of legal
principles and his ability is manifest in the clearness of his reasoning and the logic of
his deductions. High ideals guide him in every relation of life and he adheres to the
strictest ethics in his professional work. He is an alert and enterprising young man,
who is actuated by laudable ambition to progress and in his practice he displays a
conscientious zeal and energy that are carrying him steadily forward. He is a member
of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Eureka Lodge, No. 40, F. & A. M.

JUDGE C. W. NOLAN.

Judge C. W. Nolan, serving for the second time on the bench of the Miller county
court and highly esteemed as a resident of Texarkana, was born in Henry county, Georgia,
January 7, 1847. He was seven years of age when his parents removed to Cass county,
Texas, where he resided until 1870. He acquired a common school education and was
reared upon a farm, early becoming thoroughly acquainted with the best methods of
tilling the soil and caring for the crops. The year 1S70 witnessed his arrival in Arkansas,
at which time he took up his abode in what was then Lafayette county but is now Miller
county. Here he began farming and later he extended the scope of his business activities
to include the operation of sawmills. He was thus engaged for about fifteen years and
also handled timber, continuing in the business until 1909. In the meantime, or in 1900,
he had removed to Texarkana and in 1910 he assumed the duties of county tax collector,
to which office he had been chosen at the previous election. He continued to fill the
position for four years and then in 1914 was elected police judge. He served upon the
bench of the police court for about twenty months, when he resigned the position, having
in the meantime been elected to the office of judge of the counjy court. He served
during the years 1917 and 1918 and was then defeated for reelection, but at the end of
another term he was once more chosen county judge at the election in 1920 and is
again upon the bench. His decisions are strictly fair and impartial, being based upon
the law and the evidence in the case, and the fact that he was again called to the
position after an interim of two years indicates the confidence which the public has in
him as a man and as a jurist.

On the 24th of November, 1873, Judge Nolan was married to Miss Louisa J. Mays
and they became the parents of two children, but both died in infancy. Judge Nolan
is an exemplary representative of the Masonic fraternity and he and his wife are
members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They are highly esteemed people and
deserve classification with the representative residents of Arkansas. His life has long
been the expression of high ideals in business and in public office and he still remains
a factor in the world's work, although he has passed the Psalmist's allotted span of
three score years and ten, being now in his seventy-fifth year.

HON. ALLAN KENNEDY.

Hon. Allan Kennedy, who in business circles is well known by reason of the
extensive insurance agency which he has built up and who is leaving the impress of his
individuality and ability upon the political history of the state, now represents his
district in the general assembly. Fort Smith classes him with her valued citizens, for
his labors have brought about splendid results in connection with the upbuilding and
progress of the city. He was born in Memphis, Tennessee, a son of Milton F. and Julia M.
(Williams) Kennedy. The father was a son of John Kennedy, who removed from
Richmond. Kentucky, to Farmington. Missouri, in the year 1820. taking his negro slaves
with him. He was a nephew of General Thomas Kennedy, the noted Indian fighter and
one of the distinguished Kentucky pioneers. The grandfather of Allan Kennedy in
the maternal line was Duke Williams of Nashville. Tennessee, and his wife was a grand-
daughter of Colonel Nicholas Long, one of the Revolutionary war leaders of Halifax,
North Carolina. Her name was, prior to her marriage, Mary Long.

Milton P. Kennedy, father of Allan Kennedy, was educated at Westminster College,
Fulton, Missouri, and after residing for a number of years in Farmington, Missouri, he
removed to Memphis. Tennessee, in the year 1865, there becoming a cotton broker, in
which business he attained a notable measure of success. He continued his residence
there until 1881 and then removed to Fort Smith, where he again engaged in the cotton

170 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

trade and became one of the prominent cotton brokers of the southwest. He is now-
interested in oil development in Franklin and Logan counties of Arkansas. Moreover,
he has been very prominent in the public lite of Port Smith, his activities being a direct
and benefici''l force in bringing about the present-day welfare and prosperity of the city.
To him and his wife have been born three sons and a daughter: Owen, who died in
Denver, Colorado, In October, 1921; Allan, of this review; John J., who is located in
New Orlerns; and Lucy W , the wife of Harry K. Albers.

Allan Kennedy was educated in the public schools of Port Smith and following the
completion of his school days he secured a situation as teller in the Merchants Bank,
there remaining for three years. On the expiration of that period he turned his atten-
tion to the insurance business, some years later organizing the firm of Kennedy & Albers,
his associate in the undertaking being Harry K. Albers. Por a number of years he
represented as Special Agent for Arkansas the Aetna Insurance Company of Hartford,
Connecticut. They now represent twenty-three different insurance companies, handling
fire, life and accident insurance. They have developed an agency of notable proportions
and Mr. Kennedy ranks among the best known and most prominent insurance men of
the southwest.

Moreover, he has figured very prominently in public affairs and in 1918 was elected
a member of the state legislature. He has promoted and fostered progressive legislation,
being the author of a bill which was passed creating a municipal court at Port Smith,
also the b''ll for the improvement of roads leiding to Port Smith, a project involving
the expenditure of eight hundred thousand dollars. He is also the author of a bill to
improve and convert the old state capitol into a permanent war museum, that it may
be used as a meeting place for patriotic societies. Mr. Kennedy was chairman of the
house committee that was appointed to visit the State University, a visit that resulted
in raising the tax levy for the university from four-ninths of a mill to one mill and
thus greatly promoted the facilities and work of the institution. It was Mr. Kennedy
who proposed a joint resolution in the two houses advocating a change in the United
States constitution, enabling all treaties to be ratified by a majority of congress. He
also introduced inta the general assembly a workmen's compensation bill and proposed
a measure for resubmittal of the new constitution. He likewise introduced a bill
creating a city manager for larger cities and was the author of an act creating a new
insurance code and stipulating certain qualifications for agents that the standards of
insurance work might be maintained. His legislative work was of a most practical
character, looking to the benefit and upbuilding of the commonwealth, and his labors
broue^ht excellent results.

Mr. Kennedy served for several years as inspector general of the State Guard with
rank of brigadier, having previously acted as captain of a local militia company. He
was the first president and organizer of the Arkansas Association of "Local Pire In-
surance Agents. He is a member of various local civic bodies and also of the Sons of
the American Revolution. There is no good work instituted for the benefit of com-
munity, commonwealth or country that does not receive his endor-;eraent and his labors
have been an effective force for Arkansas development. In Port Smith he ranks not
only as a capitalist but as one of the most honored and valued citizens. He has prospered
in his undertakings and aside from his insurance business is today the owner of the
Kennedy building, a modern office building erected in 1907. It is one of the attractive
and substantial structures of Port Smith and stands as a monument to the enterprise
and business ability of the builder.

During the war with Germany Mr. Kennedy was appointed by Herbert Hoover, a
member of the state executive committee of the Pood Administration, and served under
Pederal Food Administrator Hamp "Williams as fo^d a'^ministr-'tor for Sebastian county.
It was he who initiated the movement for the saving and return of flour by the peonle
of the state, resulting in shipping the starving Belgians one hundred and twenty-nine
straight carloads, given up as a patriotic sacrifice from the pantries of the people of
Arkansas.

LOUIS BAUERLEIN.

Louis Bauerlein, cashier of the Valley Bank of Camden, was born in Kansas City,
Missouri, April 24, 1864, and is a son of John and Barbara (Prederitzi) Bauerlein, the
former a native of Bavaria, while the latter was born in the United Stales. The father
came to the new world in his boyhood, the family living for a time in Pittsburgh.
Pennsylvania, whence they came to the west, taking up their abode in what is now
Kansas City. There John Bauerlein attained his majority, was married and engaged
in merchandising, being prominently identified with that line of business to the time
of his death, which occurred in 1909.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 171

LK)Uis Bauerlein attended the Washington School of Kansas City until his thirteenth
year, at which time he became a wage earner, serving as driver of a bakery wagon.
Later he entered upon an apprenticeship to the machinist's trade but after three years
abandoned work of that chai-acter and found employment with Whipple Brothers, real
estate dealers. Later he worked in the private bank of Whipple, Cowherd & Company,
which was his initial training in connection with the banking business. Subsequently
this firm organized the Citizens National Bank of Kansas City and with this new banking
institution Mr. Bauerlein worked his way upward from the humble position of porter
to that of receiving teller. He continued with the bank until 1888, when he resigned
to accept a position with the Bank of Camden in Camden, Arkansas. Two years later,
ur in 1891, he became identified with the Ouachita Valley Bank, with which he has
remained, covering a period of thirty years. Througliout this time he has had much
to do with formulating the banking policy and to him much credit is due for the
wonderful growth and good name of the institution. When entering into active connec-
tion with the Ouachita Valley Bank, Mr. Bauerlein was made bookkeeper and subsequently
was advanced to the post of assistant cashier, while about 1915 he was made cashier
of the bank. About 1909 he became one of the principal organizers of the Carson Dry
Goods Company of Camden and was chosen secretary and treasurer, since which time he
has served in that official capacity. His judgment is sound, his sagacity keen and his
industry unfaltering and the sterling traits which he has displayed in all business
connections have constituted important sources of success for the enterprises which
he thus represents.

On the 29th of February, 1890, Mr. Bauerlein was married to Miss Cora Holmes
of Camden, and they are parents of two living children: Beatrix, the wife of Hon.
Lamar B. Smead, ex-state senator and a prominent attorney of Camden; and Ida Louise.
at home. The wife and mother departed this life April 19, 1921, her death being deeply
regretted by many friends as well as by her immediate family.

Mr. Bauerlein belongs to Camden Lodge, No. 1140, B. P. O. E., and also to Ouachita
Camp, No. 19, W. 0. W., while in Masonry he is connected with Camden Lodge, No. 11,
A. F. & A. M.; Whitfield Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M.; Western Missouri Consistory, No. 2,
A. & A. S. R., of Kansas City: and is an hororary member of Albert Pike Consistory,
No. 1, of Little Rock. He likewise belongs to Sahara Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of
Pine Bluff, and is a member of Columbia Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star at
Magnolia. He has taken a very prominent part in Masonic activities and was grand
orator of the Grand Lodge of Masons in 191.5. while in 1916 he was elected junior grand
deacon. In 1917 he was elected junior grand warden and in 1918 was promoted to
deputy grand master, while in 1919 he served as grand master of the Grand Lodge of
the state. Mr. Bauerlein has likewise been active in civic affairs and in educational
work and for ten years was a member of the school board, during five years of which
time he served as secretary of the board. His championship of educational interests
has been manifested in many tangible ways and the results achieved have been highly
satisfactory in connection with the work of the schools. During the World war Mr.
Bauerlein served as treasurer of all the Red Cross drives and on the first drive he
made the unprecedented record of collecting one hundred and twenty per cent of sub-
scriptions. He also served-as one of the local directors of the first and third Liberty
Loan drives and was identified in some important capacity with all of the other drives.
A one hundred per cent American, a business man of ability, a champion of education
and all civic interests, Mr. Bauerlein has left the impress of his individuality for good
upon the history of Camden and Ouachita county.

SAMUEL GIVENS DILLARD.

Samuel Givens Dillard, a well known cotton merchant of Little Rock, was born on
a farm in Lamar county, Texas, January 29, 1879. His father. Miles Anderson Dillard,
was a native of Illinois, born in the year 1812. He removed to the south in early man-
Hood and owned and operated a plantation. He served as a private in the Mexican war
and became a colonel in the Civil war, commanding the Ninth Texas Infantry. He
died in Paris, Texas, in the year 1907, having for four years survived his wife, who
in her maidenhood was Lucinda Olivia Burrow. She was born in Mississippi in 1821
and their marriage was celebrated in Tupelo, that state. Her death occurred in Blossom,
Texas, in 1903. Mr. and Mrs. Miles A. Dillard were the parents of nine sons and four
daughters, and of this family four sons and one daughter are yet living.

S-muel G. Dillard, the youngest of the family, was educated in the country schools
of Lamar and Delta counties. Texas, and his youthful experiences were those of the farm
bred boy who divides his time between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of

172 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

the playground and the work of the fields. Reared in a cotton growing state he early
became interested in the industry and turned his attention to the cotton trade as a
merchant in Paris, Texas. He continued to operate there and at other points until 1905,
when he removed to Little Rock and through the intervening period has since been well
known as a cotton merchant of this city. He is the secretary-treasurer of the Little
Rock Compress Company and is now serving as a director of the Cotton Exchange, of
which he was the president in 1919. He is also identified with financial affairs as a
director and the vice president of the Central Bank.

On the 9th of April, 1902, Mr. Dillard was married to Miss Jeffie Morris, who was
born in Cooper, Texas, February 11, 1SS3. The two children of this marriage are
Loralne, born April 27, 1906; and Wilma, born December 25, 1910.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Dillard has been a stalwart
advocate of democratic principles. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks and as a club man is well known through his membership in
the Quapaw and Spring Lake Clubs. His life has ever been guided by high and honorable
principles and he is a consistent and faithful member of the Winfield Memorial Methodist
Episcopal church. South.

ROBERT A. HILTON, M. D.

Dr. Robert A. Hilton, deceased, was for a long period a prominent physician and
surgeon of El Dorado and enjoyed in large measure the confidence, esteem and high
regard of those with whom he came into contact. He was born in Simpson county,
Mississippi, October 8, 1868, his youthful days being spent on the home farm on which
his birth occurred. He early began work in the fields and soon had acquired practical
knowledge of all phases of crop production. He attended the public schools and after-
ward had the benefit of a course in the Mississippi College at Clinton, that state. In
young manhood he determined upon the practice of medicine as a life work and with
that end in view he began studying privately, while later he attended the Louisville
Medical College and the Tulane Medical College, now the medical department of
Tulane University at New Orleans, Louisiana. Later in life Dr. Hilton took post-
graduate work two different times at Tulane University, New Orleans. Having qualified
for the profession he came to Arkansas, settling first at Lisbon, where he remained
from 1893 until 1895. He then returned to his home town in Mississippi, and there
practiced for about six years, or until January, 1901, when he came to El Dorado,
residing here to the time of his death. He was in partnership with Dr. Thompson
in the early years of his practice here and later became a partner of Dr. Mahoney.
His ability was recognized by his professional colleagues and contemporaries and by
the general public as well and during the years of his residence in El Dorado his prac-
tice steadily increased in volume and importance. He was acknowledged a prominent
member of his profession and he did important service on the health board.

On the 14th of February, 1898, Dr. Hilton was married to Miss Nannie E. Butler, a
native of Simpson county, Mississippi, and reared in that locality. Besides a pleasant
home in El Dorado Dr. Hilton owned a very fine fruit farm six miles south of the town,
whereon he had a large peach orchard. His place comprised several hundred
acres of land and in addition to his horticultural pursuits he raised corn and cotton.
His life's labors were ended in death on the 24th of June, 1916, and his demise was the
occasion of deep regret to his many friends. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity, in
which he attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and he also had member-
ship with the Mystic Shrine. He likewise belonged to the Knights of Pythias and to the
modern Woodmen of America, while along strictly professional lines he was connected
with the Union County and the Arkansas State Medical Societies, the Southern Medical
Association and the American Medical Association. He thus kept apace with the onward
trend of the profession, being thoroughly familiar with modern thought and investiga-
tion as related to the science of medicine and surgery.

D. A. CARROLL.

Various business interests are profiting by the enterprise, sound judgment and
keen sagacity of D. A. Carroll, who is giving his attention to the hardware trade, to
farming and to banking at Charleston. He was bom on a farm twelve miles north of
this city, April 22, 1862, and is a son of Henry and Mary (Arbuckle) Carroll, who were
natives of Mississippi and of Arkansas, respectively. The grandfather, Derosey Carroll.

DK. ROBERT A. HILTON

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 175

was a colonel in the Confederate army and was killed near his home by bushwhackers
in 1862. The maternal grandfather, John D. Arbuckle, came to Arkansas in 1833 and
obtained land in this state through his uncle, Matthew Arbuckle. Here his remaining
days were spent and during the Civil war period he was shot in the leg by bushwhackers
which rendered him a cripple for life.

The marriage of Henry Carroll and Mary Arbuckle was celebrated in Franklin
county, Arkansas, where the former took up the occupation of farming, which he followed
throughout his remaining days, departing this lite at the old homestead in 1871. His
widow long survived him, her death occurring in 1920. They were faithful and con-
sistent members of the Presbyterian church and Mr. Carroll belonged to the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. In politics he was a democrat and at the time of the Civil war
he served in llonroe's regiment of the Confederate army. On one occasion he was
captured but after three days succeeded in making his escape. To him and his wife were
born five children, three of whom are living, D. A. being the eldest. The others are:
John, who is located on a fann in Franklin county; and Emma, the wife of Thomas
Davis, also a farmer of this county.

D. A. Carroll largely pursued his education in the schools of Booneville, attending
the high school at the latter place. He then started out in the business world as a
farmer and has always given his attention in a greater or less degree to agricultural
pursuits. He still owns a large farm, which he has brought under a high state of
cultivation and which returns to him a gratifying annual income. In 1907 he left the
farm and took up his abode in Charleston, where he assisted in organizing the Charleston
Hardware Company, of which he became the first president and has continued to serve
in that capacity througiiout the intervening period to the present time. He is also one
of the directors of the Bank of Charleston and thus various business interests claim his
attention and profit by his diligence and determination.

On the 1st of September, 1886, Mr. Carroll was married to Miss Mattie Rhyne, who
was born in Booneville, Arkansas, a daughter of Marvel Rhyne. a merchant, who carried
on business at Booneville for a number of years, becoming the pioneer merchant of that
place. Mr. and Mrs. Carroll have a family of four children, three of whom are living:
Marvel, who occupies his father's farm; Forrest, who is in the hardware store at
Charleston; and Susan, the wife of Charles Wakefield, a farmer, living near Charleston.

Mr. and Mrs. Carroll hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, contribute
generously to its support and take a helpful part in its work. He is also a faithful
follower of Masonic teachings and belongs to the Knights of Pythias. In politics he is
a democrat and while living at Booneville filled the office of mayor and has also occupied
the position of chief executive of the city of Charleston. For eighteen years he was
justice of the peace, rendering decisions strictly fair and impartial, so that he won golden
opinions from all sorts of people. In 1893 he served in the state legislature and gave
earnest and thoughtful consideration to all the vital questions which c^me up for
settlement. He is never neglectful of any duty of citizenship and loyally supports any
cause or project which he believes will benefit the community, commonwealth or country.

CHARLES VANCE SCOTT, M. D.

With keen recognition of the responsibility that devolves upon the physician and
surgeon Dr. Charles Vance Scott is practicing his profession in Little Rock and his
cap"bi1ity is making for continued success. Arkansas claims him as a native son,
his birth having occurred in Gainesville. August 15, 1867. His parents were William H.
and Emily Wesley (Stedman) Scott, both of whom have dep^rted this life. The father
was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1827 and 'on coming to this state settled at
Gainesville, where he followed the occupation of farming. The removal was mule sub-
sequent to the Civil war, in which he had served as a private in a North Carolina regi-
ment for a period of four years. His political support was at all times given to the
democratic party. His wife was born in R-'leigh, North Carolina, in 1834, and their
marriage was celebrated in that city in 1852. They became parents of a family of
nine sons, six of whrm are living. The mother died in 1887, while the father survived
for more than two decades, his death occurring In 1911.

Born .in Arkansas, in his youthful days Dr. Charles V. Scott attended the public
schools of Gainesville and afterward spent two years as a student in the Barnes Medical
College at St. Louis. He then returned to this state and was graduated in 1904 from
the medical department of the University of Arkansas. Having thus qualified for
professional activity, he at once entered upon practice as a physician and surgeon and
has given his entire time to professional duties since that day. His efficiency has been

176 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

constantly heightened by reason of his broad study and wide experience and at all
times he keeps thoroughly informed concerning the latest scientific researches.

On the 10th of January, 1892, in Gainesville, Arkansas, Dr. Scott was married to
Miss Martha Louise Greider, who was born in Altamont, Illinois, in 1870, and they have
become parents of four children: Leon, who died in 1893; Vivian Merrell, the wife of
1. J. Steed; Cleo Beatrice, who died in 1894; and Jessie Marie, whose death occurred
in 1898.

Dr. Scott has always been a democrat in his political views. He belongs to the
Knights of Pythias fraternity, also to the Ancient Order of United "Workmen and to
other societies. He and his wife are consistent and faithful members of the Winfield
Memorial Methodist Episcopal church and he is serving on its board of stewards, doing
everything in his power to promote the growth of the church and advance its object.
Along professional lines his connection is with the Pulaski County Medical Society, the
Arkansas State Medical Society, the Southwestern Medical Society and the American
Medical Association. His life is characterized by high ideals and worthy purposes and
he has accomplished great good for his fellowmen as the years have passed.

FERGUS O. MAHONY, M. D.

Dr. Fergus O. Mahony, displaying marked ability in the performance of pro-
fessional duties as a physician and surgeon of El Dorado, is a native of the city
which is still his home, his birth having here occurred July 30, 1879. His parents are
Edmond and Mary R. (Klopher) Mahony, the former a native of County Cork, Ire-
land, while the latter was born in El Dorado, Arkansas, her parents having come to
this section of the state from Sweden at a very early period in the pioneer develop-
ment of Arkansas. The father was a tailor by trade and was employed along that
line by the Confederate government during the period of the Civil war. Following
the close of hostilities he worked for a time at his trade in El Dorado and when he
had acquired some capital he engaged in general merchandising on his own account,
being associated with that line of commercial activity to the time of his death in
1889. His wife survived until 1897. Mr. Mahony was filling the position of county
treasurer of Union county when he became ill and on account of the condition of his
health he resigned, after which he went to New Orleans for an operation. He never
fully recovered and his death ensued some time later.

Dr. Mahony, whose name introduces this review, was educated in the University
of Arkansas until he had completed a three years' course of study, after which he
matriculated in the medical department of Tulane University at New Orleans and
there won his professional degree as a member of the class of 1908. In the summer
of 1906, however, he entered upon the active work of his professional career. That
spring, after medical lectures at the university were ended for the season, he went
to Huttig, Union county, Arkansas, and acted as physician in charge of a logging
camp of the Union Sawmill Company. In the following autumn he returned to the
university and in the summer of 19 07 he practiced in connection with Dr. R. A.
Hilton of El Dorado. When he had completed his university course he settled in
Huttig, where he continued in successful practice until 1914, when he returned to
El Dorado and formed a partnership with Dr. R. A. Hilton, an association that was
maintained until the death of the senior partner in 1916. Since that time Dr.
Mahony has practiced independently and in the intervening years has built up an en-
viable reputation as a most capable, resourceful and successful general practitioner.
During the latter part of Governor Hays administration he was appointed a member
of the state board of health and in 1921 was elected president of the state board of
health, while at the same time he is filling the positions of .county health officer and
city health officer. His marked ability is widely recognized and it is well known that
he is keenly interested in everything that tends to bring to man the key to the com-
plex mystery which we call life. He thinks broadly, studies deeply and carries his in-
vestigations far and wide into the realms of medical and surgical science.

In 1908 Dr. Mahony was married to Miss Minnie Lee Maguire of Fayetteville,
Washington county, Arkansas, and they have become parents of three children:
Minnie Lee, Fergus O. and Edmond Ossain. Dr. Mahony gives his political endorse-
ment to the democratic party and is now representing Ward 1. in the El Dorado
city council. He has membership in Roland Lodge, No. 594, A. P. & A. M., at Huttig.
and is a member of Albert Pike Consistory, No. 1, A. & A. S. R., and also of Al-
Amin Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Little Rock. He belongs to El Dorado Lodge,
No. 133, I. O. O. F., and to El Dorado Lodge, No. 1129, B. P. O. E. Along strictly
professional lines his connection is with the Union County Medical Society, the Arkan-

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 177

sas State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. While the major part
ot his time and efforts is given to his professional interests and duties he neverthe-
less has found opportunity to aid those projects which are looking to the benefit and
upbuilding of the community at large. He is a member of the Rotary Club, also of
the Kamel Club and is a consistent member of the Presbyterian church. All who
know him attest the sterling worth of his character and his devotion to duty, whether
of a public or private nature and bear testimony to his progressiveness in citizenship
and his hearty and effective endorsement of all those interests which are looking to
the benefit and welfare of the community and the commonwealth.

ELMER WHEAT SMITH.

Elmer Wheat Smith of Searcy, who is filling the position of circuit clerk, is a native
son of White county, his birth having occurred July 20, 1889. He is a son of J. P. and
Sarah Elizabeth (Walker) Smith, who are also natives of White county. The paternal
grandfather, J. L. Smith, was a native of Mississippi and engaged in farming in that
state previous to his removal to Arkansas, which occurred in 1850, at which time he
took up his abode in White county. He traveled across the country in a prairie schooner
accompanied by five brothers and after reaching his destination homesteaded. He also
engaged in freighting during the early days and as opportunity offered gave his atten-
tion to the further development and improvement of his farm. He had to clear his land,
which was covered with timber and he used an ox team to break the sod and develop
the place. There was much big game to be had in this section of the country in that
early duy and all of the conditions of pioneer life were here found. As the years passed
his labors resulted in the development of a good farm property and he continued his
residence in White county to the time of his death, which occurred in 1899 when he
was sixty eight years of age. In young manhood he was married, near Searcy, to Miss
Sarah Skidmore and the house in which the marriage was celebrated is still standing,
being one of the old landmarks of this section of the state. Mrs. Sarah Smith passed
to the home beyond in 1920 at a notable age. being in her ninetieth year. The maternal
grandfather of Elmer W. Smith was A. G. Walker, who removed from Tennessee to
Arkansas but afterward returned to the former state. Later he again came to Arkansas,
taking up his abode in Wliite county. He opened a market in Searcy and engaged in
selling meat and produce for a number of years. He married Saline Paige and died at
the age of sixty years, while his wife departed this life at the age of sixty-two.

J. F. Smith, father of Elmer W. Smith, was born in White county in 1852, and
acquired a common school education, pursuing his studies in one of the old-time log
schoolhouses with its homemade benches and other primitive equipment. He remained
with his parents to the age of twenty-nine years, when he married, purchased land and
began farming for himself. As his tract was covered with timber he had to clear away
the trees and brush ere he could break. the sod. He still owns the land which he first
purchased two miles from Searcy and has devoted his life to general farming and stock
raising. He served as deputy sheriff of White county for a part of one term but has
never been anxious to hold public office. He married Sarah Elizabeth Walker and to
them have been born four children: Lorena, the wife of A. I. Darnall, a salesman with
the Neelly & Smith Hardware Company at Searcy; Elmer W. ; Grace, the wife of Dudley
Morris, who follows farming near Searcy: and Hettie, the wife of P. J. Davenport, who
is engaged in farming near McRae, White county. The parents are members of the
Cumberland Presbyterian church and fraternally J. P. Smith is connected with thf.
Independent Order of Odd Pellows and with the Woodmen ot the World. His political
endorsement has always been given to the democratic party.

Elmer W. Smith attended the country schools of White county and afterward the
high school at Searcy, while later he pursued a commercial course in the Memphis
Business College at Memphis, Tennessee, and thus became well qualified for life's prac-
tical and responsible duties. He started out in the business world as bookkeeper for
the Sandefur-Julian Wholesale Company of Little Rock and afterward came to Searcy
to fill the position of deputy circuit clerk in 1914. Por four years he occupied that
position and in 1918 was elected circuit clerk, entering upon the duties of the office on
the 1st of January, 1919. He was reelected at the close of his first term, so that he
is now serving for the second term in office, devoting his entire time to his duties in
this connection. He is prompt, reliable and systematic and his official record is winning
him high commendation from all who know aught of his work.

Mr. Smith was married to Miss Martha Irene Chrisp. who was born in White
county, a daughter of Horace Chrisp. They have become parents of two sons: Elmer
Wheat and Edward Forest. Mr. Smith has always given his loyal support to the

178 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OP ARKANSAS

democratic party. He Is well known in Masonic circles, belonging to Searcy Lodge
No. 49, A. F. & A. M., while in Albert Pike Consistory of Little Rock he attained the
thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in November, 1921. He also belongs to Al Amin
Temple. A. A. O. N. M. S. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church, in which he is serving as steward, and they take an active and helpful interest
in all branches of the church work and contribute liberally to its support. They are
well known socially in Searcy, where they have many friends, and the hospitality of
their home is greatly enjoyed by those who know them.

B. W. REEVES.

B. W. Reeves of El Dorado is senior partner in a large general mercantile store in
which he has associated with him his sons and daughters. He has long been connected
with commercial activity here and has manifested a spirit of the utmost progressiveness
in controlling his interests. He was born in Union county, Arkansas, October 3, 184S,
a son of John A. Reeves, who came from Georgia to Arkansas in 1845, settling on a
farm near EI Dorado, where he operated his land with the labor of the slaves whom he
owned. His place was situated two miles northeast of El Dorado, and thereon he spent
his remaining days, his death occurring in the tall of 1S60.

B. W. Reeves was born and reared on the old homestead. He was only three years
of age when his mother died, and a lad of twelve when his father's demise occurred.
He attended one of the old-time subscription schools held in a log building, and when
still quite young he and his elder brother operated the home farm. He turned to
commercial pursuits when twenty-two years of age by securing a clerkship in the
store of T. C. Moore & Son of El Dorado, with whom he remained for three years. He
then returned to the farm, upon which he again lived for three years, and later he
opened a small country store at Hillsboro, carrying on business for a year. He next
engaged in clerking for a few months, and then in March, 1S79, est''blished a store under
the firm style of Reeves & Gresham, this partnership being maintained for two years,
at the end of which time Mr Reeves purchased the interest of his partner, who had died.
Later the firm became Reeves & Miles, and the business was carried on at the present
location for two years. At the end of that time Mr. Reeves purchased the interest of
his partner and afterward carried on the business independently until January, 1921.
when he admitted his four sons and three daughters to a partnership. They have a
large and well-appointed general store, and in 1900 erected a fine brick building fifty
by one hundred and fifty feet. Aside from his connection with the mercantile interests
of EI Dorado, Mr. Reeves became the first president of the First National Bank and is
still one of its stockholders. He is also a director in the Bank of- Commerce and he
has oil interests in Arkansas, being connected not only with oil companies, but also
with oil refining companies. He is the oldest merchant of the city and one of the most
enterprising and progressive business men, having long been a potent factor in the
commercial development of El Dorado.

On the 13th of November, 1879, Mr. Reeves was united in marriage to Miss Julia S.
Moore, and they have seven children, all now connected with the business. In 1872
Mr. Reeves purchased the block where he lives, the property now being worth one
hundred thousand dollars.

In community affairs Mr. Reeves has ever taken deep and helpful interest. He
has served as mayor of El Dorado, has been a member of the school board for a number
of years and is the stalwart champion of all those interests which are a matter of
civic virtue and civic pride. He has for an extended period been a consistent member
of the Baotist church and is chairman of the building committee of the new Baptist
church which is now being built at a cost of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars.
The cornerstone was laid by Mr. Reeves on Sunday, March 12, 1922. His life has ever
been guided by those high and honorable principles which command for the individual
respect and confidence in every land and every clime.

S. A. HENRY.

S. A. Henry, a representative of a family that for over sixty years has been identified
with the development and upbuilding of Arkansas, is now living retired in Russellville,
Arkansas, after many years devoted to agricultural pursuits, and he has also been
called upon to fill public positions of honor and trust. A native of South Carolina, he
was born in 1841. and his parents were Andrew K. and Elizabeth Serena (Parker)

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 179

Henrj-, who were also born in that state, the former a native ot York county and the
latter of Union county. They were married in that state and in 1856 came to Arkansas,
settling in Pope county, where the father acquired a tract of land. This he cleared and
developed, transforming it into a productive and well-improved property and continuing
active in its cultivation until after he had reached the age of eighty-six years. Both
he and his wife died on that place. They at first resided in a log house, which was
replaced after the Civil war by a substantial frame dwelling, and in his farming
operations Mr. Henry was quite successful, owning about ten negroes. He was a veteran
of the Civil war, and his political allegiance was given to the democratic party, while
in religious faith he was a Presbyterian. He was a son of Charles W. Henry, who
was born in York county. South Carolina, and was there reared and educated. The
maternal grandfather, Silas R. Parker, was also a native ot South Carolina, and in
1859 came to Arkansas, where he spent his remaining years. To Mr. and Mrs. Andrew
K. Henry were born ten children, four of whom survived: S. A., of this review; Kate,
who is the widow of .W. O. Ferguson and resides in Russellville: Lizzie, who married
William M. Henry and is living on 'a farm in Pope county, and Charles W., who resides
on the old homestead.

S. A. Henry received a fair education, and in 1861, when a young man of twenty,
enlisted In the Confederate army, becoming a member of Company B of the Second
Arkansas Mounted Rifles. He served from June, 1861, until July, 1865, participating in
many important engagements in the Civil war. He was wounded on two different
occasions and was discharged from the service with the rank of lieutenant. Returning
home, he assisted his father for two years in the cultivation of the old homestead,
working without pecuniary reward, and then secured a farm on credit. Through hard
work pnd the exercise of careful economy he was soon able to discharge his indebtedness,
and after residing on that place for a number of years he moved to Russellville. At the
end of two years he returned to his farm, on which he spent a similar period. He then
decided permanently to abandon agricultural pursuits and has since resided in Russell-
ville, where he owns an attractive home. He is now living retired, in his eighty-first
year, in the enjoyment of a comfortable competence, earned through former years of
untiring industry, perseverance and well directed efforts. His fellow citizens, recognizing
his worth and ability, called him to public office, and in 1894 he was elected sheriff of
Pope county, capably discharging the duties of that position for two terms, or until 1898.
For a time he engaged in the fuel business and was then chosen county treasurer, serving
in that capacity for one term.

Mr. Henry has been married twice. In 1867 he wedded Miss Nannie Bigham. a
native of North Carolina. Her father died during her infancy, and she was reared by her
grandfather. Mrs. Henry died in 1897, leaving seven children: R. B., who is engaged in
raisins horses and mules, in addition to other stock, and is a resident of Russellville;
C. Walter, a farmer and trader of Russellville; Jennings M., who is associated in business
with his brother, R. B.; J. G., who is also a partner in that business; D. B, who is
connected with the People's Exchange Bank of Russellville; Thomas S., who assists
his brothers in their stock raising operations, and Lillie, who married S. J. Rye, a
leading grocer of Russellville. The Henry brothers have been very successful in the
conduct of their stock raising interests and are classed with the leading dealers in
horses and mules in this part of the state. They operate on an extensive scale, and
during the World. war secured a contract to furnish the government witli horses and
mules. They own a large, substantial barn which covers almost an entire block, and
are progressive, energetic and thoroughly reliable business men, whose intelligently
directed efforts have been rewarded with a gratifying degree of success. In 1908
Mr. Henry, Sr., was again married, his second wife being Mrs. Hattie McKay, whose
first husband was a physician.

In his political views Mr. Henry is a democrat, and in religious faith he is a
Presbyterian. His has been a long, honorable and upright life, actuated by high ideals
and characterized by devotion to duty, and as one of the pioneer settlers of Pope county
ne is accorded the respect and esteem of an extensive circle of friends, all of wiiom attest
nls genuine personal worth.

HARALSON & NELSON.

Although young in years, the two members of the firm of Haralson & Nelson,
architects, with offices in the Merchants National Bank building at Fort Smith, have
made a splendid record in their profession. Their patronage is now extensive and their
business has reached most gratifying proportions, many splendid structures standing
as monuments to their skill and ability. J. J. Haralson was born in I^agrange, Georgia,

180 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

iu tjie year 1895, and in the acquirement of his education attended the Alabama Poly-
technic Institute, which conferred upon him the degrees of Bachelor and of Master of
Science. Early in his professional career he was associated with the E. E. Dunlap
Company, well-known architects of Indianapolis, Indiana, and in 1917 came to Fort
Smith, where he has since remained, and through the intervening period has successfully
followed his profession. In 1919 he formed a partnership with Mr. Nelson, and the
association has since been maintained most satisfactorily. At the time of the World war
Mr. Haralson joined the coast artillery, enlisting at San Antonio, Texas, and winning
a commission as second lieutenant.

E. C. Nelson was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, July 26, 1894, and was a lad of six
summers when his parents removed to Birmingham, Alabama, in 1900. His professional
training was also reecived in the Alabama Polytechnic Institute. His early office training
was received while in the employ of the firm of Miller & Martin, architects of Birming-
ham, and he was afterward associated with Frederick Ausfeld, a well-known architect
of Montgomery, Alabama. He has remained in Fort Smith since 1919, at which time
he entered into a partnership with Mr. Haralson. He had also been in the army, having
served for about two years during the period of the World war. The firm of Haralson &
Nelson gained almost immediate recognition by reason of their professional skill and
ability, and they now occupy a most enviable place as architects of the southwest. Both
have been thoroughly trained and have had wide experience for men of their years, and
that they are doing splendid work is evidenced in the many substantial and beautiful
structures which they have erected. They were the architects of the Arkansas Valley
Bank, the store of the W. A. Johnson Clothing Company, the Presbyterian Sunday school,
the Ninth Street Baptist church, also the Stadium at Fort Smith and the residence of
Buckner Williams at Fort Smith, the Masonic Temple of Fort Smith and the Tuberculosis
Hospital for Fort Smith District of Sebastian county. They have a thorough under-
standing of all of the scientific phases as well as the practical features which underlie
their work, and as the years go by their developing powers are bringing them more and
more into promi

T. L. BATES.

T. L. Bates, principal of the Washington school at Fayetteville, is one of the native
sons of Washington county and his life record stands in contradistinction to the old adage
that a prophet is not without honor save in his own country, for in this section of the
state, in which his life has been passed, Mr. Bates has won a most creditable and
enviable position as a prominent representative of the educational system of Arkansas.
He was born May 4, 1869, his parents being Henderson and Eleanor (Crozier) Bates.
The former was a sou of James Bates, a native of Virginia, who removed to Tennessee
and there spent his remaining days, devoting his life to the occupation of farming. The
mother was a daughter of John B. Crozier, whose birth occurred in Tennessee and who
traveled with team and wagon to Arkansas. He was a justice of the peace or "squire"
for a number of years and he devoted much of his life to the profession of teaching.

Henderson Bates was born in Tennessee, May 4, 1804, and when he decided to become
a resident of this state he walked the entire distance from Memphis, Tennessee, to
Batesville, in 1827. He bought a horse from his brother at Batesville and rode horse-
back to the Canehill country ,where he spent his remaining days. He was twice married.
His first wife was Miss Nancy Miller and they became the parents of nine children, of
whom two are living: J. Y. Bates, a merchant of Texas, who also served as district
clerk in that state; and W. F.. who is a farmer at Canehill. After losing his first wife
Henderson Bates married Mrs. Eleanor (Crozier) Pyatt, who was born in Tennessee,
November 30, 1831, and was the widow of Jacob Pyatt, who was killed in the Confederate
army. By her first marriage she had three children, all of whom ai'e deceased. To the
second marriage there were born three children, two of whom are living: Mrs. Nannie
Matteson, a widow, residing in Texas; and T. L., of this review. The father departed
this life July 30. 1888, while the mother' died in 1896. They were consistent members of
the Presbyterian church and their sterling traits of character won for them the con-
fidence and goodwill of all who knew them.

T. L. Bates was educated at Canehill College and at the Normal University at
Lebanon, Ohio. He afterward went to Oklahoma, where he engaged in teaching for
five years and was principal of a preparatory school at Chelsea conducted under the
auspices of the Presbyterian church. Removing to Fayetteville he was principal of the
Leverette school for a period of ten years and later became principal of the Washington
school, in which position he has continued for eleven years. He has been engaged In
educational work altogether for twenty-six years and twenty-one years of this period

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 18]

has been passed in Fayetteville. He owns a farm of twenty acres near the university
and has four and a half acres planted to fruit, to which he gives his personal super-
vision. He likewise has quite a large poultry farm and it has been a source of gratifying
income to him.

In 1896 Mr. Bates was united in marriage to Miss Frances Kelleam, who was born
in Charleston, Arkansas, a daughter of Dr. Kelleam, for many years a practicing physician
and surgeon of this state and a veteran of the Confederate forces in the Civil war. Mr.
and Mrs. Bates have three children, only one of whom is living, Margaret, who is now
a senior in the State University of Arkansas. The parents are members of the Central
Presbyterian church and fraternally Mr. Bates is connected with the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, while his political allegiance is given to the democratic party. He has
never sought nor desired office as a reward for party fealty but has concentrated his
efforts and attention upon his professional duties and is classed with the eminent
educators of the southwest. He is a man of pronounced ability, by reason of the fact
that he has continually studied educational conditions and needs and has possessed the
initiative that has resulted in forming progressive methods and ideas in relation to
the school work. His labors have been far-reaching and resultant and there is no one
to whom the success and improvement of the Fayetteville schools is so largely due
as T. L. Bates.

SAMUEL B. STEELE, M. D.

Dr. Samuel B. Steele, actively engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in
Hot Springs, was born in Benton, Arkansas, June 6, 1869, and is a son of Samuel B.
Steele, who served throughout the Civil war as a member of the Confederate army and
who died when his son Samuel was in his first year. The mother died when the son
was but three years of age, and thus left an orphan, he was reared by an uncle, John L.
Hughes, who resided at Little Rock and was a well-known merchant and planter there.

Dr. Steele was educated in the public schools of the capital city, passing through
consecutive grades to the high school, and thus laying a good foundation for his profes-
sional knowledge. He first began reading medicine with Dr. A. H. Scott, and in 1892
he matriculated in the Louisville Medical College at Louisville, Kentucky, in which he
completed his course by graduation with the class of 1894. Immediately he opened an
office in Hot Springs, hanging out his sign here five days after graduating. Four months
later he removed into the building which he now occupies, and his office has since
been maintained here. He gives his attention exclusively to his practice and profes-
sional duties. In 189.5 he served as health officer and at all times has aided in
maintaining the highest standards in the municipal health service. He was likewise
a member of the city council from 1895 until 1897. and he exercised his official preroga-
tives in support of all plans and measures for the general good.

Dr. Steele was united in mariage to Miss Harriet L. Gillis, and to them has been
born a son, Gerald, twelve years of age. Dr. and Mrs. Steele occupy an attractive home
which is the abode of warm-hearted hospitality. He is a stockholder in the Arkansas
National Bank, but gives his attention mainly to his professional duties, and has mem-
bership in the Coimty, State, Southern, Southwestern and American Medical Associations.
Through the proceedings of these bodies he keeps in touch with the trend of modern
professional thought, investigation and progress. He is a most competent physician,
conscientious in the performance of all his professional duties, and his knowledge,
ability and sound judgment are manifest in the liberal practice accorded him.

HON. EDMOND PENN WATSON.

Hon. Edmond Penn Watson, a member of one of the pioneer families of Arkansas,
has been a representative of the Bentonville bar since 1872 and is the dean of the
profession in this district. He has also figured prominently in connection with public
affairs in Arkansas and his record is a credit and honor to the state whirh lias honored
him. He was born at Van Buren, Arkansas, August 31, 184S, and has tlioroforo passed
the seventy-third milestone on life's journey, but is still an active fmiiir in ilu' world's
work. His parents, William Albert and Christiana L. (Crews) Watsun. wrvr lulives of
Virginia, whence they removed to Arkansas in 1847, casting their l.n wiili the pioneer
settlers of the state. They located at Van Buren, where for a number of years the father
successfully engaged in merchandising. He was a democrat in his political views, and
Mrs. Watson was a member of the Baptist church. She died at Fayetteville, Arkansas,

182 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

in January, 1872, having for twenty years survived her husband, whose demise occurred
at Van Buren in 1852. They were widely known and highly respected residents of their
section of the state. In their family were nine children, seven sons and two daughters,
and all but two are deceased, those who survive being Clementine, the widow of Thomas
H. Boles, and the subject of this review.

In the acquirement of an education Mr. Watson attended the schools of Fayetteville,
this state, and at the time of the outbreak of hostilities between the north and the south
he was a student at Arkansas College. During the Civil war he aided in supporting the
family and after its close engaged in clerical work for two years. He then took up the
study of law under the direction of Major W. D. Reagan, and in 1869 was admitted to
the bar, entering upon the work of the profession in Boone county, Arkansas, where he
remained for nearly four years. In 1872 he came to Bentonville, where he has continued
in practice. His ability has developed with the passing years, which have brought to
him broad experience, and that he has won the confidence and support of the public
is indicated by the large clientage accorded him. He has been admitted to practice in all
the courts and has ever held to high standards in professional service. He displays keen
discrimination in the solution of intricate problems of the law and is seldom at fault in
the application of a legal principle. He prepares his cases with great thoroughness and
his arguments are forceful and convincing, while his deductions are at all times logical.

In December, 187.3, Mr. Watson was united in marriage to Miss Grace Dinsmore, a
native of Benton county and a daughter of A. W. Dinsmore, who came to Arkansas
about 1846 and for many years successfully followed merchandising at Bentonville. To
Mr. and Mrs. Watson have been born eight children of whom seven survive: Catherine C,
the eldest, attended the grammar and high schools of Bentonville and the State University
and is now a teacher of expression at Clarksvil'ie, Arkansas; Rebecca D. and Mary M.
are twins. The former is the wife of E. C. De Shong, a traveling salesman residing at
Bentonville, while the latter is employed as private secretary by a large business house
of Denver, Colorado; William W. is interested in the oil business at Wichita Palls,
Texas; Grace is the wife of W. Bull, a prominent automobile dealer of Syracuse, New
York; Edmund Penn, Jr., is a civil engineer by profession and is now residing at
San Dieeo. California; Charles Clement is traveling auditor for the Sinclair Oil Company,
his home being at Bentonville.

Mrs. Watson is a member of the Presbyterian church, while Mr. Watson is affiliated
with the Episcopal denomination. He is a stanch democrat in his political views and
has been called to public positions of importance and trust. In 1871 he was chosen to
represent Boone county, Arkansas, in the state legislature, being the youngest member
of the house, and in 1877 he was called upon to represent Benton county in that body,
while in the following year he was elected state senator from the twenty-fourth district,
comprising Benton and Madison counties. He has long been an active worker in the
ranks of the party and was a member of the constitutional convention of 1917-18. He
has done much to shape public thought and opinion, leaving the impress of his individu-
ality indelibly upon the history of the' state, and in his public service has ever looked
beyond the exigencies of the moment to the opportunities and possibilities of the future.
For almost a half century he has been a member of the Benton county bar, and that
his life has been an honorable and upright one Is evidenced in the high regard entertained
for him by his colleagues in the profession as well as the general public.

JAMES FRANK BLAKEMORE, D. D. S.

One of the youngest members of the dental profession in Arkansas is Dr. James
ITrank Blakemore, who has been practicing here since July, 1919. He is a native of this
state, his birth having occurred at Prairie Grove in 1898, a son of T. M. and Jennie
(Allen) Blakemore. His father is now engaged in farming at Prairie Grove.

James Fi'ank Blakemore is the youngest of seven children born to his parents, and
he was reared in Prairie Grove. After graduating from the high school there he entered
the St. Louis University and received his degree of D. D. S. in June, 1919. During the
World war he enlisted in the Medical Reserve Corps and upon completion of his dental
course he was to have received a commission in the army. In 1918 he was transferred
to the Students Army Training Corps. He never received his commission in the army,
becuse the armistice was signed before he completed his course. In July, 1919, he came
to Van Buren and in spite of his youth he has built up a large and lucrative practice.

On February 25, 1921, Dr. Blakemore was united in marriage to Miss Glenn Goldsby,
a daughter of Mrs. Lora Goldsby of Fort Smith. Fraternally Dr. Blakemore is identified
with tlie Masons and the Knights of Pythias, and he likewise holds membership in
Delta Sigma Delta, a college fraternity. In the line of his profession he is indentifled

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 183

with the National and State Dental Associations and as a citizen always interested in
the development and improvement of the community, he is active in the interests of the
Rotary Club and the Business Men's Club of Van Buren. In his practice he is always
careful and he is conscientious in the performance of his protessional duties. His col-
leagues recognize his worth and ability, and that public opinion is favorable to him is
indicated in the liberal patronage accorded him.

CHARLES ERNEST DICKEN, LL. D.

A most prominent figure in educational circles in Arkansas is Dr. Charles Ernest
Dicken, the president of Ouachita College at Arkadelphia. He was born in Eliz.ibethtown,
Hardin county, Kentucky, December 1, 1S77, and is a sou of the Rev. Charles W. and
Mary (Williams) Dicken, the latter a daughter of William Williams, D. D., who was
one of the founders of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary at Greenville, South
Carolina. The Rev. Charles W. Dicken, deceased, was born in Campbell county, Kentucky,
November 24, 1842, and his life record covers the intervening years to June, 1913. He
was the ninth in order of birth in a family of four sons and six daughters, whose parents
were Charles and Mary (Cherry) Dicken. His father was a native of Campbell county,
Kentucky, and died in 1863, at the age of sixty-three years. He in turn was a son of
Joseph Dicken of Virginia, who was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war and
who became a resident of Campbell county, Kentucky, about 1795. There he owned a
large farm and many slaves. He was of English and Welsh origin, the family being
estublished on American soil in colonial days. Joseph Dicken wedded Mary Sutton of
Virginia, and died at the ripe old age of eighty four years. Succeeding generations of
the family continued to reside in Campbell county, Kentucky, and there Charles Dicken,
grandfather of Dr. Dicken of Arkadelphia, made his home for many years. He wedded
Mary Cherry, a daughter of Nicholas Cherry, who removed from Pennsylvania to Ken-
tucky during the pioneer epoch in the history of the latter state.

Their son, Charles W. Dicken, spent his youthful days in the usual manner of the
farm bred boy, and upon his father's death was thrown on his own resources for a liveli-
hood. When but eighteen years of age he was licensed to teach school, which he did for
a time, and then became a student in Bethel College, while in 1864 he matriculated in
Toronto University at Toronto, Canada. Some time later he became a student in George-
town College in the District of Columbia, and was there graduated in 1868. On the
12th of July of that year he was ordained to the ministry of the Baptist church and
engaged in teaching and preaching for a year at Aspen Grove, Pendleton county, Ken-
tucky. He then entered the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary at Greenville, South
Carolina, in which he studied for two years, after which he took charge of churches in
Kentucky, spending two years in pastoral work in Woodford county and two years in
Elizabethtown, Kentucky, where he engaged in both teaching and preaching. Later he
became president of Murray Institute of Calloway county, and still later was actively
engaged in ministerial work for five years. In June, 1884, he located near Bowling Green,
Kentucky, where he had charge of several churches.

On the 26th of March, 1871, the Rev. Charles W. Dicken wedded Miss Mary Williams
of Greenville, South Carolina, who is a native of Montgomery, Alabama, and a daughter
of Dr. William and Ruth (Bell) Williams, who were born near Athens, Georgia. Dr.
Williams was educated in the Georgia University and acquired his law education in
Boston, after which he practiced his profession tor four or five years in Montgomery,
Alabama, winning a large clientage and proving himself a strong and able advocate
in the courts. Believing that he could accomplish greater good and be of more lasting
benefit to his fellow-men in other fields, he entered the ministry, and after twelve years
of hard labor accepted a professorship in the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary at
Greenville, South Carolina, which position he filled with honor and ability until his
death on the 20th of February, 1877, when he was fifty-five years of age. His father
was William Williams, a wealthy and infiuential planter of Georgia.

Rev. and Mrs. Charles W. Dicken had a family of five children: William Edward;
Ruth Bell and Marcissa McCay, both deceased; Charles Ernest, and Hubert Alvin. Mr.
Dicken had given his political allegiance to the democratic party and fraternally was
connected with the Masons.

The second son, Charles E. Dicken, was educated in William Jewell College of Mis-
souri, being graduated therefrom with the class of 1903, at which time the Bachelor of
Arts degree was conferred upon him. Ouachita College conferred upon him the Doctor
of Divinity degree in 1916, and from Baylor University at Waco, Texas, he received the
Doctor of Laws degree in 1920. Following his graduation from William Jewell College
he became associate principal of the Liberty Ladies' College of Liberty, Missouri, and

184 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

continued in active connection with that institution until 1911, at which time he was
elected president of Woodlawn College at Jonesboro, Arkansas. Three years were there
spent and he was then elected president ot Mary Connor College at Paris, Texas, and in
1916 he was elected to the presidency of Ouachita College at Arkadelphia, where he has
remained for five years. The school under his direction has made steady and continuous
progress, not only in the matter of attendance, but also in the methods of instruction
and the system maintained in all the school work.

In the year 1906 Dr. Dicken was married to Miss Belle H. Quick, a daughter of
Albert R. Quick, one of the officials of the Rocky Mountain Coal & Coke Company of
Raton, New Mexico. Dr. and Mrs. Dicken have one son, Albert R., who was born
February 7, 1910. In his political views Dr. Dicken has always been a democrat and he
has been an active and prominent factor in public affairs, especially such as have to do
with the welfare, progress and benefit of the community. He is a member of the
commission of charities and corrections of the state of Arkansas, is a member ot the
Southern Education Association, of the American Geographical Society and is now at the
head of the leading Baptist college of the state and one of the foremost educational
institutions in Arkansas. Fraternally he is connected with Liberty Lodge, No. :51,
A. F. & A. M., of Liberty, Missouri, and throughout his life has been a faithful follower
of the teachings and purposes of the craft. His life has ever been guided by high ideals,
and his methods of attainment have been of a most practical character. He has ever
regarded the teaching profession as a means of preparation for life, and his work,
therefore, has been dominated by the most earnest efforts to prepare the young for later
duties and responsibilities. His successful work has won wide recognition, and today he
Is classed with the eminent educators of the southwest.

EDWARD W. GIBB.

When New England thrift and enterprise are added to western opportunity, the
results are certain. From the eastern coast have come men of energy and determination
who have recognized the chances for development and progress beyond the Mississippi
and have contributed largely to the work of upbuilding and improvement. To this
class belonged Edward W. Gibb and in his life's story there is much of inspirational
vaiae, much that can serve as an example to others. Mr. Gibb was born in Hinesburg.
Vermont. He was educated in private schools and at an academy and was still pursuing
his studies at the age" of nineteen years when his father died, leaving a family of six
children, of whom Edward W. was the eldest. He took over his father's business, that
of dealing in carriage furnishings and material, and a few years later removed to
Chicago, where he established a carriage furnishings and material business, which was
successful from the beginning. Within a short time he had established- a wholesale
concern for carriage goods in a five-story building filled with a large stock and was
conducting a most profitable trade when in October, 1871, the Chicago fire wiped out
his establishment, causing him a heavy loss. Although he saved nothing he paid one
hundred cents on the dollar to his creditors. In December, 1871, through the influence
of a brother he came to Little Rock, here joining his brother, Henry Gibb, in the saw-
mill and lumber busin.;ss. At first Edward W. Gibb worked for wages, with the desire
to see how the business was conducted in the south. He soon learned that methods
were far different from those employed in the north. He had been trained to strict
economy and in the thrifty way ot the New Englander and his early training made deep
impression upon him and was of great value to him in later life. He saw where many
improvements could be made in the way of managing the sawmill and lumber business
and eventually he purchased the lumber interests of his brother and organized a com-
pany under the firm name of Butler. Gibb & Company. This company conducted the
famous old red mill at the foot of Spring street. For years he successfully conducted
this enterprise and his progressive methods, close application and Indefatigable energy
brought to him a substantial measure of success.

In 1857 Mr. Gibb was united in marriage to Miss Isabella A. Emerson, who had been
reared in a home of refinement and culture and was liberally educated in New York
state. She has spent three seasons in travel in Europe and one in the Orient and
gleaned much interesting and valuable knowledge from her travels, possessing an
observing eye and retentive memory. Coming to Little Rock, she at once became a
favorite in social circles here. She was always a great student of ancient and religious
history and has perhaps one of the best photographic collections of Oriental history
and places which can be found in America. Her liberal culture and truly womanly
qualities have caused her to be loved and esteemed by the people throughout the state,
wherever she is known. To Mr. and Mrs. Gibb were born two sons: Fred Emerson, who

EDWARD W. GIBB

MKS. TSABKLLA A. GIBB

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 189

died, aged twenty-three, a very promising young man, wlio was loved and respected by
dll who knew him; a-nd Prank W., who is an architect of Little Rock and has attained
eminence in his chosen field. Mr. Gibb built one of the large and beautiful southern
homes of Little Rock, which was occupied by the family until after the son's death.
At all times it was Mr. Gibbs' desire to make Little Rock a city of gi-eat beauty as
well as of commercial prominence and he ever bent his energies in that direction. He
was an advocate of giving sites to induce manufacturers to locate here and to exempt
them from taxation for a few years until they should be placed upon a substantial
business basis. His views in this respect, however, were not popular with the powers
that were, yet there are many who acknowledge that such a course would have been
of greatest possible benefit to Little Rock.

Mr. Gibb retired from business in 1S87, some time prior to his death, giving his
attention thereafter to the management of his large property interests, for he had
made extensive investments in real estate and derived therefrom a most gratifying
income. His last days were spent in Chicago, whither he had gone to escape the
oppressive heat of the summer in the south. There he was taken ill and died suddenly,
on the 19th of August, 1901. In his passing Little Rock lost one of her most respected
and representative men. He was a member of the Eclectic Club and the Shakespeare
Club. In politics he was a republican, but never an office-seeker. His position as one
of the foremost and honored residents of Little Rock always remains unchallenged.

WILLIAM E. WATKINS.

Wiliam E. Watkins, a lumber dealer and hardware merchant of Mena, actuated by
a spirit of enterprise and progressiveness in the conduct of his commercial interests,
was born near Birmingham, Alabama, November 29, 1868, and is a son of Wiley M. and
Amanda (Inzer) Watkins. The father, who was born in Tennessee in 1830, died in
1904, while the mother, who was born in Alabama in 1843, now makes her home in Mena.
The Watkins family was early established in South Carolina, where Daniel Watkins was
born, but about 1802 he removed to Alabama and there followed farming through the
remainder of his days. The Inzer family came from Georgia, the maternal grandfather
being Lafayette Inzer, who was born in that state and cast in his lot with the pioneer
residents of Alabama. The marriage of Wiley M. Watkins and Amanda Inzer was cele-
brated in Alabama, where he followed farming during the greater part of his life, but
also engaged in the charcoal business. He was in sympathy with secession and served
in the Confederate army. His early political allegiance was given to the democratic
party, but at the end of the Civil war he became a stanch advocate of republican princi-
ples. He belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his widow is also a
member. They were parents of five children, four of whom are living: Martha D., the
wife of William R. Goode, a coal miner of Birmingham, Alabama; William E.; D. M., who
is engaged in the hardware business in Mena, and Nancy .J., the wife of J. Spencer
Kelley, a real estate man of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

William E. Watkins, having pursued his education at Birmingham, Alabama, took
up the occupation of farming in young manhood and later turned his attention to railway
conti-acting. He assisted in building the Georgia Pacific, now the Southern Railroad, and
was engaged in construction work of this character for about eight years. In 1896 he
removed to Mena and established a cold drink stand, which he conducted for three
months. He afterward opened a grocery store and later extended the scope of his
commercial activities by joining with his brother, D. M. Watkins. in founding and
conducting a hardware business. Later the brothers were associated in the conduct of
a sawmill, planing mill and lumber business, and today they manufacture a general line
of lumber and molding. Recently they have organized a casket company and are manu-
facturing caskets. They are likewise engaged in merchandising at Hatfield, where for
seven years William E. Watkins was owner of a lumber yard. lie came to Mena with
practically nothing, but has been very successful and has constantly broadened the scope
of his activities until he is now at the head of extensive and important interests. In
addition to the business affairs already listed, he is a director and the vice president
of the Planters State Bank and is a stockholder in the First National Bank. He and
his brother own considerable land and also a substantial amount of city real estate.
He personally undertakes the management of the mill and lumber business, while his
brother has charge of the hardware store. The hardware business is incorporated with a
capital stock of thirty thousand dollars, and the general store established at Hatfield is
incorporated for twenty-five thousand dollars, William E. Watkins being the vice president
of the Watkins Hardware Company and the president of the Watkins Lumber & Mercan-
tile Company at Hatfield.

190 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

On the 30th of June, 1909, Mr. Watkins was married to Miss Maude Rachael Gardner,
who was born in Minnesota, but was reared in Iowa. She is a daughter of Edwin
Gardner, who was a railroad engineer for a number of years and is now farming near
Mena. Mr. and Mrs. Watkins have four children: William E. and Marion Edwin, both in
school; Maude Rachael, four years of age. and Emma Caroliiie. Mrs. Watkins is a
member of the Presbyterian church and Mr. Watkins belongs to the Benevolent Pro-
tective Order of Elks and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having passed through
all of the chairs in the latter lodge. In politics he is a republican and is interested in
all matters of general concern to the community and the commonwealth. He rankd
not only with the most progressive, alert and energetic business men of Polk county,
but as one of the most thoroughly alive citizens, ever watchful of the best interests of
his community, and he is honored and respected not alone by reason of the success
which he has achieved, although he is now one of the wealthy men of the county, but
also owing to the straightforward and honorable business policies which he has ever
followed.

W. J. MATHIS, M. D.

Dr. W. J. Mathis, engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at Cotton Plant,
was bom in Henry county, Tennessee, September 7, 1851, his parents being Josiah and
Angeline Mathis. The former, a native of Kentucky, accompanied his parents on their
removal to Henry county, Tennessee, when but six years of age. He became a planter of
Henry county, there spending his remaining days. His demise occurred December 24.
1863, when he was forty-seven years of age, his natal day being December 16, 1816.
His wife was a native of Kentucky and went with her parents to Henry county, Tennes-
see, when about five years of age. She had reached the age of fifty-five years when
called to her final rest in 1880, her birth having occurred in 1825. Josiah Mathis was a
member of the Masonic fraternity and his political endorsement was given to the dem-
ocratic p-rty. To him and his wife were bom six children: W. J.; J. T., now deceased:
L. G., of Oklahoma City, one who died in infancy, and Susan and Dora S., who have
also passed away.

W. J. Mathis was reared in his native state, and in 1881 came to Arkansas, settling
In St. Francis county. He had acquired his early education in the public schools of
Henry county, Tennessee, and the Henry Academy, after which he atteu'ied the Van-
derbilt McHctI College at Nashville. Tennessee, during the years 1869 to 1871, inclusive.
Having qualified for the practice of medicine, he then entered upon the active work of
the profession in Henry county, where he continued from 1873 until 18S1. He next
opened an office in Palestine, Arkansas, where he remained until 1S87, when he came
to Cotton Plant, where he has been actively engaged in medical and surgical practice to
the present time.

On the 10th of November, 1875, Dr. Mathis was married to Miss Emma Wynns. a
native of Stewart county, Tennessee, and a daughter of Harry and Martha (Askew)
Wynns, who were also natives of Stewart county, where her father was an extensive
planter. Both he and his wife passed away when about thirty-five years of age. To
Dr. and Mrs. Mathis have been born nine children: Jennie and Joe L., both now deceised;
Charlie, who married Fred Parker and is living in Cotton 'Plant; William and Myrtle.
deceased; Harry, who is engaged in coal mining in Texas; Ross, mentioned elsewhere
in this work; Horace, who is engaged in business at Cotton Plant, and Lillian, who has
departed this life.

Dr. Mathis has always voted with the democratic party and keeps well informed
on the questions and issues of the day, but has never sought or desired office. He belongs
to the Masonic lodge at Cotton Plant and is a loyal and exemplary follower of the
teachings of the craft. In his chosen profession he has made steady progress and his
capability has brought him prominently to the front in coping with the intricate and
involved prnhlems which continually confront the physician.

WENDELL ARCHIBALD ROBERTSON.

Wendell Archibald Robertson, a well-known figure in insurance circles at Port
Smith, also deserves prominent mention through the f^ct that he became an aviation ace
during the World war. He participated in many combats and made a brilliant military-
record as a member of the One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Aero Squadron. A native of
Oklahoma, he was born in Giithrie in 1894. and is a son of R. Scott and Elizabeth .Tane

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 191

(Wendell) Robertson. He represents one of the prominent old southern families of
Scotch extraction. The Robertsons settled in Tennessee prior to the Revolutionary war
and afterward representatives of the name lived in Mississippi. Alabama and Texas.
Captain James Robertson, the great-grandfather of W. A. Robertson, was the founder of
Nashville, Tennessee. James A. Robertson, a descendant, became the father of R. Scott
Robertson, who is now president of the Reynolds-Davis Grocery Company of Fort Smith,
Arkansas. He was born in Galveston, Texas, but came to Fort Smith twenty-five years
ago and here entered the wholesale grocery business, in which he engaged for a time.
Later he went to New York city, where he was active in the brokerage business, and
still later returned to Fort Smith and organized the Reynolds-Davis Grocery Company, of
which he is now the president, thus occupying a most prominent position in the com-
mercial circles of the city.

Wendell A. Robertson was largely educated in the schools of Fort Smith, passing
through consecutive grades to the high school, after which he attended the Holbrook
Preparatory School at Briarcliff, N. Y., and then entered Yale University, from which he
was gradu-ited with the degree of Bachelor of Arts with the class of 191.5. Returning
to Fort Smith, he became associated with his father in the wholesale grocery business,
and later was connected with the Clear Creek Oil & Gas Company. When America
entered the World war he joined the Officers' Training Camp at Fort Logan H. Root,
near Little Rock, and from there was sent to the school of military aeronautics at Austin.
Texas. His next transferral took him to Rantoul, Illinois, where he was recommended
for a ccmmission and sent to Garden City, Long Island. He was made a first lieutenant
of the avi"tion section of the Signal Corps and went abroad with the One Hundred and
Eighth Aero Squadron, proceeding first to St. Maxient, while later he was assigned to the
One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Aero Squadron. He saw service at many points on the
fighting front and participated in many combats. On one occasion he was flying with
Dave Putnrm. a noted air man, when they were attacked by fifteen German planes.
Putnam was brought down, but Lieutenant Robertson managed to return to the lines in
safety. So splendid was his military record that he was decorated as an American ace,
but with the characteristic modesty of the American air man, he says little of his
experiences in foreign lands, but history proves the splendid record which he made.
Mr. Robertson has six official confirmations to his credit.

When the war was over Mr. Robertson returned to Port Smith, where he is now
eng?ged in the insurance business, and with the same thoroughness and determination
which characterized his pursuit of German planes in the air service on the western
front, he is pushing toward his objective in the business world, basing his advancement
upon thoroughness, diligence and a resolution which enables him to overcome all diffi-
culties and obstacles in his path.

WILLIAM I. BOOE.

Commercial enterprise finds a substantial representative in William I. Booe, who is
conducting a store at Des Arc and by reason of his close application, thoroughness and
enterprise has gained a substantial measure of success in the conduct of his business
affairs. He is a native son of Prairie county, his birth having occurred in the extreme
western part of Union township in 18S1. His parents were L. Q. and Martha Jane
(Melton) Booe, both of whom were born in the vicinity of Holly Springs. Mississippi.
The former was a son of Colonel I. D. Booe. who took up his abode in Arkansas in
pioneer times. The grandfather was a Confederate veteran, and on removing to this
state settled in Lonoke county, near Walters Chapel, where both he and his wife spent
their remaining days. He was a prominent figure in connection with the public life of
the community and represented his district in the state legislature. The grandfather
of Willirm I. Booe, in the maternal line, was William Melton, who lived near Bucks
Landing, Arkansas. He and his wife died on the same day. L. Q. Booe had one brother.
William, who became a Confederate soldier in the Civil war and lost his life in battle.
To L. Q and Martha Jane (Melton) Booe were born ten children: William I., Hosea,
Dorsey, Grace, Edna. Bessie. Lois. Jewell, Thomas J. and Emma, and of this family
Thomas J. served in the war with Germany.

William I. Booe pursued his education in the public schools of Prairie county, com-
pleting a course in the Cabot high school, after which he taught tor three years. He
also studied in a commercial college and thus received thorough training in preparation
for life's practical and responsible duties. Starting out in the commercial world, he
became a clerk in a mercantile establishment at Des Arc and later occupied the position of
bookkeeper with the well-known Hayley Berne & Company, which firm had been established
in 1876 and was incorporated in 1902, its incorporators being: H. S. Hayley, president;

192 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

W. H. Hayley, vice president; Howard Beine, secretary, and G. W. Bdmondson, treasurer.
Mr. Booe became an active factor in tlie conduct and management of the store, was
elected to tlie position of secretary on tlie resignation of Howard Beine, and acquired
stock in the business at that time. Later Mr. Edmondson sold his interest to H. S.
Hayley and Mr. Booe, and in March, 1919, the latter purchased the interest of Mr. Hayley
and Is now sole owner of the business, which is one of the oldest established mercantile
enterprises of the city. A progressive policy has always been maintained, and an excel-
lent line of goods has been carried. Mr. Booe and his associates in the business have
ever recognized the fact that satisfied customers are the best advertisement and, therefore,
every effort has been put forth to please their patrons. An extensive and well-selected
line of goods is carried, and the thorough reliability of the house has also contributed to
the growing success of the business.

Mr. Booe was united in marriage to Miss Ola Hazen, a daughter of William and
Alice (Stephenson) Hazen of Des Arc. The children of this marriage are two daughters:
Mildred and Marjory Jane. Mr. Booe has always been keenly interested in matters of
public importance and during the World war served as chairman for the Red Cross in
the northern part of Prairie county. He had previously filled the office of deputy county
treasurer for four years, and at all time he is loyal to every cause which he deems of
value to the community. For four years he was a member of the school board in Des Arc
and has also served on the county board of education, the cause of public instruction
finding in him a stalwart champion. He has acted as secretary of the Bible class in the
Methodist Episcopal church since the age of sixteen years and has long been a loyal and
consistent member of the church, in which he 'is serving as steward. Fraternally he is
a Consistory Mason and member of the Mystic Shrine. His life has ever been the
expression of high ideals, of noble purposes and of honorable business methods, and
throughout Des Arc and this section of the state he commands the confidence and good
will of all who know him.

HON. JOHN D. SHACKLEFORD.

Hon. John D. Shackleford. of Little Rock, lawyer and lawmaker, who has left the
impress of his individuality upon the history of the bar and upon the laws of the
commonwealth through service in both houses of the general assembly, was born in
Carthage, Missouri, November 25, 1864. His parents, Henry H. and Martha J. (Dennis)
Shackleford, removed with their family to Arkansas in 1875, the father becoming one
of the leading and prosperous farmers of Carroll county, where both he and his wife
remained until called to their final rest.

Having attended the public schools of Carrollton until he had completed the high
school course, John D. Shackleford then determined upon the practice of law as a life
work and pursued his reading under private tutorship until admitted to the bar in
1886. In February, 1890, he removed to Little Rock, where he has since engaged In
active practice. Here he completed the prescribed course in the law department of the
University of Arkansas and was graduated as a member of its first class in 1894. He
had previously been a member of what is known as the Little Rock Law Class, which
had been in existence for many years and of which he was president when the class
was merged into the law department of the University of Arkansas. To an under-
standing of uncommon acuteness and vigor. Mr. Shackleford thus added a thorough and
conscientious preparatory training, while in his practice he has exemplified all the
higher elements of the truly gi-eat lawyer. He is constantly inspired by an innate,
inflexible love of justice and a delicate sense of personal honor which controls him in all
the relations of life. His fidelity to the interests of his clients is proverbial, yet he
never forgets that he owes a higher allegiance to the majesty of the law. His diligence
and energy in the preparation of his cases, as well as the earnestness, tenacity and
courage with which he defends the right as he understands it, challenges the highest
admiration of his associates. He invariably seeks to present his argument in the strong,
clear light of common reason and sound logical principle.

On the 2d of May, 1894, Mr. Shackleford was united in marriage to Miss Ada B.
Dominick, who was born and reared in Arkansas, her father being the late John
Dominick of Pulaski county. They are the parents of two sons and a daughter: John
Marshall, Ada May and William Henry. Mr. Shackleford maintains his home upon a
farm near Little Rock, where he took up his abode in 1915, though still actively engaged
in law practice in the capital city. He has membership in the Christian church and
belongs to the Woodmen of the World. His political views have always been in full
accord with the principles of the democratic party, and he has taken an active interest
in politics. In 1S97 he was elected to represent Pulaski county in the general assembly.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 193

and in IS99 was chosen state senator for a period of four years, so that his service as
one of the lawmakers of Arkansas covered a period of six years. He carefully considered
the important and vital questions that came up for settlement before the house and was
active and influential in the deliberations of the committee rooms. During his sena-
torial term he served on the judiciary committee, was chairman of the committee on
auditors' and treasurers' books, a member of the committee on charitable institutions
and also active in other committee work. He has ever most thoroughly and earnestly
considered the problems which affect the welfare of the state and his support of any
measure secured to it a still larger following from among those who recognized the
soundness of Mr. Shackleford's judgment and his intense public spirit.

STERLING A. MILLER.

Sterling A. Miller, attorney-at-law. practicing at Pine Bluff, was born near Paris,
Tennessee, in 1864, and is a representative of an old southern family. His great-grand-
father removed from Virginia to South Carolina, and in the latter state Henry Miller,
the grandfather, was born. He married a Miss Travis and they removed to Tennessee.
The Millers, however, originally came from the Isle of Wight. Mr. and Mrs. Henry
Miller were the parents of A. C. Miller, who was horn In Henry county, Tennessee, and
who served with the Confederate army, being on duty as a member of Captain Johnson's
company of a Tennessee regiment. He wedded Virginia Pritchett, also a native of Henry
county, Tennessee, and they became parents of three children: Sterling A., Dr. A. H.
Miller and J. P. Miller.

The public school system of Tennessee afforded Sterling A. Miller his early educa-
tional opportunities, and later he took up the study of law, while in early manhood he
also engaged tor a time in the dry goods business. He entered upon the active practice
of law at Paris. Tennessee, in 1886, and remained a member of the bar of that state
until 1894, when he came to Arkansas, settling first at Wynne. In 1896 he removed to
Pine Bluff, where he has since followed his profession and with the passing years he has
enjoyed a good practice of a distinctively representative character. He tries all kinds
of cases and tries them well, and his reputation as a lawyer has been won through
earnest, honest labor, while his standing at the bar is a merited tribute to his ability.

In 1S8S Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Anna Ezell of Martin, Tennessee,
and they became parents of a son, Harry E., who is now engaged in the lumber business .
at Pine Bluff. For his second wife Mr. Miller chose Anna Haynes of Stuttgart. Arkansas.
He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and his religious faith has guided him in
all the relations of life. His political allegiance has always been given to the demo-
cratic party, and he has been called to fill various important offices. He served for four
terms as a member of the state legislature, having been elected in 1905, in 1909. in
1913 and again in 1921, so that he is the incumbent in the office. He was elected
municipal judge of Pine Bluff in 1922, and his record as a legislator and as a judge is
in harmony with his record as a lawyer and as a citizen, being characterized by a
masterful grasp of every problem presented for solution and by marked devotion to
the general good.

CHARLES McKEE.

Charles McKee, recently appointed state bank commissioner of Arkansas and long
actively identified with banking history of the state, makes his home in Little Rock.
He was born in Cynthiana, Harrison county, Kentucky, February 17, 1864, and is a son
of James W. and Jane (Turney) McKee. The father, born in Bourbon county, Kentucky,
in 1848. resided for many years in Cynthiana, Kentucky, and devoted his life to the
occupation of farming. His great-grandfather, John McKee. was killed at the battle
of Kings Mountain in the .Revolutionary war. James W. McKee was married in
November, 1859, to Jane McClelland Turney, whose birth occurred in Bourbon county,
Kentucky, in October, 1839. They became parents of the following named: William,
Eliza, Charles, Julia. Elizabeth, Allie, George, Frank Turney, Jesse and Louise. The
wife and mother passed away in 1880. The father survived for thirty-one years, his death
occurring in April, 1911.

Charles McKee, whose name introduces this review, pursued his early education in
the public schools of his native city, passing through consecutive grades to his gradu-
ation from the high school with the class of 1883. Later he studied in Central University,
then located at Richmond, Kentucky, but now at Danville, Kentucky, and was graduated

Vol. 11—13

194 CENTENNIAL HISTOKY OP ARKANSAS

in 18S5 with the degree of Bachelor of Science. His life has largely been devoted to
banking interests. For eleven years he occupied the position of cashier in the Bank
of Fordyce at Fordyce, Arkansas, and in 1902 he became one of the organizers of the
Citizens Bank of Hope. Arkansas. The following year he was elected secretary of the
Mercantile Trust Company of Little Rock and continued to act in that capacity until
1906, when he became vice president of the State National Bank of Little Rock and
held that position until 1910. In 1909 he organized, the State Bank Building Company and
built the State National Bank building, now the Boyle building, in 1910. He has
recently been appointed bank commissioner by Governor McRea, the appointment being
made on the 1st of September, 1921. Aside from his connection with financial interests,
Mr. McKee has become well known by reason of his activity in other fields. He was
principal of the Hope high school in 1887 and president of the Hope Female Institute
from 1889 until 1891. He is now the president of the Home Telephone Company of
Fordyce, was president of the State Building & Loan Association of Little Rock and
president of the North Arkansas Townsite Company of Marianna. He is likewise
treasurer of the Arkansas College at Batesville and was president of the Lee County
National Bank at Marianna, Arkansas. His activities are thus broad and varied and have
been a potent element in the growth and development of the state for a number of years.

On the 4th of January, 1887, Mr. McKee was married to- Miss Mary Anna Lydick,
who was born in Cynthiana, Harrison county, Kentucky, in September. 1864, and is a
daughter of Andrew Lydick, who made his home for a considerable period in Cynthiana.
Mrs. McKee was a graduate of the high school at Cynthiana with the class of 1883. B>-
her marriage she became the mother of a son, George Taylor McKee, a missionary of the
Presbyterian church to Africa, being stationed in the Congo Beige. On the 4th of
March, 1905, Mr. McKee was married to Mrs. Levitte (Lawrence) McSwine, a widow,
and they now have one daughter. Martha.

During the World war Mr. McKee generously gave of his time and means to further
the bond drives, being county chairman for Lee county. He has always been a democrat
in politics, but never an offlceseeker. although he is now filling the position of bank
commissioner through appointment of Governor McRea. His religious faith is that of the
Presbyterian church and he was made a commissioner to the general assembly of the
church and is a ruling elder. He is connected with the Knights of Pythias, the Elks and
the Woodmen of the World, and his many friends in these and other organizations speak
of him in terms of high regard. He early became cognizant of the fact that those quali-
ties which get the individual anywhere are the qualities which inspire confidence and
respect. Industry has enabled him to overcome obstacles, sound judgment has enabled
him to triumph over difficulties, and step by step he has advanced until he is today a
leading figure in commercial circles of his adopted city.

JOHN MELBY HENDERSON, JR.

John Melby Henderson, Jr., county superintendent of schools of Arkansas county
and a valued resident of De Witt, was born on a farm ten miles east of this city in
1S80, his parents being J. M. and Mollie Henrietta (Dempsey) Henderson. The family is
of English lineage, the ancestry being traced back to John Melby Henderson, who was a
sailor in the British fleet under Admiral Peter Parker. The ship on which he served
was wrecked off the coast of North Carolina, and Henderson and a companion made
their way into the woods after being cast on a shore by the way. Finding a hog wallow,
Henderson lay in this and thus managed to keep warm for a time while recovering from
the exposure and the fatigue of buffeting the waves. He continued in the new world,
becoming the founder of the family in America. The line of descent is traced down to
John Melby Henderson (II), who removed from North Carolina to Tennessee, and
John Melby Henderson (III), who left his home in Middle Tennessee, in 1847, to become
a resident of Arkansas. His wife was the daughter of James Rust, a descendant of the
first settlers of Virginia. He, in turn, was the father of John Melby Henderson, who was
born in Arkansas county and who married Mollie Henrietta Dempsey. The paternal
grandfather served as a Confederate soldier in the Civil war. He established his home
in Arkansas in 1847, and, therefore, went to the front from this state. Mrs. Mollie H.
Henderson was a daughter of Andrew Jackson Dempsey, who was born at Lake Charles,
Louisiana, whence he removed to Mississippi, while later he came to Arkansas. The
father, with his family, settled at St. Charles, Arkansas, in 1868, the mother having
previously departed this life. He. too, was a Confederate veteran of the Civil war.
His father had served with Andrew Jackson at the battle of New Orleans, in the War
of 1812. J. M. and Mollie H. (Dempsey) Henderson are still living, making their home

CENTENNIAL Hli^TORY OP ARKANSAS 195

near St. Charles, and to them has been born tour children: John Melby, Jr., Nina, May
and Maury W.

After completing the work in the rural schools and high school at De Witt,
Professor J. M. Henderson, of this review, continued his education in the Southern
Nornjal, now the Western Kentucky State Normal, at Bowling Green, Kentucky. He
later took up the profession of teaching, which he followed in Arkansas county and also
in Louisiana. He studied law in the University of Arkansas, completing his course by
graduation in 1910, and then located for practice in De Witt, where he remained an
active member of the bar until 1918. Two years prior to this time, or in 1916, he had
been elected county superintendent of schools and twice he has been reelected to this
position, so that he is now serving for the third term. He has instituted many
progressive movements and measures beneficial to the school, has advanced the standards
of instruction and has been instrumental in raising the salaries of teachers from sixty
to one hundred dollars per month in the first grade. He likewise was effective in his
efforts to increase the school term in the rural white schools from five and a halt to
eight months per year. He introduced club work in the school and amplified the curric-
uli.m, introducing new matter and coordinating the school work with the daily life of
the child, or, in other words, extending the home life of the child to the schoolroom.
It is his ambition to secure an agricultural high school for the community, thereby
laying the basis of agricultural training in the common schools. He is a believer in
vocational training. He had worked at the blacksmith and carpenter trades in early
life, learning much about these trades from his father, who operated a wagon shop in
the early days. He feels that there is much to be gained from this manual training,
as well as from the intellectual stimulus that comes from the perusal of books. He has
introduced many innovations in the school, imparting a fuller knowledge to the pupil of
the things which he encounters in his every-day life, and among the subjects discussed
in the schoolroom are: Infectious parasites, stock and their habits, seed selection,
horticulture, agriculture, home economics, poultry, household arts, ventilation, hygiene,
housing for animals, housing for humans, botanical studies, rodents, drainage, sewage,
good citizenship, common sense, usefulness, ideals, the attitude of the youth toward
elders, and government in its district, county, city, state and national forms. The free
discussion of all these subjects in the schools has been a means of stimulating the
interest of the children in a number of the vital problems which affect the physical and
material welfare and which have to do with many of the vocations into which the children
are apt to enter.

Professor Henderson, while doing splendid work in the educational field through
the past six years as county superintendent, has also rendered assistance to the com-
munity in other ways through capable service as city attorney and as special judge.
He is a director of the First National Bank and is the president of the De Witt Publishing
Company, which publishes the Enterprise. He carries forward to successful completion
everything that he undertakes, and thoroughness, energy and diligence have charac-
terized him in every relation of life. During the World war he acted as food admin-
istrator in his district. He has developed eight hundred acres of rice land in connection
with associates and he owns several small farms, using one of these as a demonstration
farm.

Mr. Henderon was married to Miss Bertie E. Jones of De Witt, a daughter of
J. L. Jones. Mrs. Henderson's people were also among the early settlers of Virginia.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Henderson are three in number: Mary Louise, John
Melby and Virginia E. Fraternally Mr. Henderson is a Mason, loyal to the teachings
and purposes of the craft, and his religious faith is that of the Baptist church. His life
has always been actuated by the highest ideals, which he strives to reach by the most
practical methods, and the results which he has achieved have been indeed far reaching
and effective as contributing factors to the material, intellectual and moral development
of the community and to the adoption of high standards of civic activity and of daily
living.

CHARLES W. APPLEBY.

Charles W. Appleby is the well-known representative of horticultural and industrial
interests in Fayetteville, where he is part owner of a canning factory, while in the
adjoining district he has a large fruit farm. A native of Washington county, he was born
September 27, 1865, and is a brother of George Appleby, mentioned at length on another
page of this work. He acquired his education in the common schools and started out as
a farmer, his life having been devoted to a greater or less extent to agricultural and
horticultural pursuits. In 1900 he removed to Fayetteville and became associated with

196 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

liis brother George in the ownership of a canning factory in 1906. In the following year
they failed in business and lost all they had. They retained the equity in the canning
factory, however, but gave up all their other possessions, which were considerable. With
undaunted courage they faced the future and made arrangements to purchase a farm of
four hundred and forty acres, placing a small payment on the property and arranging
to meet the other payments in the course of time. There was a bearing apple orchard
on the place at the time. They have since set out trees until their orchards now cover
one hundred and ninety acres and in addition they have one hundred and forty acres
planted to strawberries. As the years have passed the careful management of their
business interests has brought to them substantial success and they are today men
of affluence, their entire possessions having been acquired since 1907. In the propagation
of their fruits and the care of their orchards they have followed the most progressive
and scientific methods and have accomplished notable results, their labors contributing
toward making Washington county one of the widely known fruit centers of the south-
west. Charles W. Appleby has charge of their canning factories when these are in
operation during the fruit growing seasons. They have three plants — one in Fayette-
ville. one in West Fork and the third at Hiwasse. The capacity of their plants is
seventy-five thousand cases of tomatoes per season and they ship their products to
Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri and throughout Arkansas, Carefully formulated plans and
thorough system in carrying out his plans have been potent elements in winning Mr.
Appleby the success which is now his.

In February, 1910, Mr. Appleby was married to Miss Mary Lorie Hughey, who was
born in Hillsboro, Ohio, whence her parents removed to Fayetteville in 1907. Her father
was a chair manufacturer of Ohio and now lives in Florida. Mr. and Mrs. Appleby are
well known in Fayetteville, where they have an extensive circle of warm friends. They
belong to the Presbyterian church and Mr. Appleby has membership in the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks and also in the Rotary Club, in the work of which he has been
very active, his labors in this connection being far-reaching and resultant. In politics
he is a democrat but has never been ambitious to hold office, preferring to concentrate
his efforts and attention upon his business affairs. That he has most carefully and
wisely directed his interests is indicated in the success which he has achieved since
sustaining heavy losses in business in 1907. His life should serve as an example and
an inspiration to others, showing what may be accomplished through individual efforts.

J. S. LADD.

J. S. Ladd is now living retired in Judsonia and no history of the town would be
complete without extended reference to him, for through thirty-five years he was closely
associated with its mercantile interests and with the development and progress of the
city arising therefrom. His birth occurred near Franklin, in Williamson county,
Tennessee, April 9, 1S48, his parents being T. G. and Mary Jane (Smithson) Ladd,
both of whom were natives of Middle Tennessee and representatives of old families ot
that state. The grandfather in the paternal line was Noble Ladd, w'ho was boru in
Tennessee and belonged to one of the pioneer families of the south. He followed farming
and owned slaves to the time of his death, which occurred during the Civil war period.
The grandfather of J. S. Ladd on the distaff side was Samuel Smithson, who was like-
wise a native of Tennessee, where his ancestors settled during the Revolutionary war
period. He spent his life in his native state.

T. G. Ladd, father of J. S. Ladd, was a school teacher, following the profession for
forty-five years. A man of liberal education, he held to high ideals in the work of the
schoolroom and contributed much to the intellectual progress of the community in which
he lived. He afterward engaged in merchandising in Memphis from 1862 until 1865
and he departed this life at the ripe old age of seventy-four years, while his wife died
in White county, Arkansas, at the age of seventy-nine. His political support was
originally given to the whig party and on the dissolution of that party he joined the
ranks of the democrats. He was a Mason and his wife was connected with the Order
of the Eastern Star, while both held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church.
South. In their family were eight children, four of whom are living, Minerva Ann,
Samuel N. and Mary M., having all departed this life, as has Martha E. These were
the three eldest and the fifth member of the family. Those who survive are: J. S.;
Eliza J., living in Louisville, Kentucky; T, G., of Memphis, Tennessee; and W. F., a
resident of Covington, Tennessee.

J. S. Ladd was educated in western Tennessee, where he attended the subscription
schools, being largely under the instruction of his father. The year 1869 witnessed his
atrival in White county, Arkansas, at which time he purchased bottom land and engaged

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 1!)7

in general farming. A little later he removed to Judsonia, where he established a
confectionery store but later developed it into a general merchandise house, which he
conducted under his own name. He remained an active factor in the mercantile circles
of the city for thirty-five years ere he retired from business in 1915 to enjoy in well
earned rest the fruits of his former toil.

On the 8th of May, 1870, Mr. Ladd was married to Miss Mollie Vandal, a native of
Tennessee, who died in 1885. They had a family of seven children, two of whom died
in infancy, while Sarah J. has also departed this life. Lula is the widow of Dr. W. J.
Miller, who was a practicing physician of GrifBthville and she now makes her home at
Little Rock; Pearl is the widow of Eugene Winsott. who was a liveryman of Judsonia;
Walker is engaged in the garage business at Newport and at Judsonia; and the youngest
child died in infancy. The mother was a consistent member of the Baptist church. For
his second wife Mr. Ladd chose Miss Hal Key, a native of Arkansas, and to them were
born ten children, seven of whom are living: Clifton, who is a graduate of the Memphis
Dental College and is now practicing dentistry in Marvell, Phillips county, Arkansas;
Frances, the wife of Carl Garms, a contractor of Little Rock; Mary, the wife of Thomas
Wells of Searcy; Catherine, the wife of J. K. Jemerson, manager of a garage at Judsonia;
Ester, the wife of Irvin Winn, a banker of Bald Knob; two children who died in infancy;
Johnnie, who died at the age of four years; and Henry and Elizabeth, at home. The
mother of this family belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. South. Politically
Mr. Ladd is a democrat and for two terms served as postmaster of Judsonia under
President Cleveland. He was also elected constable, being chosen to that office at one
time when he was the only democrat elected in the county, a fact indicative of his per-
sonal popularity and the confidence reposed in him. He was opposed by a populist. His
has been a useful and well spent life and the sterling worth of his character is attested
by all with whom he has come into contact. As a merchant he contributed in large
measure to the business development of Judsonia and while he has now retired from
mercantile pursuits he is still interested in a garage, the company being the authorized
Ford agent at Judsonia, handling the Ford supplies and accessories and also the Fordson
tractor. Throughout his career Mr. Ladd has been characterized by a progressive spirit
and his determined purpose has enabled him ultimately to reach his objective. His
career, moreover, proves that success and an honored name may lie won simultaneously
and his example is well worthy of emulation.

JULIUS S. ALPHIN.

Possessing those qualities which have made him a dynamic force in business circles,
Julius S. Alphin has long been identified with a number of the more important com-
mercial and financial interests of El Dorado. It is a well known fact that power grows
through the exercise of effort and from early manhood Mr. Alphin has labored diligently
and persistently, finding in the faithful performance of each day's duties the strength
and courage for the labors of the succeeding day. Arkansas numbers him among her
native sons, his birth having occurred on a farm about five miles south of El Dorado,
in Union county, January 25, 1866, his father being Julius Alphin, Sr., who came from
Alabama to this state at an early day, settling here prior to the Civil war. He man-led
Miss Martha Phelan, who died when her son, Julius S., was but eight years of age. The
father's death occurred in 1896.

Julius S. Alphin was born and reared on the old homestead farm, early becoming
familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops, although his
school training was limited. He came to El Dorado in 1886 with a cash capital of but
two dollars and a half and started out in business circles here as a clerk in the store
of D. E. Armstrong, with whom he continued for a few months. Step by step he has
advanced, owing to the wise use he has made of every chance and opportunity that has
come his way, and for a long period he has been accounted one of the most active and
enterprising business men of El Dorado. He is today one of the largest stockholders in
the First National Bank, also a stockholder in the Ritchie Grocer Company, in the
Carson Dry Goods Company, in the Taylor-Miles Drug Company, in the El Dorado Oil
Mills & Fertilizer Company, in the Warren oil mills, in the First National Bank at Huttig
and in other business enterprises. The gradual expansion of his commercial activities
has not only constituted a source of individual wealth but has also been a contributing
factor to the upbuilding and prosperity of the community. In addition to his other
interests he is the owner of ten thousand acres of land in Union county, scattered in
every township of the county. Owing to the development of the oil industry he bids
fair to become one of the very wealthy men of the state. He also has large property
holdings in El Dorado and in the vicinity of the city and his business activities have at

19S CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

all times claimed his entire attention. He owns oil interests in and near El Dorado
and the outlook for oil development in Arkansas is so favorable that undoubtedly he
will win large results through that channel.

Mr. Alphin was married first to Miss Amy Pinson and they became parents ot a
son, Hendrick J. For his second wife Mr. Alphin chose Mary Armstrong and they have
two children: Samuel David, who is four and a half years of age; and Jim Armstrong,
a little lad of two summers.

Mr. Alphin and his family are widely known and their circle of friends is almost
coextensive with the circle of their acquaintance. Mr. Alphin has always been too busy
with his various commercial and financial interests to take active part in politics, but
his cooperation in support of public welfare in his home town is never sought in vain.

CHARLES N. ROCKAFELLOW.

While Hot Springs has within its midst almost every known enterprise anil line of
business that is found in every great cosmopolitan center the city largely stands to the
outside world as a place famous tor its wonderful medicinal bathing facilities obtained
from the hot springs from which the city derives its name. It was in this connection that
Charles N. Rockafellow had reached a place of notable prominence in the business world
as proprietor of the Rockafellow Bathhouse and also of the Rockafellow Hotel and Apart-
ments, for with the steady and growing influx of visitors to the city the question of hotel
accommodation came steadily to the front and there is perhaps no city of equal size in
the country which can offer such advantages and opportunities in the way of hotel
service as Hot Springs. In this connection Charles N. Rockafellow manifested a most
progressive spirit and the extent and importance of his business affairs and his activities
along other lines made him one of the most distinguished residents of the city. He was
one of a f laiily of seven children, two sons and five daughters, whose parents were Mr.
and Mrs. Abraham J. Rockafellow. The mother's maiden name was Newcomb. The father
was a prosperous farmer of the state of Illinois, devoting many years to agricultural
pursuits but ultimately living retired. He settled in Galva, Henry county, Illinois, where
for many years the lamily residence was maintained.

Charles N. Rockafellow was born in Illinois, September 25, 1842, and pursued his edu-
cation in the public schools of Galva until he had completed his high school work. In
ycung manhood he turned to mercantile pursuits, accepting a clerkship but following
the outbreak of the Civil war he answered the call of the Union and followed the stars
and stripes into southern battle fields. He served as a private, was for a time a member
of a band and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, serving with distinction for four
years and eight months, manifesting the utmost valor and loyalty during the entire
period.

Immediately after the close of the war Mr. Rockafellow went to New Orleans and
later became a resident ot Chicago, where he engaged in the drug business. On remov-
ing from that city he took up his abode in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he became bag-
gage master for the Rock Island Railroad, continuing with that corporation until he
removed to Hot Springs in the year 1888. Here he established a drug store, which he
conducted with marked success for some time and then turned his attention to the busi-
ness that occupied his time throughout his remaining days. He established one of the
finest bathhouses of the city, also the Rockafellow Hotel and Apartments, and, moreover,
he built a beautiful residence, in which his widow now resides at No. 212 Whittington
avenue. In the construction of the bathhouse he maintained the highest scientific and
sanitary principles, with due regard also to the comfort and convenience of the patrons
and the most advanced standards were also employed in the erection and conduct of the
hotel and the apartments which he built. He closely studied the modern-day conditions
and demands and even anticipated modern needs, giving to the public almost unpre-
cedented service in both lines of his business.

Mr. Rockafellow was united in marriage to Miss Mahala J. Golding, a daughter of
James Golding, of a well known Virginia family, the wedding being celebrated on the 10th
of December, 1868. They became the parents of two sons: Charles A., who was born No-
vember 20, 1870, and who succeeded his father in business; and William B., who was
born at Hot Springs, January 1, 1874.

Mr. Rockafellow gave his political allegiance to the republican party, being a firm
advocate of its principles. On several occasions he served as alderman of Hot Springs,
exercising his ofiicial prerogatives in support of many progressive plans and movements
for the public good. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity and was a loyal follower of
the teachings and purposes of the craft. In every relation of life he measured up to high
standards and in his business career his position was one ot leadership, for he displayed

CHAELES N. EOCKAFELLOW

CENTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 201

not only the sterling qualities of enterprize and progressiveness but also a creative
genius. By reason of his splendidly conducted affairs he left to his family a handsome
estate. His wife and sons occupy a very prominent position in the social circles of the
city and the name of Rockafellow continues to figure most notably in connection with
events which are leaving a lasting impression on the business development and social life
of Hot Springs.

THE NEAL FAMILY.

From early pioneer times the Neal family have resided in Arkansas and its rep-
resentatives have borne an important and helpful part in the upbuilding and development
of the state. The family was established in Pope county by Samuel and Elizabeth Neal
and it was on their farm in the old Piney community that their youngest child. Thomas
McFadden Neal, was born on the 6th of May, 1S4S. He was reared and educated in that
locality and was a man of initiative spirit and marked executive ability whose business
affairs were most capably conducted. In 1896 he established the Bank of Russellville, of
which he was made president, and continued to act in that capacity until his demise.
He also owned valuable real estate in Russellville, Morrillton and Dover, Arkansas, and
likewise had made judicious investments in property in Oklahoma, accumulating a sub-
stantial competence through his intelligently directed efforts and unwearied industry.
He was a veteran of the Civil war, enlisting in the Confederate army when but a boy,
and fraternally he was identified with the Masonic order, in which he attained high
rank. He was a devout Christian, joining the Methodist Episcopal church. South, when
twenty years of age, and for forty years he was a member of its board of stewards.
A man of powerful physique, his was a personality that would attract attention in any
crowd. On the 18th of February, 1875, Mr. Neal was united in marriage to Miss Mary
J. Gunn, who is a native of Dover. Pope county, and has reached the age of sixty-eight
years. They became the parents of four children: Thomas Carroll, W. G., Sarah and
George S. Mr. Neal died at Russellville on the 7th of November, 1921, and a touching
and beautiful tribute to his life and character was read at the funeral by his pastor,
who had known him for many years, the following being a brief extract therefrom:
"We bury today one of our oldest and most prominent citizens. He was one of the
outstanding men of our community life, a gentleman of the old school, a man of integrity
and conviction."

The eldest son, Thomas Carroll Neal, left home when a young man, going to West
Virginia, and for thirteen years he was identified with oil and banking in that state.
He then went to Chicago and for the past twelve years has made his home in that city,
occupying a foremost position in its financial circles as vice president of the Central
Trust Company of Illinois. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and is identified
with the Masonic fraternity, having held several offices in his lodge.

W. G. Neal, the second son, was born March 26, 1878, and was graduated from the
Russellville high school with the class of 1896. Soon afterward he entered his father's
store at Dover, assisting in its operation for two years, and following the establishment
of the Bank of Russellville by Mr. Neal, Sr., he became identified with the institution,
first acting as collection boy. His connection with the bank dates from December 27,
1897, and through merit and ability he has gradually worked his way upward from one
position to another of greater importance and responsibility until he is now filling the
office of president, succeeding his father. Under the able instruction of his father he
acquired a comprehensive understanding of the principles of modern finance and much
of the prestige which the institution now enjoys is attributable to his conscientious and
efficient work. His standing in business circles is of the highest and he ranks with the
leading financiers of this part of the state. On the 29th of January, 1901, Mr. Neal
married Miss Lucy Youngblood, a native of Hussellville and a daughter of T. F. Young-
blood, who was here engaged in the commission business for a number of years, but is
now a resident of San Antonio, Texas. To this union has been born a daughter, Gladys
Carroll. She specialized in expression at the Henderson & Brown College of Arkadelphia.
Arkansas, in the State University, and in the Harnor Institute at Kansas City and is
now teaching in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. Mr. Neal is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church. South, and is identified with the Masonic fraternity. He devotes his entire time
to the management of the bank and his work sustains the enterprising spirit that has
long been synonymous with the family name in Russellville.

Sarah, the third member of the family, married Brown Rogers, a leading attorney
of Russellville, who is now capably filling the office of mayor, retiring from the practice
of law to engage in the mercantile business.

George S. Neal, the youngest son, was born at Dover in December. ISSS. and acquired

202 CENTENXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

his education in the local schools and also at Lebanon, Tennessee. "When but seventeen
years of age he entered the Bank of Russellville, with which he has since been con-
nected, and is now filling the position of cashier. He is faithful to the interests in his
charge and is recognized as a progressive and capable young business man. He is also
affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church. South, anti is likewise a member of the
Masonic fraternity.

SAMUEL C. VAN LEER, M. D.

There is no city which can claim so many able and prominent physicians as Hot
Springs and among those who are successfully following the profession in this city is
Dr. Samuel C. Van Leer, who comes to Arkansas from Texas, his birth having occurred
in Bonham, on the 4th of April, 1S61. He there resided to the age of seventeen years
and laid the foundation of his education in attendance at the public schools. He then
entered the Milwaukee Medical School, at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, wherein he was a
student for a year and on the expiration of that period he went to New York, where
he remained for three years. He had been reared on a ranch, so that his early ex-
periences made him familiar with various phases of outdoor lite. The old home property
is located in the great oil districts of Texas. He was seventeen years of age when his
parents died and it was then that he became a student in a boarding school in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, while later he spent three years in a boarding school in New York city.
He is a postgraduate of the Post Graduate Hospital Medical College and has taken post-
graduate work in other hospitals in New York. Having qualified for the practice of
medicine he came to Hot Springs in 1895. opened an office and has since given his atten-
tion to his professional duties, which have constantly grown in volume and importance.
He specializes in skin and blood diseases and has splendidly qualified for work of this
character by reason of his post-graduate studies in the polyclinic of Chicago and in the
hospitals of the east. He did postgraduate work on skin and cancer in New Y'ork.

Dr. Van Leer married Nora Paxton and they have two daughters: Ave, the wife of
Dr. William H. Deaderick of Hot Springs; and Gladys, the wife of Cecil Parker of
Hot Springs.

Twenty-six years have been added to the cycle of the centuries since Dr. Van Leer
came to Hot Springs and throughout the intervening period he has made steady progress
in his profession, ranking extremely high as a specialist in skin and cancer diseases.
Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and all who
know him appreciate the social qualities of his nature, which make for popularity among
his many acquaintances.

WILLIAM FRAZER.

William Frazer, an enterprising and successful business man of Gravette, conducting
extensive real estate interests, has been a resident of the town since its establishment
and in the work of development and improvement here he has played an important part.
He was born in Fulton county. Illinois, October 12, 1852, a son of Rev. James A. and
Sarah J. (Stevenson) Frazer, the former a native of Kentucky, while the latter was
born in Ohio. They were married in Illinois, having removed to that state as young
people, and subsequently they became residents of Iowa, locating in the Hawkeye state
In 1855. The father was a minister of the United Brethren church and devoted his life
to spreading the gospel, his labors proving effective forces for good in the communities
which he served. From Iowa he went to northern Missouri and thence to McPherson
county, Kansas, where he became the owner of a well improved farm. There the mother
died and following her demise he made his home with his children, departing this life
at Shawnee, Oklahoma, about 1914. He was at first a republican in his political views
but on removing to Kansas joined the populist party. In the family were twelve children,
of whom ten are living, the subject of this review being the second in order of birth.

In the schools of northern Missouri, William Frazer acquired his education and
early in life took up the occupation of farming, beginning the purchase of stock when
eighteen years of age. He later went to Kansas and in 1881 came to Arkansas, settling
on a farm in Benton county, and took up his residence in Gravette the year in which
the town was founded. He at first engaged in the drug business but at the end of a
year sold the enterprise and turned his attention to real estate, becoming associated
with a Mr. A. C. Veach. He has since been connected with real estate activities here
and has negotiated many important property transfers, also handling insurance at one

CENTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS -20:5

time, but has disposed of liis interests along that line. He likewise engages in loaning
money and has built up an extensive business in both real estate and loans, displaying
foresight, energy and marked executive ability in the management of his affairs. In
addition, he owns two valuable farms in Benton county and is also a stockholder in the
First National Bank, formerly serving as one of its directors and also on the directorate
of. the Bank of Gravette.

In Missouri, on the 12th of August, 1879, Mr. Frazer was united in marriage to Miss
Eliza Bales, a native of Tennessee. Her father was a soldier in the Confederate army
during the Civil war and was killed in service and following his demise she made her
home with a sister, Mrs. Calvin Robinson. Mrs. Frazer is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church, South, and endeavors to guide her life by its teachings. Mr. Frazer
is a stanch republican in his political views and his fellow citizens, recognizing his
worth and ability, have called him to public office. He was justice of the peace for one
term and for eight terms served as mayor of Gravette, his long continuance in the office
being indisputable proof of his trustworthiness and ability. Diligence and determination
have constituted the foundation upon which he has reared the superstructure of success
and as the architect of his own fortunes he has builded wisely and well, while at the
same time he has contributed in large measure to the improvement and development of
the community in which he resides.

ANDY F. WARD.

Andy F. Ward, a coal operator of Clarksville, watchful of the signs of the times and
taking advantage of the business opportunities offered, thereby making his way to
success, is regarded as one of the representative residents of Johnson county. He was
born in Clarksville, April 14, 1869, and is a son of David and Mary (Collins) Ward. The
father was a native of Tazewell county, Virginia, born in 1815 and his life record covers
the intervening years to 1889. He was a son of David Ward, who was also born in
Tazewell county, Virginia, and who came to Arkansas in 1S27, settling on a firm which
he obtained from the government. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement
made upon the land but he transformed it into a richly productive tract and as the
years passed became the owner of a large amount of land in this section of the state.
In fact he was the wealthiest mnn of his day in this section, owning not only an
extensive plantation but also a number of slaves. He left a will that is recorded in the
courthouse and is a somewhat unique and most interesting paper. He married Ellen
Cravens, representative of one of the prominent families of Virginia and Arkansas.
Their son, David Ward, father of A. F. Ward, was one of those who went to California
through the attraction of gold discoveries on the Pacific coast. There he went through
all of the experiences of life on the far western frontier. He did not marry until he
reached the age of fifty-four years and until after his return to Arkansas. In Johnson
county he wedded Mary Collins, who was married three times, Mr. Ward being her third
husband. She was born in Johnson county and is still living at the notable age of
ninety-eight years. Her father was a native of Tennessee and became one of the pioneers
of Arkansas. Like his father, David Ward owned a large amount of land in Johnson
county and was quite successful in his business affairs. He voted with the democratic
party and his religious faith was that of the Presbyterian church. To him and his wife
were born two children, the eldest being a daughter, now Mrs. Effie Dunlap of Clarks-
ville. who was born in 1867.

The son, Andy F. Ward was educated in the public schools of Clarksville and started
out in life on a farm. As the years passed he acquired a large amount of land and in
1906 he became identified with the coal industry. He has handled coal since that time
and is now one of the well known and successful operators in this part of the state.
In 1901 he organized the Arkansas Fruit & Farm Company 'and set out three hundred
acres of fruit trees, being the first man to engage in horticultural pursuits in Johnson
county. Prior to this time he was extensively engaged in breeding and feeding cattle.
As his orchard began to bear fruit he shipped a large amount of fruit from the county
and made considerable money on that venture. He managed the business for the com-
pany, but sold his fruit interests about 1914 and is now concentrating his efforts and
attention upon the handling of coal. In business affairs he has ever displayed sound
judgment and unfaltering enterprise and steadily has his success increased as the result
of his close application and earnest purpose.

In 1895 Mr. Ward was united in marriage to Miss Kittle King, who was born in
Johnson county, Arkansas, a daughter of Jasper King, a pioneer farmer of tlie county.
Mrs. Ward pursued her education in the Presbyterian College of Clarksville and by her
marriage she has become the mother of five children: Andy F.. Jr., who is engaged in

204 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

the manufacture of fruit baskets and has developed a large plant at Clarkesville; Allene,
the wife of Pat McWilliams, assistant cashier of the First National Bank at Clarksville
and also engaged in the coal business; Lucile, at home; J. D., who is a student in the
Virginia Military Institute at Lexington, Virginia; and King, who is attending the
College of the Ozarks in Clarksville. The parents are members of the Presbyterian
church and are interested in the moral progress and development of the city. Mr.
Ward also belongs to the Masonic fraternity and has taken the degrees of both the
York and Scottish Rites. He has membership with the Knights of Pythias and the
Woodmen of the World and his political allegiance is given to the democratic party,
but he has never sought nor desired office, preferring to devote his attention to his
business affairs. His entire time is given to his individual interests along the line of
mining and other business. He is connected with the Clark McWillams Coal Company
and the McWilliams Ward Coal Company and in addition he is a director of the First
National Bank and the May Marlar Wholesale Company, the Clarksville Mercantile
Company and the Clarksville Basket & Manufacturing Company. His varied business
interests indicate the prominent part which he plays in connection with the development
and upbuilding of the city. He certainly deserves much credit for what he has accom-
plished. In the early days he chopped wood, hauled it to town and in this way gained
his start. He represents one of the old pioneer families of the county. His grandfather
in the paternal line owned the land where Clarksville now stands and from that day
to the present the Ward family has taken active part in the progress and upbuilding
of this section of the state. Mr. Ward has served on the school board and has always
been a friend of education and of every progressive measure having to do with public
welfare, but most of all his attention has been directed in the field of business and his
activities have ever been of a character which have contributed to public progress and
prosperity as well as to individual success.

DANIEL HON.

In professional circles Daniel Hon has made a creditable name and place for
himself, being now engaged in the practice of law in Fort Smith with a large clientage
that Is indicative of the confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen, who recognize
his professional ability and have employed his service in connection with important
litigated interests. Mr. Hon was born in Scott county, Arkansas, in 1S60, a son of
Jackson Hon, one of the pioneer settlers of this state, who came to the southwest from
White county, Illinois, in 1S.36. He was a son of Jonas Hon, who had formerly resided
in Kentucky. Desirous of enjoying the opportunities furnished in the southwest, Jackson
Hon came to this state and contributed to the development and upbuilding of Arkansas
during the long years of his residence here. He wedded Lucy Huie, and they continued
to reside in Arkansas throughout their remaining days, the former passing away in the
village of Hon, which was named in his honor. In their family were eleven children,
three of whom are living.

Liberal educational opportunities were accorded Daniel Hon, who after mastering
the branches of learning taught in the public schools continued his studies in the
University of Arkansas, from which he won the Bachelor of Arts degree upon graduation
with the class of 1882. In early manhood he taught school in Scott county but regarded
this merely as an initial step to other professional activity, for it was his desire to
become a member of the bar and he took up the task of reading law when in Scott
county and later became a law student in Cumberland University. Having qualified for
admission to the bar, he then located for practice at Waldron. Arkansas, and was not
long in demonstrating his ability in the field of his chosen profession. His fellow towns-
men, appreciating his worth and his fidelity to high standards of the legal profession,
elected him to the office of county probate judge and continued him in the position
through reelection for two terms. He was afterward elected circuit judge of the twelfth
judicial circuit and in order to be near the seat of justice he removed to Fort Smith,
where the court was held. He Is now filling the position of referee in bankruptcy in
the federal court and he is also the vice president of the Arkansas Refining Company
of Fort Smith. As a lawyer he is clear, sound-minded and well trained. His legal
learning, his analytical mind, the readiness with which he grasps the points in an
argument, all combine to make him one of the capable judges of the circuit court of
the state and the public and the profession acknowledge his ability, manifest in his
service on the bench.

In 1888 Judge Hon was united in marriage to Miss Maggie P. Gaines, a daughter of
F. C. Gaines, and they became the parents of four children: Lucy, who is a graduate of
the University of Arkansas and taught school both in this state and in Alaska, became

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OP ARKANSAS 205

the wife of W. JI. Cuddy in tlie far nortliwest, wliere they still make their home; Mabel
is the wife of P. Woods and she. too, was liberally educated, having graduated from
Clarendon College and from the University of Arkansas, while for a time she engaged
in teaching in Texas; Mildred, a graduate of the University of Arkansas, taught school
at Shelbyville, Kentucky, and later became the wife of Dr. H. E. Murray of Texarkana.
who was a lieutenant of the Medical Corps during the World war; Gaines, a graduate
of the University of Arkansas, completes the family. Judge and Mrs. Hon are well
known in Fort Smith and other sections of the state, and along the line of his profession
the Judge has won distinction, success and prominence. His decisions always indicated
strong mentality, careful analysis, a thorough knowledge of the law and an unbiased
judgment. The judge on the bench fails more frequently perhaps from a deficiency in
that broad-mindedness which not only comprehends the details of a situation quickly
and insures a complete self-control under even the most exasperating conditions, than
from any other cause; and the judge who makes a success in the discharge of his
multitudinous delicate duties is a man of well-rounded character, finely balanced mind
and splendid intellectual attainments. That Judge Hon was regarded as such a jurist
is a uniformly accepted fact and he is enjoying an extensive practice as a representative
of the bar.

REV. PATRICK FRANCIS HORAN.

Rev. Patrick Francis Horan, a representative of the Catholic priesthood, now in
charge of the Church of the Immaculate Conception of Fort Smith, was born in Ireland,
in the year 1866. Liberal educational training prepared him for the life work which
he entered upon. He was educated in the American College at Rome. Italy, and was
ordained to the priesthood in 1S92 by Cardinal Parrochi in the city of Rome. Coming to
America, his first pastorate was at Little Rock. Arkansas, where he was placed in charge
of the Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel. There he continued his labors successfully
for about twelve years. On the expiration of that period he came to Fort Smith, where
he has remained pastor of the Church of the Immaculate Conception for about fifteen
years and under his guidance the church has made steady progress. Its work is well
organized and the labors of Rev. Father Horan are productive of good results in the
upbuilding of the cause.

Rev. Father Horan is a forceful man and an eloquent speaker, who is often called
upon to address public meetings. He is interested in the general welfare and throws
the weight of his aid and influence on the side of public progress and improvement. He
is popular with all classes and is greatly loved by the people of his parish.

SAM ROREX.

Sam Rorex, member of the Yell county bar, residing at Dardanelle and filling tlie
office of prosecuting attorney, was born near Russellville, Arkansas, October 11, 1886.
He represents one of the old southern families, his grandfather being J. W. Rorex, a
native of Alabama, who came to Arkansas soon after the Civil war, in which he had
served for four years as a member of the Confederate army. He was wounded and
captured at Vicksburg, Mississippi. His last days were spent in Pope county, where
he departed this life at the age of sixty-five years. His son, George Rorex, who was
born in Alabama, is now living at the age of fifty-six years. In Pope county, Arkansas,
he was married to Miss Ida Aston, a native of Mississippi, as was her father, who spent
his life in that state. He, too, was a Confederate soldier, whose service covered the
four-year period of the Civil war. It was in 1871 that George Rorex came to Arkansas.
while his wife arrived in Pope county in 1884. He has always followed the occupation
of farming and is also a merchant at Fowler, Arkansas. His political allegiance has ever
been given to the democratic party and fraternally he is connected with the Masons,
the Odd Fellows and the Woodmen. He and his wife belong to the Baptist church and
their loyal support of the church and close adherence to its teachings have made them
most highly respected people of the community. They became parents of five children,
four of whom are living: Sam, of this review; Albert, who is assistant cashier of the
Farmers Bank at Dardanelle and who was at Camp Pike during the World war; and
Viola and Robert E., who are living with their parents.

Sam Rorex pursued his education in Ouachita College and in the University of
Arkansas, becoming a student in the law department at Little Rock. He was admitted
to the bar in 1913 and entered upon the active practice of his profession in Danville,

■J(1G CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

wheie he remained until 1916, when he came to Dardanelle, and has here since made
his home. He engaged in general practice here until 1920, when he was elected prosecut-
ing attorney of the fifth judicial circuit and has since filled the office. There are tour
counties in his district. Yell, Pope, Johnson and Conway. His professional and official
duties make heavy demand upon his time and energies and he has proven most capable
in meeting official requirement. He prepares his cases with great thoroughness and
care and his ability is manifest in the many favorable verdicts which he has won.

In 1917 Mr. Rorex was married to Miss Floy Pierce Leming, who was born in Yell
county and is a daughter of Dr. E. Leming, who practiced medicine at Danville to the
time of his death. Mr. and Mrs. Rorex have two children: Edna, three years of age;
and Sam, who is in his first year.

Mr. Rorex served in the United States army at Camp Pike during the World war
for a period of eleven months. He has figured quite prominently in public affairs as
an active supporter of the democratic party and in 1913, and again in IHlb, was a member
of the state legislature. During his connection with the general assembly he gave
thoughtful and earnest consideration to all vital questions which came up for settlement
and served as chairman of the house judiciary committee. He is a Scottish Rite Mason
and member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and his religious faith is that
of the Methodist Episcopal church. South. His life has been guided by high and
honorable principles in every relation and he holds to advanced standards in matters
of citizenship and of public service.

JAMES W. STEPHENS, D. D. S.

Dr. James W. Stephens, a representative of the dental profession practicing in Pine
Bluff, was born in Sheridan, Arkansas, in April, 1885, and is a son of J. G. and S. E.
(Sudduth) Stephens. The grandfather in the paternal line served in the Confederate
army and on removing westward from Georgia took up his abode in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
Dr. J. E. Stephens, a brother of Dr. James W. Stephens, is a successful dentist practicing
at Benton, this state.

Dr. James W. Stephens was educated in the Vanderbilt University and entered upon
the practice of his profession at Sheridan. Arkansas, after having completed a thorough
and comprehensive course of study well qualifying him for the onerous and difficult
duties of the profession. He has an office well supplied with the latest equipments and
the multitudinous delicate little instruments that are used in dental practice and he
is regarded as a most capable dental surgeon. He served as a member of the state board
of dental examiners from 1913 until 1918 and he is a prominent and valued member of
the Arkansas State Dental Society, of which he was treasurer from 1909 until 1911. It
was in the latter year that he came to Pine Bluff, where he has since practiced, and his
patronage has grown year by year.

In 1907 Dr. Stephens was united in marriage to Miss Janie Hayes, a daughter of
W. F. Hayes of Nashville. Tennessee, and they are parents of two children: Louise and
Wilma Jean. In his fraternal relations Dr. Stephens is a Mason and also an Odd
Fellow, loyally following the teachings and purposes of these orders, while his religious
faith is that of the Baptist church. The sterling traits of his character and the prin-
ciples of his manhood have insured him a creditable and enviable position in the regard
of his fellow townsmen.

JUSTIN MATTHEWS.

Justin Matthews, a Little Rock capitalist, is one of the most enterprising and success-
ful business men of Arkansas. His birth occurred at Monticello, Drew county, this state,
December 23, 1875. his parents being Samuel James and Anna (Wilson) Matthews, whose
family numbered six daughters and three sons, of whom three daughters and all of the
sons are yet living. The father was both an attorney and horticulturist and was
prominent in connection with many events which have left their impress upon the
history of the state. In 1874 he was a delegate to the constitutional convention and
during an active life he did not a little to shape public thought and opinion.

Justin Matthews acquired his early education in the public schools of Monticello.
Arkansas, and afterward continued his studies in the Hindman University School at
Monticello. His life has been one of intense and well directed activity. Throughout his
entire career his industry has been untiring, and he has quickly recognized and utilized
opportunities for advancing his business affairs and has just as quickly put forth equally

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 207

effective effort for the welfare and progress of the state. He has demonstrated his faith
in Little Rock and her future by large investment in property in this city until his
holdings are now very extensive. "His father, Samuel James Matthews, was a man of
substance, of high integrity and strong character and was particularly notable as a
man of intellectual independence. Justin Matthews has inherited many of these sterling
traits and has the same intellectual independence, which enables him to pursue a course
which he believes to be right without considering public opinion or swerving from his
position because of the criticism of others. He thinks out individually and he has
achieved his purpose through determined effort wisely directed. He has been the
champion of many public improvements in the state and particularly in connection with
the development of good roads. It has been said of him that none has done more to
put through the present good roads program of Arkansas and that he is an enthusiast
in his faith in the larger future of Little Rock gnd the state." One of the most prominent
public improvements with which he has been actively identified is the Broadway bridge
and he is accredited with being the father of the scheme. In 1913 he commenced single
handed to work for the construction of this bridge and his efforts have been crowned
with success for now it is well under way and before long it will be completed.

On the 16th of January, 1900, in the capital city, Mr. Matthews was married to Miss
Agnes Somers, who was born in Pulaski county. Arkansas, in 18S0. They have become
parents of six children, four living, namely: Justin, born in 1901; John Pope; Henrietta
Ann; and Somei-s.

Politically Mr. Matthews is a democrat, having given unswerving allegiance to the
party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He belongs to the Country
Club and those who meet him socially as well as those with whom he comes in contact
in a business way regard him as a forceful, capable and representative citizen, one whose
well formulated plans are carried steadily forward to success — plans which have not
only been of great individual benefit but have also constituted a potent element in the
growth and progress of community and commonwealth.

O. M. YOUNG.

O. M. Young, president of 0. M. Young & Company, engaged in the abstract insurance
and real estate loan business in Stuttgart, and also a member of the law firm of Y'oung
& Elms, is actuated in all that he does by a spirit of laudable ambition that has enabled
him to forge steadily to the front in both business and professional connections. A
native of Missouri, he was born in Shelby county. May 5, 1890. and is a son of Robert P.
and Fannie (Highland) Young. The father, a native of Shelby county, Missouri, Is a
son of S. and Joan (Forsythe) Young, the former a native of Kentucky, whence he
removed to Missouri. S. Y'oung was called to fill the office of county judge in Shelby
county and made an excellent record on the bench. He afterward removed to Arkansas
in company with his family, save his son, Robert P. Young. He settled at Stuttgart,
taking up his abode here many years ago, so that through an extended period the Y'oung
family has been represented in this part of the state, becoming actively identified with
its development and progress. Judge Young was a Civil war veteran, aiding in the
defense of the Confederacy, while in times of peace his labors were a potent force in
connection with the public lite and material welfare of the community. The mother of
0. M. Young was a daughter of John and Jane (Crawford) Highland, and her father,
a native of Scotland, settled near Bowling Green, Kentucky, following his emigration to
the new world. Robert P. and Fannie (Highland) Y'oung. parents of 0. M. Y'oung, re-
sided for many years in Shelby county. Missouri, there continuing to make their home
until 1S9S. when they removed to Stuttgart, Arkansas. They had a family of two sons,
the younger being James E.. who is engaged in the hardware business in Stuttgart,
where he succeeded his father, who had been the founder of the store and had success-
fully carried on the business for a number of years.

O. M. Y'oung was a lad of but eight years when the family home was established in
Stuttgart, so that he pursued much of his early education in the public schools of this
city, passing through consecutive grades to the high school. After he attended the
Arkansas Military Academy and subsequently became a law student in the University
of Arkansas. Having qualified for law practice, he opened an office in Little Rock but
afterward removed to Stuttgart, where he has continued as an active and resourceful
member of the Arkansas county bar. In 1912 he organized an abstract company but
later disposed of his interest in that business and formed a new company, which was
incorporated under the name of O. M. Y'oung & Company, of which Mr. Y'oung is the
president, with M. K. Boutwell as vice president and J. W. Boutwell as secretary. This
company is now conducting a large and growing abstract and real estate loan business

208 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

and Mr. Young is largely directing the affairs of the company, making it one of the
profitable business concerns of the city. He also continues in the practice of law and
has been connected with much important litigation.

In 1911 Mr. Young was united in marriage to Miss Zula Patrick of Little Rock, a
daughter of Z, W. and Lena (Slemmons) Patrick. Mr. Young and his wife are members
of the Christian church and their interest always centers in those channels through which
flow the greatest and most permanent good to the greatest number. He is identified
with several fraternal organizations, being a Knights Templar and Scottish Rite Mason
and Mystic Shriner, a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Ancient
Order of United Workmen and the Modern Woodmen of America. During the World
war he was chairman of the Red Cross for Arkansas county and a director of the Liberty
Loan drives. He stands at all times for those interests which feature most largely in
connection with public progress and welfare and while at all times upholding the legal
and moral status of the community, he is, through his abstract and real estate loan
business, also promoting tlie material progress of this section of tlie state.

OBIE R. KELLY, M. D.

One of the prominent physicians and surgeons of Grant county is Dr. Obie R. Kelly,
a resident of Sheridan. His birth occurred on the 10th of June, 1885, in Belfast, Grant
county, a son of Miles and Lydia (Wells) Kelly, both natives of Georgia. They were
married in that state and came to Arkansas in the early '80s, locating on a farm in
Grant county. The demise of Mrs. Kelly occurred in 1893. Mr. Kelly is now living
retired in the village of Prattsville, Grant county, and is a highly respected and beloved
citizen of that community.

In the acquirement of an education Obie R. Kelly attended the common schools of
Grant county and the Prattsville high school. His earliest ambition was to become a
doctor and subsequently he enrolled in the medical department of the University of
Arkansas, remaining there during 1905. He then spent two years in the College of
Physicians and Surgeons at Little Rock and in 1909 received his M. D. degree from the
medical department of the University of Kentucky at Louisville. Immediately after
graduation he located in Carthage, Dallas county, this state, where he had previously
practiced during his vacations after completing his second course of lectures, and he
remained there until December of the year 1913. In that year he came to Sheridan.
He has since resided here and is enjoying a most successful practice, having won for
himself an enviable position among the leading members of the medical profession in
Grant county.

In 1913 Dr. Kelly was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Forrester of Carthage, and
to their union one child has been born: Mary Ellen. Dr. Kelly has always given his
political allegiance to the democratic party, having firm belief in the principles of that
party as factors in good government. Both he and his wife are consistent members of
the Baptist chxirch here and are generous contributors to its support. Fraternally he is
identified with the Masons, holding membership in Sheridan Lodge, No. 260, F. & A. M.
Along strictly professional Hues Dr. Kelly holds membership in the American Medical
Association, Southern Medical Association, Arkansas State and Grant County Medical
Societies and for some time was president of the last named organization. He is a con-
stant student of his profession and through membership in these societies and through
reading the best medical literature keeps in touch with advance being made by eminent
members of the profession throughout the country. Dr. Kelly devotes the greater part
of his time to his practice but is ever cognizant of the duties and responsibilities as
well as the privileges of citizenship and to that end takes an active part in the further-
ance of any movement for the development and improvement of the general welfare.
He is one of the leading physicians and surgeons of the county and state and is held in
high esteem, both by his professional brethren and his fellowmen.

CHARLES CALLOWAY PRICE, M. D.

Dr. Charles Calloway Price, a man of high professional attainments, has devoted
twenty-five years to the practice of medicine and surgery and is numbered among the
leading physicians of Desha county, having maintained an office at Dumas since 1911.
He was born in Franklin county, Virginia, July 16, 1872, a son of Owen H. and Lucy
(Taliaferro) Price, both of whom were natives of that state. The father was one of
the most prominent men in public affairs of Franklin county, filling various important

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 209

public offices, and for about eighteen years prior to his demise he served as clerk of
the circuit court, most capably discharging the duties of that position. He died at
Rockymount, Virginia, the county seat of Franklin county, in 1910, when sixty-eight
years of age. The mother was called to her final rest in 1889.

In the acquirement of an education Charles Calloway Price attended the Virginia
Polytechnic Institute and Washington and Lee University at Lexington, that state.
In 1893 he matriculated in the Medical College of Virginia, from which he was graduated
in 1896, and then served an interneship in the Rebecca Sanitarium at Roanoke, Virginia,
thus gaining valuable practical experience. On the 1st of January, 1897, he opened an
oflSce in Douglas, Lincoln county, Arkansas, where he successfully followed his profession
for thirteen years, and in 1910 he became connected with the Rockefeller Foundation as
a member of the hookworm commission, serving in that capacity for about ten months.
In January, 1911, he came to Dumas, where he has since been located, and in the inter-
vening period he has built up a large practice. He has never regarded his education as
completed with the termination of his college work but has ever remained a close and
discriminating student of his profession and in 1904 he took a postgraduate course in
the New York Polyclinic, while in 1917 he attended Tulane University at New Orleans,
Louisiana, thereby greatly promoting his knowledge and efficiency. In addition to his
activities in the medical profession Dr. Price is also acting as engineer of the Desha
drainage district. No. 5.

In 1915 was solemnized the marriage of Charles C. Price and Miss Ruth Kiteley of
Dumas, and they have become the parents of two children: Charles C, Jr. and Alfie T.
Dr. and Mrs. Price are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. South, and Dr. Price
is serving on its board of stewards. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, be-
longing to Omega Lodge, No. 547, F. & A. M., and Victory Chapter, No. 113, R. A. M.,
and he is also connected with the Knights of Pythias, while his professional relations
are with the Desha County and Arkansas State Medical Societies. Progress has been the
keynote of his career and he is an exponent of all that is highest, best and most advanced
in the practice of medicine and surgery and of all that is most worthy and honorable
in his relations to his fellowmen.

HUGH RUDEN CARTER.

Hugh Ruden Carter, city improvement engineer of Little Rock, with broad knowledge
of the scientific principles which underlie his work and comprehensive practical ex-
perience in all that has to do with road building and other lines of city improvement,
was born in Winfield, Kansas, on the 27th of June. 18S7, while his parents were on a
visit there, the family home being at that time in the city of Fayetteville, Arkansas.
He is a son of James David and Mai-y Josephine (Glass) Carter. The father was born
in the vicinity of Fayetteville in 1855 and still makes his heme in that city, where he
has retired from active business. His political endorsement is given to the republican
party. His wife was born in Fayetteville in 1S59 and their marriage was celebrated in
the year 1876. They have become parents of three sons and two daughters, all yet living
with the exception of one daughter.

Hugh R. Carter acquired his early education in the Fayetteville public schools and
afterward was graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1907 with the degree of
Bachelor of Civil Engineering, while in 1914 the Civil Engineer degree was conferred
upon him. He has always devoted his attention to professional interests and duties,
specializing in the building of highways and pavements; and his advanced knowledge
and expert skill have led to his selection for the important office of city improvement
engineer at Little Rock. He was formerly state highway engineer of Arkansas from
1913 until 1919 and he is now consulting engineer for eleven road districts in the state.
He finds ready and correct solution for the many intricate and involved professional
problems which confront him In connection with the execution of the duties of his office
and the private practice of his profession.

On the 21st of December, 1910, in Texarkana, Mr. Carter was married to Miss Velma
Mary Robins, who was born at that place in 1889. They have membership in the First
Methodist Episcopal church. South, and fraternally Mr. Carter is a thirty-second degree
Mason and member of the Mystic Shrine. He also has membership with the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks and in club circles is well known through his identification
with the Quapaw Club and the Springlake Club. His military record consists of service
as captain in charge of highway construction at Camp Knox, Kentucky, from August,
1918. until January, 1919, during which period he was on leave of absence from his state
work. His political endorsement has always been given to the democratic party, but he
has never sought office outside the strict path of his profession, preferring always to

Vol. 11—14

210 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

concentrate his efforts and attention upon his chosen calling, in which he has made
steady advance until he now occupies a place of prominence among the road builders
and civil engineers of Arkansas.

WALTER A. LEE.

Walter A. Lee was born October 2. 1857, in England. His parents, William and
Mary (Adams) Lee, also born on the "Merrie isle," had a family of five children. The
father was employed in an official capacity by the British government until he came to
the United States in 1871. He first settled in Homer. Illinois, and later removed to
Bement, that state, where his remaining days were passed.

Walter A. Lee spent the first fourteen years of his life in .his native country and
pursued a public school education. He then accompanied his parents to the new world
and here he initiated his business career by entering the railroad service, with the
Wabash Railway, as fireman and extra engineer. Steadily he worked his way upward
by reason of his industry and fidelity to the interests which he served, until various
promotions had brought him to the responsible position of engineer on passenger trains
with the St. Louis & South Western, on the 25th of August, 1885. He continued in that
employ to the time of his death, which occurred March 13, 1912. He was always most
careful and efficient, methodical and systematic in the performance of his tasks and
never did he take any undue risk. His fidelity is indicated in the fact that throughout
his life he remained in the railroad service with two companies.

In 1881 Mr. Lee was united in marriage to Miss Mary C. Martino, a daughter of
Joseph Martino, who was a resident of the state of Ohio and belonged to one of the
old families there. Mr. and Mrs. Lee had two children, but one is deceased. The sur-
viving son, Charles E., is now in the employ of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, with head-
quarters at Little Rock. The other son was Walter Hamilton, who died at the age of
twenty years.

In his political views Mr. Lee was a democrat, always voting for the men and
measures of the party, yet never seeking nor desiring office. Fraternally he was a
Mason and attained the Knights Templar degree of the York Rite, while he was also
identified with the Scottish Rite bodies, and was a Shriner. He enjoyed the unqualified
regard of his brethren of the craft because cf his loyalty to its teachings and its high
purposes. He was a prominent member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.
He had many friends in Pine Bluff and this section of the state, the sterling traits of
his character being such as win esteem in every land and every clime. Mrs. Lee, sur-
viving her husband, now makes her home at No. 602 East Second avenue in Pine Bluff.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Lee were members of the Eastern Star and ehe is a Maccabee.

A. D. NORWOOD.

A. D. Norwood, a dealer in produce at Lincoln and classed with the enterprising
and progressive business men of his section of the county, was born June 11, 1881, on
a farm in the vicinity of Lincoln, his parents being William and Elizabeth (Holt) Nor-
wood, the former a native of Texas and the latter of Washington county, Arkansas.
The father had one brother, John Norwood, who was killed while serving in the Con-
federate army during the Civil war. William Norwood came to Washington county
about 1875 and was here married. He was one of the early nurserymen of Washington
county but is now living retired, enjoying in well earned ease the fruits of his former
toil. He and his wife are residents of Lincoln. William Norwood has always voted
with the democratic party but has never been an office seeker. Fraternally he is
identified with the Masons, while his wife is a devoted and consistent member of the
Baptist church. Their family numbered eleven children, ten of whom are yet living:
Sam v., who is associated with his brother in the produce business and in handling real
estate at Lincoln; A. D.. of this review; William L., a traveling salesman residing at
Lincoln; Fannie, at home; Lucille, the wife of Alfred Kelley, a traveling man residing
in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Lem, who is engaged in clerking in a store in Minneapolis;
Clyde, a produce dealer of Okmulgee, Oklahoma; Eula, the wife of Bert West, manager
for the Hodges Brothers Mercantile Company at Lincoln; Bryan, a produce merchant of
Okmulgee, Oklahoma;' and Lola, at home.

A. D. Norwood was educated in the schools of Washington county, Arkansas, and
pursued a business course at Springfield. Missouri. The first work in which he engaged
in the employ of others was that of farming and later he began clerking in a store. He

WALTER A. LEE

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 213

subsequently conducted a mercantile business on his own account for a period of four
years and later he devoted four years to government and state work in connection with
the bureau of animal industry. He next engaged in the fruit and produce business at
Lincoln in 1911 and in this won a substantial measure of success. He erected a large two-
story brick building in Lincoln, seventy-five by ninety feet, and is today one of the leading
produce men of this section of the state, annually handling a large amount of fruit and
vegetables. He is also the owner of a theatre in the First National Bank building and
he has his produce ofBces upstairs. He is the vice president of tlie First National Bank
of Lincoln and also president of the Lincoln Spray & Supply Company, which manu-
factures lime and sulphur for spraying fruit. He has developed his entire business
through his own efforts, close application, energy and determination being the vital
forces which have brought his prosperity.

In 1903 Mr. Norwood was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Holt, who was born
in Washington county, a daughter of Benjamin Holt, a pioneer of this county. They are
members of the Methodist Episcopal church. South, and Mr. Norwood belongs also to
the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has always voted-
with the democratic party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and he
has served as a member of the town council. Mr. Norwood has spent his entire life in
northwestern Arkansas and has contributed in no small measure to the growth and
progress of the communities in which he has lived.

JOHN S. PIERCE.

John S. Pierce, actively identified with i'arming in White county for many years
and now making his home at Russell, was born near Denmark in this county. November
16, 1859. His parents, Moses and Sallie Ann (Womack) Pierce, were natives of East
Tennessee and in that state were married. There the father followed farming until 1858,
when he started across the country with horse team and wagon, making the river cross-
ing on ferry and ultimately reaching White county. It was his purpose to continue the
journey to Texas but one of the horses became sick and they tarried in White county.
Being pleased with the country Mr. Pierce purchased land, which was then a heavily
wooded tract. He cut away the native timber, cleared off the brush and as soon as
possible began to plow and cultivate the land, which he thus continued to improve until
enlisting for service in the Confederate army at the beginning of the war, being on
duty most of the time west of the Mississippi. He died during the war period, his death,
however, resulting from a wound which he had sustained previous to his enlistment.
In that early day he had engaged in hunting and he also followed blacksmitliing, making
the tools with which he worked and also tools for his neighbors. He experienced all of
the hardships and privations of frontier life, living in White county when it was a
pioneer region, in which bears, deer and turkeys could be secured in lairge numbers. He
was but twenty-nine years of age at the time of his death, while his wife reached the
age of sixty years. She married again, becoming the wife of H. P. Herd and by her
first marriage she had three children, the eldest of whom died in infancy, the others
being: John S. and Stephen S., but the latter died at the age of twenty-one years. By
her second marriage she had one child. Belle, who is the widow of W. F. Mayfield, of
White county. Both Mr. and Mrs, Pierce belonged to the Baptist church and endeavored
at all times closely to follow its teachings, while politically he gave his support to the
democratic party. His father was a factor in the pioneer development of different
localities. He was Stephen Pierce, a native of Tennessee, who emigrated to Illinois,
where he owned land and carried on farming, removing to that state soon after the
Civil war and spending his remaining days there. The maternal grandfather of John S.
Pierce was Jacob Womack connected with one of the old and honored pioneer families
of this state.

John S. Pierce attended the subscription schools in his boyhood days. He walked
five and a half miles to receive instruction in a little log schoolhouse, seated with split
log benches, while the curriculum consisted of little more than the "three R's." Moreover,
he could pursue his studies tor only about two months in the year, as he remained on
the home farm with his mother and assisted her in its development and improvement.
Following her death he went to Tennessee, where he was employed at farm labor for
four years, on the expiration of which period he returned to White county and here did
contract work in making wagon spokes. He also manufactured staves and sold log
timber and piling. Eventually he entered the livestock business, buying and selling
horses and cattle at Russell. He likewise became a factor in merc.uitile circles at
Russell, where he owned and conducted a store for three different periods. He also
owned farm land and at one time he operated the Pierce and Moore ranch, devoted to

214 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

the raising of iiogs and cattle. He now specializes in strawberries and cotton and the
land which he owns is particularly adaptable to the cultivation of strawberries.

Mr. Pierce has been married twice and by his first marriage had one child, Earnest F.,
now living in New Mexico. He afterward wedded Hannah Cunningham, a native of
Indiana and a daughter of William Cunningham, a railroad man and a merchant of
Bradford. There have been six children born of the second marriage, two of whom died
in infancy, the others being: W. S., a livestock man of Russell; J. W., who follows
farming in White county; Mary A. and Lela. both at home. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce belong
to the Methodist Episcopal church. South, in which he is serving as steward. They take
an active interest in all of the church work and do everything in their power to promote
its growth and extend its influence. Mr. Pierce is a Blue Lodge Mason and in politics
he is a democrat. He has served as school director and is interested in all thit pertains
to the material, intellectual, social and moral progress of his community. His life has
been actuated by high and honorable principles and those who know aught of his career
speak of him in terms of the. warmest regard, because he has ever been faithful to his
profession, loyal in citizenship, reliable and progressive in business.

B. ALLEN HANCOCK.

B. Allen HEncock, of El Dorado, who is serving as sheriff of Union county, was born
near the old town of Marysville on the 6th of April. 1ST2. and was reared to farm life,
early becoming acquainted with the bast methods of tilling the soil and caring for the
crops. His educational ♦privileges were limited to the opportunities afforded by the
common schools. He attended through the .winter seasons, working on the farm through
the summer months, and remained on the old homestead until twenty-two years of age,
when he went to Texas, where he was employed as a cowboy on the range. He devoted
three years to work of that character and then returned to Columbia county, Arkansas,
near Atlanta, where he was again engaged in farm work for a period of five years, and
in addition to the cultivation of his land he carried on merchandising in Atlanta. In
1906 he removed to El Dorado, where he has conducted a general merchandise store and
later a hardware store. He also has engaged in buying and selling horses and mules,
following this business for a number of years. He has always led a life of activity
and his energy and determination have constituted the salient qualities on which he
has builded the success that has come to him.

Mr. Hancock has filled a number of public positions. He was city marshal of
EI Dorado from 1912 until 1915 and in 1920 he was elected to the office of sheriff of
Union county, taking up the duties of the position on the 1st of January, 1921. He is
now making an excellent record by the prompt and fearless manner in which he is
promoting the cause of justice through the apprehension of criminals. Aside from this
he has oil interests and land interests in Arkansas, being connected with the Stewart
Oil Company. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished and his life should
serve to inspire and encourage others, showing what can be done when the individual
is industrious and ambitious.

Mr. Hancock was married December 23, 1904, to Mrs. Mary Lee McBride. He
belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and its teachings have guided him in all the
relations of life. He is well known in Arkansas, where he has gained a large circle of
friends, all of whom speak of him in terras of high regard.

J. E. DARR.

J. E. Darr, an enterprising merchant of Atkins, is today the oldest native born
resident of the city. Here his birth occurred October 17, 1870, his parents being James F.
and Mary Jane (Hearne) Darr. The father was born in Lincoln county. North Carolina,
on the 3d of June, 1841, and died August 7, 1894. His father, who was born in North
Carolina, died in that state, and the mother, Mrs. Ann Darr, afterward came to Ar-
kansas. It was in the year 1858 that James F. Darr arrived in Pope county and
settled on a farm. He purchased considerable land and added to his holdings from
time to time until he had large property interests in this part of the state. He also
engaged in merchandising and was conducting a store at the time of his demise. He
started out in the world empty-handed but by persistent effort and unfaltering energy
worked his way steadily upward and became one of the prosperous residents of his
section of the state. In early manhood he joined the Confederate army and served for
four years with the southern troops, being twice wounded during that period. He

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 215

was always a democrat in his political views and he served as the first mayor of Atkins.
Fraternally he was connected with the Knights of Pythias. It was near Atkins in
1867 that he wedded Mary Jane Hearne, who was born December 5, 1S49, a daughter
of Joshua Hearne, who was born in South Carolina and was one of the pioneer settlers
of Arkansas. His people came originally from Ireland, while the Darr family was of
Scotch lineage. Mrs. Mary J. Darr died May 21, 1920, and during her life was a member
of the Methodist Episcopal chui-ch. Like her husband she enjoyed the high esteem and
goodwill cf many friends throughout this part of the state. They became the parents
of nine children, of whom four are living: J. E.; W. E., who Is a farmer of Atkins;
R. W., a physician, practicing in Atkins; and Irl R., who is a merchant engaged in
business with his brother, J. E. Darr.

The public school system of Atkins afforded J. E. Darr his educational opportunities.
His early business training was received in his father's store — in fact, he has been
connected with the store from the age of eleven years. The business is now conducted
under the firm style of Darr & Darr, the brothers carrying an extensive line of general
merchandise and conducting a large and profitable business. Together they also own
fifteen hundred acres of land, which they have acquired since the father's death. They
are men of marked business enterprise, displaying almost intuitive wisdom in the con-
duct of their affairs and their determination and diligence are the substantial qualities
which have brought to them well earned success. J. E. Darr devotes his entire time
to his store and his farm. He and his brother also buy cotton and handled about twenty-
five hundred bales in 1920. Their store is a commodious and well stocked establishment
and they have a large business, which is the merited reward of their close application and
sound judgment.

On the 22d of April, 1894, J. E. Darr was married to Miss Susie Nugent, who was
born in Toronto, Canada, in 1871, a daughter of Joseph Nugent, who removed to Canada
from Ireland in 1868 and in 1873 brought his family to Arkansas, his daughter, Mjrs.
Darr, being then but two years of age. He was a farmer and also operated a ferry in
this state. Mr. and Mrs. Darr have become parents of two children: Leta, who was
graduated from Galloway College at Searcy, Arkansas, and from the Bush Conservatory
of Music in Chicago, is now head of the music department in the public schools of
Atkins; Alta is the wife of Thomas A. Watkins, president of the Bank of Searcy at
Searcy, Arkansas. She was also graduated from Galloway College at Searcy and from
the Bush Conservatory in Chicago. She became a teacher of voice and had taught for
two terms in Galloway when she met Mr. Watkins and was married. Mrs. Darr and
her daughters are members of the .Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Darr is a Mason,
also a Knight of Pythias and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He
has filled all of the offices in the Knights of Pythias lodge and he is at all times fiithful
to the teachings and high purposes of these different fraternal societies. In politics he
is a democrat and has served as mayor of Atkins, loyally advocating every plan that has
to do with the city's upbuilding. He is widely recognized as a most public-spirited man"
and one whose entire record is a credit to one of the most honored family names in this
section of the state. His worth is widely acknowledged as he has long been a dynamic
factor in the business development of Pope county, nor has he ever been unmindful of
the duties and obligations of citizenship. On the contrary his support has been a valued
asset in public progress and he belongs to that class of men who have been most active
in upholding the civic, legal and moral standards of the community.

ERWIN ROLLER.

The development and upbuilding of every community depends not alone upon one
line of activity but upon the combined efforts of many men of enterprise who control
various phases of business, all of which are essential to the welfare and well-being of a
community. In this connection, therefore, mention should be made of Erwin Koller,
who is the senior partner in the Koller-McKim Plumbing Company of Fort Smith. Mr.
Koller is a native of Switzerland and spent the first fourteen years of his life in the
land of the Alps, after which he came to America, attracted by the broader business
opportunities which he believed he might secure on this side of the Atlantic. Arriving
in the new world in 1884, he worked for a time in a grocery store and afterward learned
the machinist's trade at Fort Smith. He was employed for a period in St. Louis and
then returned to Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he secured a position with the Electric
Light & Power Company. Each experience that came to him brought to him wider
knowledge of business conditions and activities and step by step he has advanced,
utilizing fully the opportunities which have been his. In 1907 he established a gas
appliance store and in 1910 formed a partnership with Paul McKim, opening a plumbing

21G CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

department in connection with the other business. Their present establisliment is
located at No. 16 North Seventh street, where they have one of the most complete display
rooms of its kind in this part of the state. They handle gas appliances, furnaces and
plumbing fixtures, do all kinds of plumbing and steamfitting and are agents for the
Round Oak furnaces and also for the American radiators. Their business has assumed
extensive and gratifying proportions. They are expert workmen in their line and they
have thus secured many important contracts of this character and have rendered valuable
service in the field of their chosen labor.

Mr. Roller was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Graber and they have become
parents of three children, as follows: Cecllea, Edwin and Robert.

Mr. Roller has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new
world, for here he found the opportunities which he sought and in their utilization has
steadily advanced. His position is now a gratifying one in connection with the in-
dustrial and commercial interests of Port Smith and whatever success he has achieved
is attributable entirely to his own labors and careful management.

THO.MAS E. SANDERS, M. D.

Dr. Thomas E. Sanders, actively and successfully engaged in the practice of medicine
in Hot Springs, was born in Beebe, Arkansas, on the 13th of December, 1880. His father,
A. F. Sanders, a native of Alabama, was also a physician and in 1886 came to Hot Springs,
where he continued in the practice of his profession to the time of his death in 1906.
He was a veteran of the Civil war, having joined the Confederate army when a youth
of but fourteen years. He belonged to the Rnights of Pythias lodge and was highly
esteemed by those with whom he was brought into contact through social or professional
relations.

Dr. Thomas E. Sanders was a lad of but six years when brought by his parents to
Hot Springs and here he attended the public schools, while after completing his high
school course he became a student in the Arkansas State University, graduating there-
from with the class of 1901. Whether natural predilection, environment or inherited
tendency had most to do with his choice of a profession it is perhaps impossible to
determine, but at any rate he entered upon the field of labor for which nature seemed
to have aptly adapted him. He determined to follow in the footsteps of his father and
read medicine under his direction for a time, while later he entered Tulane University
at New Orleans, Louisiana, as a medical student and was graduated therefrom with
the class of 1905. He then put his theoretical knowledge to the practical test by serving
as interne in the Charity Hospital at New Orleans and there gained that broad and
valuable knowledge which hospital practice and experience bring. He afterwards re-
turned to Hot Springs and became associated with his father in practice, the partnership
continuing until the father's death. Since that time Dr. Sanders has practiced in-
dependently and has steadily advanced by reason of his merit and skill to a point in
the front rank of the able physicians of the city. His practice Is now extensive and
of an important character and the results which he secures well entitle him to the
enviable reputation that he now bears.

Dr. Sanders was married to Miss Ethel Hallman, a daughter of Dr. Hallman, and
they now have two sons: Hallman, who is twelve years of age; and Carl, a lad of seven.
The parents are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church and along strictly
professional lines Dr. Sanders is connected with the County, State and American Medical
Associations. He served as city health officer in 1914 and 1915. He is keenly interested
in everything that tends to bring to man the key to the complex mystery which we
call life. His reading and study have covered a wide field and he at all times keeps
in touch with the trend of modern professional thought, investigation and progress.

J. Z. SEXTON, M .D.

Dr. J. Z. Sexton, a leading representative of the medical fraternity of Siloam Springs,
has a thorough knowledge of his profession and through close study and practical ex-
perience has gained the skill which brings to his work the utmost possibility of accuracy
in results. He was born in Smith county, Virginia, July 31, 1871, a son of Le Grand
and Catherine (Korff) Sexton. The father was a native of Winchester, Virginia, and
always remained a resident of that state, followed the occupation of farming and also
engaging in merchandising. When a young man of thirty years he enlisted as a soldier
in the Confederate army and served throughout the period of the Civil war. Mrs. Sexton

CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 217

was born in Washington, D. C, and acquired lier education in tlie Convent of tlie Visi-
tation at Georgetown, D. C. Owing to the illness of a half brother, who was serving
in the Confederate army, she took up the profession of nursing, which she continued
to follow throughout the Civil war, performing important, self-sacrificing service, and
it was while acting in this capacity that she met Mr. Sexton. For a time she was
connected with the treasury department of the Confederate government and was thus
active at the time of Sherman's memorable march to the sea. She was with Jefferson
Davis, president of the Southern Confederacy, in St. Paul's church, when General Lee
sent word that the city of Richmond, Virginia, should be evacuated, and was present
during the burning of the city, losing all of her clothing except the garments which
she wore. She sought safety in the Federal Hospital and aided in nursing the northern
soldiers. After her marriage she returned to Virginia and continued a resident of
that state until after her husband's death. She then went to Washington, D. C, where
she lived for a number of years, but later returned to Virginia, dying in that state in
1919. She was at one time connected with Sullins College at Bristol, Tennessee, organ-
izing the kindergarten department of that institution. She was a prominent member
of the Daughters of the Confederacy and her life was a noble and self-sacrificing one,
devoted to the interests of others. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Sexton were six
children: Jennie, the wife of Dr. N. H. Reeve, a leading physician of Bristol, Tennessee;
Moses, a well-known druggist of Washington, D. C: J. Z., of this review; Mattie, who
is unmarried and also resides in Washington; Paul, who is connected with the govern-
ment service and resides in the nation's capital, and Kathryn, who is unmarried and also
makes her home in Washington. Mrs. Sexton was a Catholic in religious faith, and her
husband was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. South, and he was a demo-
crat in his political views. His father, Aaron Sexton, was born in Massachusetts and
removed to Virginia prior to the outbreak of the Civil war. The maternal grandfather,
Herman Korff, was a refugee of Russian Poland, who sought shelter in the United States
in order to avoid religious and political persecution. For a time he resided in Wash-
ington, D. C, but became a victim of tuberculosis and died in Cuba. He was of royal
birth, the Sexton family being originally members of the English nobility, bearing a
coat-ot-arms.

In the acquirement of an education Dr. Sexton attended the public schools of
Washington, D. C, and the Catholic School of Georgetown, now known as the George-
town University, subsequently becoming a student in the medical department of
Vanderbilt University at Nashville, Tennessee, from which he was graduated with the
class of 1897. For a time he served as interne in a hospital and then took up the work
of his profession in Indian Territory, where he remained for a year. In 1900 he arrived
in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, where he has since resided, and in the intervening period
of twenty-one years has built up a large practice. He has ever remained a close
student of his profession and pursued a three months' postgraduate course in Chicago,
while for four months he was occupied in similar work in New York city, thus augment-
ing his knowledge and skill.

In 1899 Dr. Sexton was united in marriage to Miss Ada Pegues, a native of Siloam
Springs and a daughter of Robert Pegues, who for thirty years was numbered among
the leading druggists of this locality. Two children have been bom of this union:
Ruth, who married T. B. Boyd, a citizen of Waco, Texas, and Paul, who is attending
school.

Dr. and Mrs. Sexton are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and
his political allegiance is given to the democratic party. Fraternally he is identified
with the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of Rogers,
Arkansas, and the professional connections are with the Benton County and Arkansas
State Medical Societies and the American Medical Association. He utilizes every
possible opportunity to promote his knowledge and increase his efficiency, and he
enjoys the respect of his professional colleagues and also of the general public.

RAY ANDERSON.

Ray Anderson, cashier of the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Green Forest, was
born on a farm near the city in which he still makes his home, his natal day being
October 26, 1891. He is a son of Columbus and Alice (Johnson) Anderson, the former
born in Carroll county, Arkansas, while the latter is a native of Illinois. The grand-
father, Abner J. M. Anderson, was a native of North Carolina and removed to Arkansas
in the '30s, settling in Carroll county, where his remaining days were devoted to the
occupation of farming and stock raising. He was in the Federal army during the Civil
war. He had several brothers, all of whom were with the Confederate forces, two serving

218 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

with the rank of captain, but Mr. Anderson believed in the righteousness of the Union
cause and remained a loyal follower of the stars and stripes. The maternal grand-
father of Ray Anderson was Presley Johnson, who was born near Ciiro, Illinois, and
became a resident of Carroll county, Arkansas, in the 'SOs. Here he spent his remaining
days, his death occurring in 1910. The marriage of Columbus Anderson and Alice
Johnson was celebrated in Carroll county and the father has here followed the occupa-
tion of farming and stock raising, winning a substantial measure of success through
the capable management of his business affairs. He has always given his political
allegiance to the republican party. His wife is a member of the Baptist church, and
sterling worth has gained (or both of them the high respect of all with whom they have
been brought in contact. They have become parents of three children: Ray, Julia, at
home, and Tom, who is married and lives upon the home farm.

Ray Anderson acquired his early education in the public schools of his native
county and afterward attended the University of Arkansas for one term. His first
occupation after starting out in life independently was that of farming, and in 1916
he became identified with the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Green Forest, in which
institution he was made cashier in 1917. This bank is capitalized for ten thousand
dollars, has a surplus and undivided profits of sixty-seven hundred dollars and average
deposits of one hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Anderson is proving a capable official,
obliging and courteous to the patrons of the bank and at the same time carefully safe-
guarding the interests of stockholders and depositors alike.

In 1912 Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Gertrude Stafford, a daughter of John
Stafford, a prominent farmer and stock raiser residing near Green Forest. Her father
served for two terms in the state legislature. Mrs. Anderson is a member of the
Christian church, and Mr. Anderson is a Royal Arch Mason. He has passed through all
of the chairs in the local lodge and is a faithful follower of the teachings of the craft.
Politically he has been a republican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise,
but the honors and emoluments of office have had little attraction tor him, as he has
always preferred to concentrate his attention upon his business interest, and along
this line has made steady progress.

SETH C. REYNOLDS.

Seth C. Reynolds is a successful and well-known attorney of Ashdown, where he
has remained an active representative of the bar during the past fourteen years. A
native son of Arkansas, he was born at Cascade Springs, now Naylcr, in Faulkner
county, on the 12th of May, 1878. His youth was spent on a farm in that vicinity
and his early education was acquired in the public school at Naylor and in the high
school at Rover, while subsequently he entered Hendrix College, from which he was
graduated in 1904. He also spent one summer as a student in the University of Michigan
at Ann Arbor and later entered the University of Arkansas, in which institution he
completed his law course by graduation in 1907. The same year he was admitted to
practice in the supreme court, while two years later he was admitted to the federal
courts. Prior to and during the period of his college course he engaged in teaching school
at intervals through a period of thirteen years, and won an enviable reputation as an
educator, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired.
After qualifying for law practice he took up his abode at Ashdown, where he has
remained continuously since and has built up a clientage of most gratifying proportions
and importance. He practiced independently until July, 1919, when he formed a part-
nership with A. P. Steel, with whom he was associated as senior partner in the firm
of Reynolds & Steel until January, 1922. It is characteristic of him that he always
gives his best efforts to a client, regardless of the standing of those who employ him,
for he is no respecter of persons and money does not swerve him in the leist from his
path of duty as a lawyer. His briefs are ever splendidly prepared and his presentation of
a cause is clear and logical. Aside from his professional interests he owns a farm of
eight hundred and forty acres in Little River county.

On the 21st of August, 190S, Mr. Reynolds was united in marriage to Miss Nelle
McCrary, and they occupy an enviable social position in the community in which they
make their home. Mr. Reynolds is a democrat in his political views, and in 1920 was
sent as an alternate delegate at large to the democratic national convention in San
Francisco. He is a devoted and consistent member of the Methodist church and takes
an active and helpful part in its work, having served for eighteen years as superintendent
of the Sunday school. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. During the period of the World war he served as secretary of the Little River
County Chapter of the Red Cross, while during three of the Liberty Loan drives he

CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OP ARKANSAS 219

acted as chairman of the speakers' bureau in Little River county. He was likewise
chairman of the legal advisory board of Little River county during the entire period of
hostilities between the United States and Germany. His aid and influence are ever
found on the side of right, reform, progress and improvement, and he has long been
numbered among the leading lawyers and highly esteemed citizens of southwestern
Arkansas.

WILLIAM M. GARNER, M. D.

Dr. William M. Garner, an active and successful representative of the medical
fraternity at Hope, is numbered among the worthy native sons of Arkansas, his birth
having occurred in Crawford county, this state, on the 16th of May, 1S83. He was
reared on a farm and supplemented his early education, which was obtained in a country
school, by a high school course at Van Buren. When nineteen years of age he taught
school during one summer term. Having determined to become a physician, he entered
the medical department of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and following his
graduation from that institution spent the years of 1906 and 1907 as an interne in the
City Hospital of Little Rock. He then opened an office at Catcher, this state, but a
few months later removed to Dean Springs, where he remained for a year and a half,
after which he spent six months as a medical practitioner of Uniontown. Subsequently
he was identified with the Nashville Lumber Company of Nashville for two years, and
in 191S entered the medical department of the United States army as first lieutenant,
doing hospital duty at Fort Riley, Kansas, for ninety days. On the expiration of his
military service he opened an office at Hope, where he has since been engaged in the
general practice of medicine and surgery with gratifying success, the number of his
patients steadily increasing as he has demonstrated his professional skill and ability.
He keeps in close touch with the most advanced thought and work of the profession
through his membership in the Hempstead County Medical Society, the Arkansas State
Medical Society, the Southern Medical Association and the American Medical Association.

Dr. Garner wedded Miss Maude Daly and they have become the parents of three
children, namely: Fern L., Mary, who passed away at the age of five years, and one
who died in infancy. Fraternally the Doctor is identified with the Masons and the
Odd Fellows, while his religious faith is that of the Baptist church. He conforms to the
highest standard of professional ethics and is most conscientious in the performance of
his professional duties, so that his reputation is an enviable one and his practice has
extensive proportions.

W. L. SHIREY, M. D.

Texarkana has every reason to be proud of the medical profession represented within
her borders. They are men of capability and worth, holding to high standards, and at
all times they are keeping in touch with the trend of modern professional thought and
progress. In this connection mention should be made of Dr. W. L. Shirey, who was
born in Jonesboro, Arkansas, on the 30th of November, 1867. There he was reared
and educated, attending the public schools and the Jonesboro Academy. He began
reading medicine when nineteen years of age and in early manhood he also worked
in a drug store, thus earning the money that enabled him to pursue his college course.
He afterward matriculated in the University of Tennessee as a medical student and
was there graduated with the class of 1895. Soon afterward he located for practice at
Foreman, Arkans'^s, where he remained until March, 1921, when he came to Texarkana.
He had successfully followed his profession in Foreman and already he has gained a
good practice since coming to Texarkana. He is most careful in the diagnosis of his
cases and his ability is recognized by his contemporaries and colleagues in the profession.

On the 26th of September, 18S8, Dr. Shirey was married to Miss Alice M. Allen of
Clay county, Arkansas, and they have become the parents of two children: Dr. Guy O.
Shirey, who is now practicing at Fort Worth, and Fay, the wife of F. A. Perrot, of
Arkansas. The son was in the service during the World war, being a member of the
first expedition that left Texas. He was commissioned a lieutenant in the Medical
Corps and was first aid on General Bullard's staff. In May, 1917, he went overseas and
remained in France until December, 1918, returning with the rank of lieutenant colonel,
his promotions being indicative of the splendid service which he rendered to his
country.

Dr. W. L. Shirey also joined the army as a member of the Medical Corps in 1918,

220 CP:XTEXXIAL history of ARKx\XSAS

and with the rank of captain was on duty at the base hospital at Fort Oglethorpe. He
belongs to the Masonic fraternity, having become a Consistory Mason and member of the
Mystic Shrine. He is also identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and
is a member of the Episcopal church. Along strictly professional lines he has member-
ship in the Miller County Medical Society and the Arkansas State Medical Society, and
is thus conversant with all of the latest researches and discoveries of the profession,
while wide reading is constantly broadening his knowledge, and from experience, too,
he learns many valuable lessons.

JAMES A. FOLTZ, M. D , F. A. C. S.

Dr. James A. Foltz, a physician and surgeon of Fort Smith, who has developed
marked efficiency and skill in his chosen profession and now enjoys an extensive prac-
tice, was born in Memphis, Tennessee. March 24, 1878. and is a son of J. K. and Mary
(Rathell) Foltz. At the time of the Civil war the father joined the Federal army and
served in defense of the Union with the rank of captain, while Mary Rathell was the
daughter of Colonel Rathell, who commanded a regiment of Confederate troops during
the Civil war.

James A. Foltz pursued his education in the public schools of his native city, and
after mastering the work of the high school continued his education in Tulane University
of New Orleans. Louisiana. He was but three years of age when his parents removed
with their family to Fort Smith, taking up their abode in this city in 1881, When he
had completed his studies in Tulane University he took up postgraduate work in Harvard
College and also attended the New York medical colleges and hospitals for further
preparation in his profession. Returning to Fort Smith, he has here engaged in
practice, making a specialty of surgery. In 1903 he was made chief surgeon of the Fort
Smith & Western and the St. Louis, El Reno & Western Railroads, two years later
was appointed division surgeon of the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad, and subse-
quently was appointed surgeon of the Fort Smith Light & Traction Company. All of
these positions he still holds. For two terms he served as president of the Sebastian
County Medical Society, was at one time president of the Tenth Council or District
Medical Society of Arkansas and in the Medical Association of the Southwest acted as
chairman of the section on surgery.

In 1903 Dr. Foltz was united in marriage to Miss Janie Price, and they are well
known in the social circles of Fort Smith, the hospitality of the best homes being most
freely accorded them, while the good cheer of their own household is greatly enjoyed
by their many friends. During the World war Dr. Foltz acted as chairman of the
district medical service of the Red Cross. The cause of education has ever found in
him a stalwart champion and he has taken great interest therein, having served as a
member of the board of education for eight years. He is a fellow of the American
College of Surgeons and he concentrates his efforts and attention wholly upon his
professional duties, fully realizing the obligations and responsibilities that devolve
upon him in this connection. In everything that pertains to professional advancement
he keeps abreast with the best thinking men of the age and his study, investigation
and experience have brought him prominently to the front in surgical work in Arkansas.

BYRD COLLINS ROCKWELL.

Byrd Collins Rockwell, organizer and general manager of the Rockwell Manufacturing
Company, of Camden, manufacturers of the kasement skrene dores and kasement skrene
dore hardware, has in this connection developed one of the important productive indus-
tries of his section of the state. The business has grown to substantial proportions under
the careful management and wise direction of the founder, who has placed upon the
market goods that meet a popular demand and which merit the best that can be
said for them. Mr. Rockwell came to the south from the state of New York, his birth
having occurred in Watkins Glenn, April 1, 1866, his parents being Byron B. and Belle
(Chamberlain) Rockwell, the former also a native of the Empire state, while the
latter was born in Maryland. The father spent his life in connection with the lumber
business, as had his father before him. In the year 1844 the grandfather Rockwell
removed with his family to the lumber regions of Michigan, but subsequently returned
to the state of New York, where the later years of his life were passed. Byron B.
Rockwell, on reaching adult age, engaged in the sawmill and lumber business, and about
1870 came west, operating in northern Indiana and southern Michigan, where he had

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 221

extensive timber holdings. He died in Goslien, Indiana, in tlie year 1907, being a
resident of that place at the time. He was a veteran of the Civil war, having served as
captain of Company E. Twelfth Infantry, U. S. A., which was the first Federal command
to enter Little Rock. He was at De Vails Bluff at the time of Lee's surrender, after
which he returned to his former home in Xiles. Michigan. His death was the first
in a family which included himself, his wife and nine children. All of the children
are still living, with one exception. The mother survives and is now hale and
hearty, although in lier eightieth year. For the past three years she has had her
second sight. The great-grandmother of Byrd C. Rockwell in the maternal line
lived to the notable old age of one hundred and five years, and at ninety years
of age she gained her second sight. The grandparents in the paternal line lived
to the ages of ninety-one and ninety-two years, respectively. History tells us that
George Washington met the woman who was later his wife in the home of the
maternal great-great-grandfather Chamberlain.

Byrd C. Rockwell, the eldest in his father's family of nine children, pursued a
high school course in Goshen, Indiana, and in his youthful days started out to provide
for his own support by entering the employ of the I. X. L. Pump, Lumber & Manu-
facturing Company of that place. He continued in active association with that company
for a period of fifteen years, rising from a humble position to that of superintendent
of the business. His powers developed through the exercise of effort and his life history
is proof of the fact that activity does not tire, but on the contrary develops resistance
and force.

In 1900 Mr. Rockwell came to Arkansas, settling at Malvern, where he was made
general superintendent of the Owoso Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of screen
doors. With this business he was identified for tour years. In 1904 he organized the
Rockwell Manufacturing Company of Malvern, devoted to the manufacture of screen
doors, and was made president and general manager of the company. In 1910 this
business was sold to the trust, and in 1912 Mr. Rockwell came to Camden and organized
the Rockwell Manufacturing Company. Prior to the entry of the United States into
the World war the company confined its activities to the manufacture of screen doors
and screen door hardware, but since the United States joined the allied forces in the
effort to advance world democracy the company of which Mr. Rockwell is the head has
been extensively engaged in the manufacture of special crates. This crate was designed
by Mr. Rockwell for the sweet potato industry and is known as the Dixa Crate.
Notwithstanding the fact that it costs thirty per cent more than other crates put
upon the market by other manufacturers, it has been adopted and is being extensively —
in fact, almost exclusively — used by the Arkansas Sweet Potato Growers Association.
To the trade Mr. Rockwell is known as a mechanical genius, and many valuable patents
are the product of his brain. In addition to his mechanical skill and ingenuity he
possesses executive force and administrative ability that have enabled him wisely and
successfully to direct the operations of the plants owned by the companies with which
he has been identified.

In 1S99 Mr. Rockwell was married to Miss Olive D. Behymer of Kansas City,
Missouri, and they have become parents of five children, four of whom are living:
Louis, Olive. Mary and Helen, all at home. Mr. Rockwell is a member of Goshen Lodge,
No. 798, B. P. 0. E., of Goshen, Indiana. He also belongs to the Hoo Hoos, the national
order of lumbermen, and he is identified with the Camden Chamber of Commerce.
He takes an active and helpful interest in civic affairs and his cooperation can be
counted upon to advance and support any plan or interest that is looking to the benefit
and welfare of the community. He and his wife are members of the Episcopal church,
and their sterling traits of character have established them high in public regard. As
a business man and as a citizen Mr. Rockwell occupies an enviable position and his life
record should serve as a stimulating example to others, showing what can be accom-
plished through individual ability and merit.

W. TERRY PEILD.

W. Terry Feild. a consulting engineer of Little Rock, with offices in the Gazette
building, was born February 17, 1880, in the city which is still his home. His parents,
Talbot and Annie (Terry) Feild. resided for many years in the capital city. The
father was here born in 18.58 and devoted his life to the occupation of farming. He
gave his political allegiance to the democratic party-, and he died in the year 1883.
His wife, who was born in North Carolina in 1858, survived him for only a brief period,
her death occurring in 1884. They were married May 17, 1878, in Little Rock, and their
family numbered twin sons and three daughters.

222 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

In the acquirement of his education W. Terry Feild attended the public schools of
Little Rock to the age of fourteen years, when he started out in the business world.
Later realizing the value and advantage of further educational training, he became a
student in the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and there won his degree of
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering in 1906, while later the degree of Mechanical
Engineer was conferred upon him. In 1909 he did postgraduate work in Fayetteville,
and all through his college lourse he paid his own way, his industry and determination
enabling him to carry out plans for the acquirement of his education. He has since
become widely recognized as an able consulting engineer and he is now associated in
practice with Colonel John R. Fordyce of Hot Springs under the firm style of Fordyce
& Feild. Their Little Rock office is maintained in the Gazette building and their practice
is constantly growing in volume and importance. By reason of his professional ability
Mr. Feild was able to render most valuable aid to the government during the World
war period. In September, 1917, he entered the employ of the American Car & Foundry
Compuny, which had a government contract to manufiicture high explosive shells. Mr.
Feild was made construction engineer for the erection of the 155 MM. shell plant at
Depew, New York. In October, 1918, Mr. Feild was sent to St. Louis in charge of two
similar plpnts of much larger capacity. ere:ted at a cost of fifteen million dollars. Mr.
Feild did all the work of arranging these two plants to get them ready for operation. He
continued in St. Louis until December. 1918. and then returned to Detroit, where until
May, 1919, he was engaged in preparin", estimates for the government of the cost of
restoring the plants to the original owners. Since the latter date he has resided in
Little Rock, pursuing his profession, and is now engaged in the task of assisting to place
a valuation upon the property and plant of the Little Rock Street Railway Company. He
has also been engaged in similar work in Detroit, in Kansas City and in Washington,
D. C, and the fact that he has been called to various cities throughout the country is
an indication of his expert ability in his chosen field of labor.

On the 29th of March, 1915, Mr. Feild was married to Miss Nolle Trimble^ who was
born in Lonoke. Lonoke county, Arkansas, December 10, 1892, and is a daughter of
Judge Thomas Clark Trimble, who is a native of Alabama and in 1878 became a resident
of Lonoke, where he is still engaged in the practice of law. Mrs. Feild attended the
Ranflolph-Macon College, also the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and is a graduate
of the mus'c department of the University of Arkansas. Mr. and Mrs. Feild now have
one child, Terry Trimble, born April 11. 1919.

The parents are members of Christ Episcopal church and Mr. Feild is a Master
Mason. He also belongs to the Sigma Nu, a college fraternity. His political allegiance
is given to the democratic party and in m3tters of progressive citizenship he has always
stood one hundred per cent. He volunteered for service in the World war before
entering upon government construction work, but was rejected for field duty. His
entire time and energies are now concentrated upon professional interests and he is
the secretary of the Little Rock Engineers Club, a member of the American Society of
Mechanical Engineers and he also belongs to the Kiwanis Club.

CHARLES D. HYTEN.

Charles D. Hyten, originator and manufacturer of the Niloak pottery, has thus
developed in Benton one of the important manufacturing interests of Arkansas. He has
entered upon a unique field and his labors have found recognition in many of the leiding
art centers of America and among the connoisseurs of ceramic art. Mr. Hyten, who is
at the head of this enterprise, was born in Benton on the 14th of March, 1877, and is a
son of John F. and Hattie E. (Brown) Hyten, the former a native of Indiana, while the
latter was born in Iowa. The father acquired a college education in Greencastle, Indiana,
and when a youth of but sixteen years enlisted in an Indiana regiment for service in the
Union army during the Civil war, remaining at the front throughout the entire period of
hostilities between the north and the south. He returned to the Hoosier st^te when the
war was ended but subsequently removed to Boone, Iowa, where he learned the potter's
trade. While there residing he was married to Hattie E. Brown, with whom he traveled
life's journey for many years. Some time later they made their way to Callaway
county, Missouri, where Mr. Hyten engaged in the pottery business, manufacturing
jars, churns and a general line of stoneware. It was about 1875 or 1876 that he
came to Benton, Arkansas, for the benefit of his health and while here he noticed the
splendid clay deposits in the neighborhood and again took up the manufacture of
stoneware. He continued the business with a considerable measure of success for
several years, but it was not until some time after that the business was developed
into one of the important productive industries of this section of the state. His

CHAELES D. HYTEN

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 225

service as a soldier of the Civil war left him in impaired health and after a few
years' residence in Arkansas he died, in the fall of 1881. His widow afterward became
the wife of Prank Woosley and they now reside in Springfield, Ohio.

Charles D. Hyten, whose name introduces this review, acquired his education in
the Benton public schools and after his father's death he worked in connection
with the pottery business, which was carried on under the management of Mr.
Woosley, who afterward married Mrs. Hyten. In 1896 the business was acquired
by Charles D. Hyten and his two brothers, Paul and Lee Hyten, and conducted by
them for about two years. At the end of that time the brothers withdrew, after which
Mr. Hyten carried on the business alone. Up to this time the manufacture of pottery
had been conducted in but a desultory fashion. Charles D. Hyten, rather too young
to manage the business and with little capital, rented the plant where stoneware was
made and worked as a journeyman potter. It was not until 1902 that he took over
the business, which still was that of manufacturing stoneware, and for seven years
that continued to be the output of the plant. It was in 1909 that Mr. Hyten began
experimenting in the manufacture of pottery. He combined the clays of different
colors, mixing them on the potter's wheel almost at random, and thus the first
piece of Niloak pottery came into existence, although the name was not adopted until
a year later. The citizens of Arkansas paid little attention to this new product that
was placed upon the market, but travelers in the state, especially those on their way
to and from Hot Springs, saw the pieces of pottery which had been placed on exhibit
in a jeweler's window in Benton and a real market for the beautiful ware began
to develop. In 1911 Mr. Hyten recognized that the demand would soon far outrun
the output and his financial resources. He therefore organized a stock company
known as the Niloak Pottery Company and this was immediately followed by a notable
expansion in the business. In January, 1918, Mr. Hyten became the sole owner
of the plant and its fields of clay and has continued so to the present time. By
1912 the sale of the pottery had become quite extensive. This resulted from the
fact that a connoisseur in pottery visited the plant and saw the product. He was
so enthusiastic over it that he formed a connection with the company and for two
years acted as sales manager throughout the United States. The coloring is perhaps
the greatest charm of the Niloak pottery. From the very nature of the manufacturing
process, in which clays of different colors are mixed, no two pieces ever are the same
as to color pattern. Many useful and handsome designs are produced, including bowls,
vases, candlesticks and wine and water sets. There is no artificial clay put upon
the pottery and the beautiful finish of the first piece ever turned out is still retained.
Mr. Hyten personally superintends every piece of pottery turned out and the output
is now about seventy-five thousand pieces annually. All articles are formed and
perfected by the hand and the eye. In order for a man to be skilled in the art of
turning this ware by hand, he has to start when a youth and continue for many
years. The first step is weighing and kneading the clay into round shape (commonly
called ball) for the potter. Each article requires a certain amount of clay in weight.
All colors are kneaded thoroughly before mixing, for should the different colors
be kneaded together they would gradually mix to the extent of a solid color. All
machinery is run by electricity. When the pottery goes to the kiln it is fired for
from thirty-six to forty-eight hours and the temperature finally is brought up to twenty-
one hundred degrees Fahrenheit, the heat being supplied through natural gas. The
business of the company is constantly growing. There is today a large eastern
trade and the California trade has been said to rival if not surpass the sales in the
east. Extensive shipments have also been made to Canada and to Cuba. Mr. Hyten
owns thirty-five acres of clay banks about two miles from Benton and his plant
in the city consists of a main building forty by one hundred and forty feet, but
he expects soon to erect another of equal size. There are three kilns and there are
storage sheds covering a space of one hundred and fifty feet long by fifty feet wide.
The company employs from fifteen to twenty-five men.

On the 5th of February, 1901, Mr. Hyten was married to Mis Cora Caldwell, a
daughter of Charles and Laura (Crawford) Caldwell of Benton. Her father was a
merchant and traveling man but is now deceased. The mother survives and still
makes her home in Benton. Mr. and Mrs. Hyten have become parents of four
children, but only two are living. Norma Pauline and Mabel Arlene.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Hyten are members of the Presbyterian church and Mr.
Hyten is superintendent of the Sunday school, while in all branches of the church
work they take active and helpful part. Mr. Hyten is a member of Benton Lodge,
A. F. & A. M., has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and is a
loyal follower of the teachings of the craft. Aside from his pottery business he is
a stockholder in the Bank of Benton, also the secretary and treasurer of the South-

Vol. 11—15

22G CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

ern Bauxite Company and is regarded as one o£ the leading and representative
citizens here. He still owns the clay deposits which his father located when the
son was but a year old and in addition he has three other tracts of clay deposits
in this county, the only bodies of such clay known to exist in the entire county.
Mr. Hyten is making steady advance in his chosen vocation, constantly progressing
to higher standards in workmanship and design, and today the Niloak pottery is
known from coast to coast.

L. DEWOODY LYLE.

L.. Dewoody Lyle, filling the office of city attorney at Pine Bluff, was born here in
1S95 and is a son of T. B. and Llnnie (Dewoody) Lyle, who were natives of Lincoln
county, Arkansas, and of luka Springs, Mississippi, respectively. Their family numbered
four children: L. Dewoody, Elizabeth, now the wife of S. L. Ellen; Thomas B., Jr., and
Marshall.

Reared under the parental roof, his boyhood and early youth spent in Pine Blufif,
L. Dewoody Lyle pursued a public school education and afterward in preparation for
his professional career entered the Washington and Lee University, from which he was
graduated with the LL. B. degree in 1917. He then returned to his native city, where
he opened an office and has since engaged in practice save for the period of his services
in the World war. When America became identified with the allies in the effort to
establish world democracy he entered the Army Officers' Training School at Fort Logan
H. Roots, near Little Rock, and was commissioned a second lieutenant. He was
then assigned to Waco, Texas, and with the Thirty-ninth Division went overseas, being
on active duty in France, where he remained for an extended period, being mustered out
with the rank of first lieutenant in April, 1920. In the same year he returned to Pine
Bluff, where he served as deputy prosecuting attorney, and later in the year he was
elected city attorney, which office he has since filled. Although one of the younger
representatives of the bar, he is recognized as an able lawyer, wide-awake, alert,
energetic and possessing a laudable ambition. By reason of these qualities he is making
steady progress in his chosen calling and has most capably conducted various important
cases. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, while
his religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. He is widely known in the city and
that his has been a well spent life is indicated in the fact that many of his stanchsst
friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time.

LEWIS RHOTON.

The legal profession demands not only a high order of ability, but a rare combina-
tion of talent, learning, tact, patience and industry. The successful lawyer must be a
man of well-balanced intellect, thoroughly familiar with the law, with a comprehensive
knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence, possessed of an analytical mind and a
ready grasp of every point that bears in any way upon the questions at issue. Splen-
didly qualified in these particulars. Lewis Rhoton has gained an enviable position at the
Little Rock bar, where he now devotes his attention to the general practice of law,
although his early professional connection with Arkansas was that of a teacher. He
comes to this state from Indiana, his birth having occurred in Henry county. May 13,
1S68, his parents being Franklin and Susanna (Garrett) Rhoton, the former a native
of North Carolina, while the latter was born in Virginia. The father followed farming
throughout the greater part of his active life and for many years was not only a
progressive agriculturist of Henry county, but also one of its leading and valued citizens.
He gave his political support to the democratic party and both he and his wife were
consistent members of the Dunkard church, enjoying the high respect and confidence
of all who knew them. They continued residents of Henry county until called to their
final rest.

Their son, Lewis Rhoton, pursued his early education in the public schools of his
native county and afterward matriculated in the Illinois State Normal School at Normal,
Illinois, being there graduated as a member of the class of 1883. He then turned to the
profession of teaching and secured the position of principal of the high school at
El Paso, Illinois, where he remained until September, 1890. In that year he came to
Little Rock, Arkansas, where he continued his educational work as principal of one
of the ward schools until 1894. He then accepted the appointment to the principalship
of the high school of the city, serving in that capacity for two years. In the meantime

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 227

he had largely devoted his leisure to the study o£ law and in 1894 was graduated from
the law department of the University of Arkansas. In 1896 he took postgraduate work
in the law department of the University of Virginia at Charlottesville, and in December
following opened an office in Little Rock, where he has remained in the active practice
of the profession. Mr. Rhoton, as few men have done, seems to realize the importance
of the profession to which he has devoted his energy, and the fact that justice and
the higher attitude of mercy he often holds in his hands. His reputation as a lawyer
has been won through earnest, honest labor and his standing at the bar is a merited
tribute to his ability. He has held various important positions in' the strict path of
his profession. From 1901 until 1904 he filled the office of deputy prosecuting attorney
of Pulaski county and was afterward elected prosecuting attorney for the sixth judicial
district and so capably and efficiently served that he was reelected in 1906, while in
1908 he was nominated for the third term. He proved a most able prosecutor, standing
at all times for law and justice, and he was active in the prosecution and conviction of
the members of the legislature of 1905 who were indicted for bribery in connection with
the legislation pending before the general assembly of 1905. In June, 190S, he resigned
the office of prosecuting attorney and surrendered the nomination for a third term,
although such nomination was equivalent to an election. Since then he has given his
undivided- time and attention to the private practice of law and has a clientage of
notably large and distinctive character. In November, 1908, he was appointed assistant
general attorney for the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railway Company, of
which he became general attorney in the succeeding year, remaining as the incumbent
in the office until January 1, 1910, when he resigned that he might give his undivided
attention to his private practice. From 1900 until 1906 he was lecturer in the law
department of the University of Arkansas, and the student body and the faculty bore
testimony to the value of his service in this connection.

In 1896 Mr. Rhoton was united in marriage to Miss Bessie Riffel, a native of
Greenville, Ohio, and a daughter of the late James K. Riffel. who was a representative
oitizen of Arkansas. Mr. and Mrs. Rhoton have two children: Riffel Garrett and Bayard
Francis, the former born in 1S99 and the latter in 1904. The elder son was graduated in
1915 from the Little Rock high school and in 1918 from the Annapolis Naval Academy,
at which time he was commissioned a lieutenant and assigned to the destroyer Allen.
He thus served until November, 1918. The naval base of operations of the Allen was
at Queenstown, Ireland, and when the war was over he was assigned to the battleship
Mississippi, on which he is now doing duty.

Mr. Rhoton is well known as the author of a 'valuable textbook on civil govern-
ment, entitled Arkansas and the Nation, which is today widely used in public and
private schools of this state. The cause of education has ever found in him a stalwart
champion and suporter and from 1904 until 1908 he was a member of the board of
education of Little Rock, serving during the last two years of that period as president.
In 1908 he was reelected a member of the board, but within the same year resigned.
His political allegiance has always been given to the democratic party, and he takes a
most loyal interest in everything that tends to advance the public welfare or is a matter
of civic virtue or civic pride.

J. W. A. NORDEN.

Active and alert in business affairs, J. W. A. Norden is closely associated with the
commercial and financial interests of Gillett through the conduct of his store and as
the vice president of the Bank of Gillett. His determined purpose and laudable ambition
enable him to overcome all obstacles and difficulties in his path and he steadily pushes
forward toward his objective. Mr. Norden is a native of Illinois, his birth having
occurred in Hinckley in 1884, his parents being the Rev. H. H. and Augusta (Siebert)
Norden. The father was a minister of the Lutheran church and occupied pastorates
in St. Louis, Jarvis and Menfro, Missouri, and Hinckley, Illinois, doing effective work
in the upbuilding of the various churches with which he was connected. He resided
in Menfro to the time of his demise. In early manhood he wedded Augusta Siebert,
who was born in Germany and came with her parents to the new world, the family
home being established in Grand Island, Nebraska. Rev. and Mrs. Norden had a family
of six children: Paul, Henry, Rudolph, Theodore, J. W. A. and Amelia. The second
son, Henry, became a Lutheran minister and is now preaching the gospel at Muskegon,
Michigan.

J. W. A. Norden largely pursued his education at Jarvis, Missouri, where the family
lived during much of his boyhood. The year 1900 witnessed his arrival in Gillett, where
he engaged in farming until 1903. He then purchased the interest held by H. C. Deal

228 CENTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

in tlie store of Rook & Company, and today the owners o£ this mercantile establishment
are Mr. Norden, J. H. Natho and A. G. Richter. The business is conducted along most
progressive lines, an extensive stock of goods being carried, while every effort is made
to please their patrons, for the firm has always recognized the fact that satisfied
customers are the best advertisement. Mr. Norden is also well known in the community
through his banking connection, being now one of the directors and the vice president
of the bank of Gillett.

In 1908 Mr. Norden was united in marriage to Miss Olga Hoffman, a daughter of
Gottfreid Hoffman of this city, and to them were born two children, but one has departed
this life. The living daughter is Isabel. The parents are members of the Lutheran
church and are deeply interested in all that pertains to the material, intellectual, social
and moral progress of the community in which they make their home. Mr. Norden
served as mayor of Gillett, administering municipal affairs with the same thorough-
ness, care and sagacity that he has displayed in the conduct of his private business
interests.

W. B. WELCH, M. D.

In the passing of Dr. W. B. Welch. Fayetteville lost a distinguished citizen and
the medical profession a most able representative. He began active practice at the
age of twenty-one years and he ever remained a deep student of his profession, taking
frequent postgraduate courses. He took an active interest in all medical societies, at
one time serving as first vice president of the American Medical Association, and he
was a dominant factor in the organization of the State Medical Society. He made
a specialty of surgery, being one of the few men to concentrate on that particular branch
of the profession in his day, and he performed some remarkable operations.

He was born in Scottsville, Kentucky, in 1829, a son of Christopher and Elizabeth
(Lyle) Welch. The father was a native of Virginia and removed to Kentucky at an
early day. He was postmaster at Huntsville, Alabama, a number of years, to which
state he removed after the Civil war. Both Mr. and Mrs. Welch died at the home of
their son. Dr. Welch. They were the parents of six children, two of whom are living.
Dr. Welch was the third in order of birth. The family was reared in the faith of
the Methodist Episcopal church, and the father gave his political allegiance to the dem-
ocratic party, having firm belief 'in the principles of that party as factors in good
government.

Dr. Welch received his early education in the schools of Huntsville, Alabama, and
later went to Jvfashville, Tennessee, and entered the medical department of the State
University, from which institution he was graduated with the degree of M. D. in
1849. He began the practice of medicine in Somerville, Alabama, and remained there
until he came to Arkansas and located at Canehill. Upon the outbreak of the Civil
war, his sympathies being with the south. Dr. Welch enlisted in the Confederate army
as surgeon and was in active service for four years. After the surrender of his
command at Fort Smith he received his honorable discharge and returned to Canehill,
where he resumed his practice until 1881, when he came to Fayetteville. He repre-
sented the medical profession in Canehill for some thirty-two years, and was a representa-
tive citizen of that community. He practiced in Fayetteville until his demise in 1917.
Dr. Welch was one of the few men in his day to specialize in surgery, and he performed
some remarkable operations. He operated on a child of eight years who had never
talked nor walked, and the child was completely normal at the age of eleven years,
walking, talking and reading. He gained recognition as one of the able and successful
surgeons of Arkansas and by his labors and high professional attainments and his
sterling characteristics justified the respect and confidence in which he was held by the
medical fraternity and the local public.

Dr. Welch was twice married, his first wife being Laura McClellan, whose demise
occurred in May, 1901. On June 5, 1902, he was again wedded, taking Miss Julia A.
Garside, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, for his wife. She was a daughter of Samuel
and Mary (Dickens) Garside, both natives of England, who came to Memphis, Tennessee,
at an early day. The father was a builder and an architect. They are both deceased.
To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Garside nine children were born, four of whom are living:
Robert, a contractor of Memphis, Tennessee; Margaret, the widow of Rev. J. J. Vaulx
and a resident of Fayetteville; Mrs. Welch, and Mary, the wife of W. E. Turley. an
architect in California. Mr. and Mrs. Garside were both members of the Episcopal
church, and he was a democrat in politics.

Dr. Welch always gave his political allegiance to the democratic party, and although
he was active in its affairs, he neither sought nor desired public preferment. He was

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 229

never too busy to aid in the development and improvement of the community, and
he was a public-spirited citizen in every respect. He was one of the founders of the
City Hospital and he willed that institution a substantial sum upon his demise. Mrs.
Welch survives her husband, and she has many friends in Fayetteville, where she
continues to make her home.

After the Doctor's death, Mrs. Welch gave to the medical department of the
University of Arkansas at Little Rock the Doctor's medical library, and Dean Morgan
Smith, in acknowledging the gift, said the library was such as only a man of Dr.
Welch's temperament and advanced thought would accumulate.

WILLIAM AUBREY KOSER.

William Aubrey Koser, farmer and one of the leading citizens of Crittenden county,
is residing on his well-improved farm just outside the city limits of Marion. He
Is a native of this state, his birth having occurred at Jonesboro on the 22d of December,
18S6, a son of Thomas F. and Emma (Smith) Koser. the former a native of Raleigh
Springs, Tennessee, and the latter of near Shannon, Mississippi. At the age of six years
Thomas F. Koser came with his parents to this state, and the mother was but an infant
when brought here by her parents. Her father, John Franklin Smith, served through-
out the Civil war under General Forrest, and after the close of that conflict came to
Arkansas and engaged in farming. He is said to have been one of the pioneer agricul-
turists of this state. Thomas F. Koser, who is now living retired, was for many years
the leading merchant of Marion and was likewise extensively engaged in farming. He
gave the greater part of his time to his agricultural interests and also operated the store.
He achieved more than substantial success along the lines of his endeavor and is
one of Crittenden county's most highly respected and beloved citizens.

In the acquirement of his early education William Aubrey Koser attended the
rural schools in the vicinity of the home farm and in due time enrolled in the
University of Arkansas. After three years of collegiate work he decided to engage in
farming and returned to his home in 1909. Since that time he has been actively
identified with agricultural pursuits and is now operating seven hundred acres of
land and is one of the most successful farmers in this county. His land is highly
improved and boasts of fine outbuildings, everything being kept In a constant state of
repair.

On the 9th of February, 1910. was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Koser to Miss
Madge Campbell of Fayetteville, and she is one of the prominent young matrons of this
vicinity, being active in both club and social circles. She is a consistent member of the
Christian church.

Mr. Koser gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, and although he
does not toke an active interest in politics, he is ever cognizant of the duties and
responsibilities of citizenship and to that end takes a prominent part in every movement
for the development and improvement of the general welfare. Fraternally he is identified
with the Masons, holding membership in Marion Lodge, No. 68G. F. & A. M., of which
body he is post master: Arkansas Consistory. A. & A. S. R., and Sahara Temple,
A. A. O. N. M. S. of Pine Bluff. The religious faith of Mr. Koser is that of the
Methodist Episcopal church, South, and for some time he has served that organization
as a member of the board of stewards. He is a stanch supporter of all educational
movements, realizing that a good education is the foundation of business success, and
he is now president of the Marion school board.

J. A. DOWDY.

J. A. Dowdy, mine owner of Clnrksville, Arkansas, .and president of the Spadra
Coal Company, is one of the dynamic forces in the business circles of that section
of the state. In the conduct of a business project he never fails to reach his objective,
and his position as one of the leading and representative business men of Arkansas
remains unchalleneed. He is ;i native son of the state, his birth having occurred in
White county in 1870. his pareiils being William T. and Elizabeth Dowdy. The schools
of his native county accorded him his erlucational privileges and when his textbooks
were put aside he became a traveling salesman and devoted a number of years to
business of that character.

Constantly watchful of opportunities and utilizing every chance for legitimate
advancement, in 1908 Mr. Dowdy became associated with others in acquiring the Spadra

230 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

coal mines, the property embracing more than five hundred acres in the principal
mining district of northwestern Arkansas. The company employs from forty to fifty
miners and produces more than two hundred tons of coal per day. The officers of the
Spadra Coal Company are: J. A. Dowdy, president; Dave McKinney, W. J. Lemley, R. A.
Dowdy and Tom McKinney.

In addition to his coal mining interests Mr. Dowdy is connected with oil develop-
ment in Columbia county, Arkansas, he and his business associates having acquired
immense acreage in Columbia and other counties. Active drilling has begun in Columbia
county and this is considered one of the large development projects of the state. Mr.
Dowdy is a man of clear vision, keen insight and sound business judgment. He carries
forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes, and his energy and deter-
mination have enabled him to reach the goal of success. Moreover, his activities are of a
character which have contributed to public progress and prosperity, as well as to
individual affluence, and northwestern Arkansas is indeed fortunate in that he has cast in
his lot with the residents of this section of the state and has here directed his energies
to the benefit and upbuilding of the community.

MAJOR JOHN H. AVERY.

Major John H. Avery, engaged in the real estate and insurance business in Hot
Springs and also the president of the Superior Bathhouse Company, was born in
Dundaff, Pennsylvania, December 1.5, 1841. He was a lad of but five years when in 1S46
his parents removed to Connecticut, and for ten years he resided in New England, the
family home being established in Onarga, Illinois, in 1S56. There he was living when
he attained his majority. He had acquired a common school education, and on the
10th of August, 1861, before he was yet twenty years of age, he enlisted as a private
in Company M of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry for service in defense of the Union during
the Civil war. He was on duty largely in Tennessee and participated in the battle of
the Cumberland. He was altogether in fifty-six skirmishes and battles, including some
of the most hotly contested engagements of the war, but was never wounded nor taken
prisoner, nor was he in a hospital, and never lost a day's service. Within a year after his
enlistment he was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant and later became first lieu-
tenant, while at a subsequent period he was advanced to the rank of captain and was made
major by brevet by the president of the United States in recognition of distinguished
service. During the last two years of the war he was staff oflScer of the Fifth Division of
the Cavalry Corps, acting first as aide-de-camp and subsequently as assistant adjutant
general. He thus served until November 30, 1865, and when the country no longer needed
his aid he received an honorable discharge, returning to his home with a most creditable
mililtary record.

Major Avery again became a resident of Illinois and for eight years was connected
with the internal revenue service. He came to Arkansas in 1872, settling at Forest City,
where he engaged in merchandising and also became proprietor of a hotel. He like-
wise conducted an insurance business and was thus active in the affairs of Forest City
until 1890, when he came to Hot Springs and here opened a real estate and insurance
office, which he has since conducted, having gained a large clientage in those fields. He
is also interested in the Superior Bathhouse, being the largest stockholder in the enter-
prise and the president of the company. This is one of the important enterprises of
the city, as Hot Springs owes its development in large measure to its medicinal waters.
Mr. Avery served for four years as postmaster under Presidents Roosevelt and Taft,
and has always manifested a most progressive attitude concerning everything relating
to the public welfare. He is likewise a stockholder and a director in the Arkansas
National Bank, and whatever he undertakes he carries forward to successful completion.

On the 8th of February, 1872. Mr. Avery was married to Miss Emma B. Johnson,
and to them were born three children: Elise, the wife of William F. Lake, now associ-
ated with Major Avery in business; Lyman J., who died at the age of thirty years, at
which time he was serving as teller of the Arkansas National Bank, and Eunice, who
died at the age of eighteen years, following her graduation from high school.

In politics Major Avery has always been a stalwart republican, giving unfaltering
allegiance to the party. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained
the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, and is also a Knights Templar Mason and
member of the Mystic Shrine, having served as eminent commander of the Knights
Templar Commandery. He likewise belongs to the Loyal Legion and to Camby Post,
No. 5, G. A. R. He served as department commander for two terms and is now
commander of the local post. He proudly wears the little bronze button that proclaims
him a representative of the Grand Army of the Republic, having loyally stood by the

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OP ARKANSAS 231

Union cause through that crisis whereby national perpetuity was established. Hot
Springs has long classed him with her representative men, and his efforts have been a
direct and beneficial element in her growth and progress. Major Avery is now nearing
the eightieth milestone on life's journey, but in spirit and interest seems yet in his
prime and is still an active factor in the world's work.

F. P. VINES, M. D.

Dr. F. P. Vines, a well-known representative of the medical profession at El Dorado,
was born in Hillsboro, Arkansas, on the 4th of October, 1S77. His youthful days were
spent as a farm-bred boy. He worked in the fields through the summer months and
until the harvests were gathered in the late autumn, and he also assisted in the
operation of a sawmill and cotton gin. His educational privileges were those accorded
by the public schools of Junction City, and later he attended Ouachita College, while
afterward he became a student in the Westminster College at Dallas, Texas. Stili
ambitious to promote his intellectual development and thus qualify for responsible and
important duties in life, he matriculated in the Memphis College of Memphis, Tennessee,
and was graduated in 1903. He next attended Tulane University as a medical student,
and since graduating there he has pursued five postgraduate courses in Tulane. Wide
reading has kept him in touch with the trend of modern professional advancement,
and he has been very successful in the field of general medical practice and surgery.

Dr. Vines first opened an office in Hillsboro, his native town, where he remained
from 1903 until 1905. The succeeding seven years were spent at Strong, Arkansas,
and in 1912 he went to Hot Springs, where he remained until 1917. In that year he
removed to Bauxite, where he practiced until coming to El Dorado in July, 1921.
Already he has gained a good practice here. He belongs to the Union County Medical
Society, the Arkansas State Medical Society, the Southern Medical Association and
the American Medical Association. He is conscientious in the performance of all of his
professional duties, carefully diagnosing his cases and meeting all the requirements
that are made upon the physician of the modern day.

Dr. Vines is likewise widely known through his fraternal connections, having mem-
bership with the Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen.

HORTON H. MILLER.

Business enterprise in Rogers finds a prominent representative in Horton H. Miller,
who Is conducting one of the leading insurance agencies of the town and also has other
interests. He is a member of one of the pioneer families of Rogers and for many
years he was in the employ of the United States government in connection with the
Indian service, doing important and valuable work along that line. He is a native of
Tennessee, his birth having occurred in Warren county in 1867. His parents, William A.
pnd Clarissa (Thomas) Miller, were also natives of Tennessee and were married in that
state, where the father became the owner of a large plantation. In 1868 he started for
Missouri, driving the entire distance, and in Lawrence county he established his home.
There he followed mercantile pursuits until ISSl, when he came to Arkansas, opening
the first dry goods establishment in Rogers. This he continued to conduct until 1893.
when he sold out and spent the remainder of his life in the enjoyment of a well-earned
rest. He was a very successful business man and stood high in commercial circles of
the town, of which he was one of the promoters and upbuilders. He was a democrat
in his political views and a Presbyterian in religious faith, while fraternally he was
identified with the Masons, with which order all of his sons are likewise connected.
To Mr. and Mrs. Miller were born ten children, of whom eight survive, seven sons and
one daughter, namely: Horton H., Hugh J., who is superintendent of the Sand Springs
(Oklahoma) Railway Company; John P., of San Francisco, California, who is con-
nected with the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, being a member of the board of
tr^in rules; Charles A., a railway mail clerk residing at Rogers, Arkansas; P. Horace,
a railroad conductor, who makes his home at Grove, Oklahoma; A. Claude, who follows
the same occupation and resides at Muskogee, Oklahoma; Finis E., cashier of the
Farmers State Bank of Rogers, and Maude, who makes her home with her brother
Horton.

In the public schools of Missouri and Arkansas Horton H. Miller acquired his
education, and after laying aside his textbooks entered his father's dry goods establish-
ment in Rogers, assisting in the management of the enterprise until it was sold. He

1^32 CENTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

then became connected with the United States Indian service, being located in Oklahoma
for five years, while later he was sent to California, Nevada, Arizona, Montana and
Idaho. For a period of twenty-six years he was connected with the service, and during
twenty-one years of that time acted as Indian agent, his services being very valuable
to the government. In January, 1920, he returned to Rogers and turned his attention to
insurance interests, with which he has since been connected. He conducts a general
insurance business, having the agency for the Equitable Life and also carrying a large
line of casualty and Jire insurance. He is building up a good business in this connection
and ranks with the leading insurance dealers in the town. He also has other interests,
being a stockholder in the Farmers State Bank of Rogers, and he is likewise the
owner of two well-improved farms situated near the town. His business affairs are
capably managed and success has attended all of his ventures.

In Oklahoma, in 1897, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Ansley,
a native of Prescott, Arkansas, and a member of one of the pioneer families of the
state. They are members of the Presbyterian church, and Mr. Miller gives his political
allegiance to the democratic party. Fraternally he is identified with the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks, serving as secretary of his lodge, and he is also a Mason,
belonging to the lodge, chapter, commandery and Shrine, and he is now acting as senior
warden of his lodge, captain of the chapter and junior warden of the commandery. He
is likewise connected with the Rotary Club of Rogers, of which he is secretary. His is
a creditable record, characterized by devotion to duty, by enterprise and integrity in
business and by loyalty in citizenship, and he enjoys the esteem and good will of a large
circle of friends.

OSCAR ABSALOM CARRUTH, M. D.

Dr. Oscar Absalom Carruth, physician of Little Rock, was born February 19, 1881,
in Parkdale. Ashley county, Arkansas. His parents were Benjamin Franklin and Emma
(Harris) Carruth and the family comes of Irish ancestry but was established in America
in early colonial days by the great-grandfather of Dr. Carruth, who, with two brothers,
came from the Emerald isle to the new world prior to the Revolutionary war. The
brothers separated, the Doctor's branch of the family being established in Mississippi,
whence a removal was afterward made to Arkansas. The grandfather became one of
the pioneers of this state at a period which antedated the building of the railroads.
In proving up his title to his lands he rode a mule into Little Rock. He shared in
the hardships and trials of frontier life and aided in laying broad and deep the founda-
tion upon which has been built the present progress and prosperity of this section.

Benjamin F. Carruth, the Doctor's father, was a small boy when the family home
was established in Arkansas and in this state he was reared and educated. He became
one of the prominent farmers of the state and departed this life in 1921. He wedded
Emma Harris, whose people were pioneer residents of Alabama, her father, William
Harris, being long numbered among the leading merchants of Talladega, that state.

Dr. Carruth obtained his early education in the public schools and afterward attended
the University of Arkansas and the University of Tennessee, from which he was
graduated with the class of 1902 with the degree of M. D. Later he took a post-
graduate course in Tulane University at New Orleans as a member of the class of
1904. He first practiced his profession in Ingalls, Arkansas, for a period of eighteen
months and afterward removed to Warren, Arkansas, his hjme town, where he spent
the succeeding ten years in active practice. In 1913 he pursued a postgraduate course
in the Johns Hopkins University, where he specialized in diagnosis. On his return to
his native state he took up his abode in Little Rock, where he has since followed his
profession, and from 1913 until 1919 he served as chief of the medical clinic of the
University of Arkansas. In the latter year he became diagnostician in St. Luke's
Hospital at Little Rock and remained in active connection with that institution until
1921, when he became associated with Dr. A. G. McGill in the private practice of his
profession. Dr. Carruth confines his practice to diagnosis and is regarded as an eminent
specialist in that field. During the World war he served as medical examiner of Local
Board, No. 2, and he also took part in all drives and activities for upholding American
interests.

In October, 1903, Dr. Carruth was united in marriage to Miss Rena Harding, a
daughter of William H. and Lee Filer (Morris) Harding, both representatives of old
Alabama families. Dr. and Mrs. Carruth have three children: Margaret Elizabeth,
James Anthony and William Franklin. The daughter is a senior in the Little Rock
high school and is an honor pupil in mathematics. She contemplates taking a university
course, majoring in mathematics. The elder son is a student in the Junior high school.

DR. OSCAR A. CARRUTH

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 235

while the younger son has not yet reached school age. Mrs. Carruth is regarded as a
model mother and charming housewife and this is one of the representative families of
the city. Dr. Carruth has never been prominent in fraternal relations, confining his
membership to the Masonic order and to the Phi Chi, a medical fraternity. He has
ever been actuated by a most high purpose and laudable ambition in his professional
career, putting forth every effort that will promote his knowledge and advance his
efficiency that his labors shall be of the greatest possible service to his fellowmen. He
has thus made steady progress and is today one of the eminent diagnosticians of the
southwest.

PAUL McKENNON.

Professional interests find a most substantial representative in Paul McKsnnon,
attorney at law, whose ability has been demonstrated in the trial of various important
eases before the bar of the district. Clarksville not only numbers him among her
honored citizens at the present time, but also among her native sons, his birth having
occurred December 30, 1873, his parents being B. P. and Maggie (Harley) McKennon.
The father, who was. born in Carroll county, Arkansas, died November 30, 1919. The
mother's birth occurred in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and she was called to her final
rest in 1912. They were married in Clarksville, Arkansas, her parents having settled
in Johnson county soon after the Civil war, removing to this county from Princeton,
Dallas county, Arkansas. The parents of B. P. McKennon came to Johnson county from
Carroll county also soon after the close of hostilities between the north and the south,
and B. P. McKennon was educated in Clark's Academy at Berryville, while his wife
pursued lier education in the public schools of the state. He was a traveling salesman
in Arkansas for more than thirty years, but retired from business several years prior
to his death, on account of ill health, dying in a hospital at Shreveport, Louisiana.
He had served in the Civil war, enlisting when but fifteen years of age with General
Stand Waitie's Indian Brigade. He was twice captured, but was never wounded. His
father was Archibald McKennon, a native of Tennessee, who settled in Carroll county.
Arkansas, at a very early period and there practiced medicine until he removed to
Clarksville, where he again followed his profession for a number of years, or until the
time of his death. The family has thus been represented in this state from a very early
day. B. P. McKennon was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and
fraternally was connected with the Masons and the Knights of Honor. He wedded
Maggie Harley, a daughter of Basil C. Harley. a prominent resident of Arkansas, who
was born in Smitji county, Virginia, whence he removed to Mississippi and while in that
state he filled the oflSce of lieutenant governor. He became a resident of Dallas county,
Arkansas, long prior to the Civil war and died during the progress of that struggle.
He served la the state senate of Arkansas in 1852 and 1854 and was president of that
body. He was defeated by Augustus H. Garland as candidate for the Confederate
congress. He was one of the promoters of the Iron Mountain Railroad, known at that
time as the Cairo & Fulton Railroad, serving as secretary and treasurer of the company.
He made the preliminary routing of the road and took an active part in public improve-
ments and in all that pertained to the progress and welfare of the state. He was an
excellent public speaker and was heard on many questions vital to the commonwealth.
It was his daughter Maggie who became the wife of B. P. McKennon, and to them were
born eleven children, five of whom are living: R. H., who is engaged in the furniture
business in Clarksville; Paul, of this review; William A., who is a lumber merchant
pt Shreveport, Louisiana; Mrs. A. W. Belt, whose husband is a miller at Tahlequah.
Oklahoma, and Basil C, an electrical contractor at Shreveport, Louisiana.

After acquiring his preliminary education in the public schools of Clarksville,
Paul McKennon continued his studies in Cumberland College and was graduated with
the class of 1894. He read law under the direction of his uncle, Captain A. S. McKennon,
; nd was admitted to the bar in 1898. He then began practice in Clarksville, where he
has since remained and through the intervening period he has advanced steadily to
the front rank of the legal profession, where he has long occupied an eminent position.
He has been connected with much important litigation tried in the courts of the
district, and his ability is pronounced.

On the 10th of June, 1910, Mr. McKennon was married to Miss Pearl Blackard, who
was born in Clarksville, Arkansas, a daughter of H. Blackard, who was a pioneer
settler of Clarksville. The father was a contractor and builder and served throughout
the Civil war with the rank of captain. Mr. and Mrs. McKennon have become parents
of three children: Pauline, now in school, and Claude and Clyde, twins, who are also
pursuing their education in Clarksville.

23(i CENTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

Fraternally Mr. McKennon is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of
Elks and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His political allegiance is given to the
democratic party and his religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, South.
He served as county attorney for ten years and is county chairman of the democratic
central committee. On one occasion he was defeated for the office of district attorney,
but while probably not without that laudable ambition which is so great an incentive
to activity and fidelity in public office, he nevertheless regards the pursuits of private
life as in themselves abundantly worthy of his best efforts and he is now devoting his
entire time to his law practice in all the courts. His clientage is large and of an im-
portant character and he is noted for the care and precision with which he prepares his
cases and the strength which he displays in presenting his arguments. He is most
forceful and resourceful in bis law practice and has won a well merited reputation in
his chosen

SANFORD WILBOURN.

Sanford Wilbourn, distributor of the Ford cars in England, has spent his life in
the little city which is still his home, his birth having here occurred in 1883, his parents
being Sanford and Bettie (Graham) Wilbourn. While spending his youthful days under
their roof he attended the public schools and thus qualified for life's practical and
responsible duties. He afterward learned the blacksmith's trade and became a practical
and thoroughly trained mechanic. In 1909 he established a garage and in 1914 secured
the agency of the Ford cars, his district covering the south half of Lonoke county. He
sells an average of about one hundred and thirty-two cars per season and twelve tractors
and has thus built up a business of substantial proportions. He carries in stock all
the automobile accessories, tires and equipment and is able to fit out a car completely.
He has also become one of the directors of the Citizens' Bank & Trust Company and
Is regarded as one of the most thoroughly reliable and progressive young business men
of this part of the state.

Mr. Wilbourn was united in marriage to Miss Mamie Hamilton and they have become
the parents of one son, Sanford S. In his political views Mr. Wilbourn Is a democrat
and while not an aspirant for office he has filled the position of alderman and in that
connection exercised his official prerogatives in support of many plans and measures for
the general good. In matters of citizenship he has always stood for progressiveness
and advancement and during the World war he did everything in his power to uphold
the interests of the government and acted as chairman of the Red Cross chapter here.
Fraternally he is a Mason of high rank, as is indicated by the fact that he is identified
with the Mystic Shrine. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church, which
finds In him a generous supporter and loyal follower and all who know him class him
with the public-spirited citizens of England.

REV. JOHN HOOVER.

Crossett numbers among her representative citizens Rev. John Hoover, pastor of
the Methodist Episcopal church. A native of Arkansas, he was born at Selma, on the
16th of December, 1883, a son of J. A. and Agnes (Lampton) Hoover. The father was
born in Georgia and came to Drew county, this state, with his parents when but four
years of age. They arrived here in 1856 and were among the pioneer settlers of Drew
county. In early life Mr. Hoover engaged In agricultural pursuits, which he followed
with substantial success for many years. His demise occurred at Monticello, in Novem-
ber, 1921, at the age of sixty-eight years. His father, John T. and a brother, Fred,
served in the Civil war, enlisting in the Confederate army. For many generations the
Hoover family have lived in America, their ancestors having located In Georgia an-I
North Carolina at an early day. It was on the 28th of February, 1S83. that Mr. Hoover
was united in marriage to Miss Agnes Lampton, who died in 1906, at the age of thirty-
nine years. She was born in Kentucky and came to Drew county, this state, with her
parents in ISSO. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hoover four boys and four girls were
born. All are living except one daughter. John Hoover, whose name Introduces this
review, was the oldest child.

In the acquirement of an education John Hoover attended the common schools of
Monticello and after graduating from the high school there, he enrolled in Hendrix
College at Conway, this state. There he took a two-year literary course and subsequently
took a four-year Methodist Conference course of study, acquiring his theological education

CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 237

by home study. In order to obtain his higher education John Hoover taught school. In
1908 he entered the ministry and his first charge was at Hermitage, where he remained
from 1908 to 1910. From 1910 to 1913, he was at Parlidale and Wilmot, and the latter
part of 1913 and 1914 he was at Snyder and Montrose. From 1914 to 1918 he was in
charge at McGehee and in the latter year came to Crossett, where he has remained.
Since he took charge of the church here there has been a constant and substantial in-
crease in tlie membership and as a church it has done more for Methodism in general
than :!ny ntlier church in the state of its numerical strength. The Sunday school has a
larRc (Minlliiit'ut of active members and the things it has accomplished have become
known thinus;hout the state. Mr. Hoover has a most pleasing personality and is quick
to make friends, these friends soon recognizing his true personal worth and many sterling
traits of character.

At Hermitage, Arkansas, on the 2d of December, 1910, occurred the marriage of
•lohn Hoover to Miss Mary Gammill, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Gammill, well
known residents of that place. To their union one son has been born, Paul Williams,
who is ten years of age and a student in the public schools of Crossett.

Fraternally Mr. Hoover is identified with the Masons and is conceded an exemplary
member of that craft. He belongs to Desha Lodge, A. F. & A. M., Valley Chapter, and
Ellsworth Council, all of McGehee. He has taken the degrees of the Scottish Rite and is
a member of Albert Pike Consistory at Little Rock and Sahara Temple of the Mystic
Shrine in Pine Bluff. Mr. Hoover is always intensely interested in any movement for
the betterment of the general welfare and Crossett is indeed proud to number him
among her representative citizens.

NATHAN E. MURPHEY, M. D.

Dr. Nathan E. Murphey has been actively engaged in the practice of medicine
at Clarendon for nearly a quarter of a century and enjoys an enviable reputation as
one of the skilled and successful representatives of the profession in :\I()iirue ccmnly. His
birth occurred in Decatur, Alabama, in 1S6S, his parents being ,J. 1. nml .Snllii' (Steven-
son) Murphey, the latter a daughter of Arthur Stevenson. J. 1. ilurphey, wlio served
as a soldier of the Confederate army during the Civil war, was also a native of Alabama.
L. G. Murphey, brother of Dr. Murphey of this review, is a successful attorney practicing
at Holly Grove, Arkansas.

Nathan E. Murphey obtained his more advanced education in the University of
Alabama and further prepared for a professional career as a student in the medical
department of the University of Louisville at Louisville, Kentucky. It was in 189S that
he took up the work of his chosen profession at Clarendon, Arkansas, and here he has
remained continuously to the present time, being accorded a practice that has steadily
grown in volume and importance as he has demonstrated his skill in checking the
ravages of disease and restoring health. He belongs to the Monroe County Medical
Society, the Arkansas State Medical Society, the Southern Railway Surgeons Association
and the American Medical Association, and through the proceedings of these bodies
keeps thoroughly informed concerning the latest scientific researches and discoveries
of the profession. Aside from his professional interests he is a director of the
Merchants & Planters Bank of Clarendon.

In early manhood Dr. Murphey was united in marriage to Miss Anna L. Palmer
of Kansas City, Missouri, a daughter of Mrs. A. T. Palmer. His religious faith is
indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, while fraternally he
is a Knight Templar Mason and member of the Mystic Shrine. During the period of
the World war he served on the advisory beard for two counties. In his practice he
has ever conformed to the highest ethics and standards and has therefore won the
confidence and esteem of his professional colleagues and contemporaries as well as of the
general public.

FAY L. DUNN.

Fay L. Dunn, now serving his second term as county treasurer and a member of
the jewelry firm of Hempstead & Dunn, was born in Summerville, Calhoun county,
Arkansas, on the ISth of August, 1881. His father, J. D. Dunn, was born in Calhoun
county and reared to manhood there. The paternal grandparents were originally resi-
dents of Carolina but came to Arkansas in 1850, being among the early settlers of
Calhoun county. The grandfather on the paternal side served throughout the Civil war

238 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

as a private in the Confederate army. J. D. Dunn was for thirteen years identifiecl with
the furniture and undertaking business at Fordyce and was one of the prominent business
men of that community. His demise occurred there in 1898 when but forty-five years of
age. On the 26th of October, 18S0, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Dunn to Miss
Catherine M. Jones, a native of Bradley county, this state, where she was reared to
womanhood. She is now living, at the age of sixty-two years. To the union of Mr.
and Mrs. Dunn seven children were born, five of whom are living. Two died in infancy.
Pay L., whose name initiates this review, is the eldest child.

In the acquirement of his early education Pay L. Dunn attended the common schools
of his native county and in due time enrolled in the Clary Training School at Pordyce.
He spent one year at the University of Arkansas, taking a literary course, and after
becoming thoroughly familiar with stenography he secured a position with A. B. Banks,
in 1901. For eighteen years he was in charge of the claim department of the Home Life
and Accident Insurance Company. On the 20th of September, 1920, he entered into
partnership with Mr. Hempstead in the conduct of a jewelry business, the firm becoming
Hempstead & Dunn. Mr. Hempstead had engaged in that line of business for over twenty
years previous to the partnership with Mr. Dunn, and he achieved substantial success.
The firm is one of the most reliable in the county and has built up a large patronage.
For the past three years Mr. Dunn has been active in the ofl^ce of county treasurer and
he is now finishing his second term. He was city treasurer of Fordyce from 1910 to
1918. In both political and business circles Mr. Dunn has won the confidence of his
fellowmen and he is conceded one of Fordyce's most influential citizens.

On the 31st of January, 1910, at Stamps, Arkansas, was celebrated the marriage of
Mr. Dunn to Miss Clyde Chisolm, a daughter of Dr. Chisolm, one of the prominent
physicians and surgeons of Lewisville, this state. To their union one daughter h s
been born: Frances Catherine, who is ten years of age and a student in the high school
at Fordyce.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Methodist church and Mr. Dunn is
a steward of the church and secretary and treasurer of the Sunday school. His political
allegaince is given to the democratic party.

LEIGH KELLEY.

Prominent among the energetic, farsighted and successful business men of Fort
Smith is Leigh Kelley, who is the vice president of the Kelley Trust Company and the
vice president of the Mansfield Gas Company. His activities and interests are of an
important character and he displays marked capability in their management and control.
Mr. Kelley comes to Arkansas from the neighboiiing state of Kansas, his birth having
there occurred in the city of Burlington on the 15th of May, 1887, his parents being
Harry E. and Kate, (Henderson) Kelley. His paternal grandfather. Captain Harrison
Kelley, was a Civil war veteran, serving with the Union army. The father, Harry E.
Kelley, has been a prominent figure in the business affairs of Fort Smith for many
years. He has been active in the real estate field and is now prominently known as a
capitalist and landowner and as the founder of the Kelley Trust Company.

Leigh Kelley pursued his early education in the public schools of Fort Smith, for
during his infancy the family home was removed to this city. In fact he was but three
months of age when his parents came to Fort Smith and with the interests of the city
he has been closely associated throughout the intervening period, save for the time
when he was pursuing his education in the Leland Stanford University of California,
where he studied civil engineering. He then followed his profession for three and a
half years in various parts of Arkansas. He has since been identified with financial
interests of Fort Smith as vice president of the Kelley Trust Company, which was
organized in 1905. He has closely studied all the problems relating to the business,
has made himself familiar with every phase of the work and has accomplished excellent
results through his superintendency of the interests of the corporation in the position
of vice president. He has also become the vice president of the Mansfield Gas Company
and in business affairs he displays notably sound judgment and unfaltering energy.

Mr. Kelley attended the First Officers' Training Camp at Fort Logan H. Roots and
was commissioned a first lieutenant, being assigned to the Three Hundred and Thirty-
fourth Field Artillery. In June, 1918, he was promoted to the rank of captain and went
overseas in August. After reaching France he was assigned to the training school at
Bordeaux and while there he was placed on detached service on the general staff of
Base Section, No. 2. He was mustered out on the 7th of March, 1919. He is a prominent
and valued representative of the American Legion, having been chosen state commander
for a term of one year, beginning in 1920.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 239

Mr. Kelley was united in marriage to Miss Fay Alexander, a daugliter of J. H.
Alexander of Fort Smitli, and they have become the parents of three children, namely:
Gordon, Elizabeth and Alexander. Mr. and Mrs. Kelley are well known in Fort Smith,
where they occupy an enviable social position and where his standing as a business man
is very high. He possefses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans
readily and is determined in their execution, and his close application to business and
his excellent management have largely brought to him the high degree of prosperity
which is today his. It is true that he became interested in a business already established,
but in controlling and enlarging such an enterprise many a man of even considerable
resolute purpose, courage and industry would have failed. Mr. Kelley, however, has
demonstrated the truth cf the sjying that success is not the result of genius but the
outcome of clear judgment an 1 experience

B. W. COYLE.

B. W. Coyle, a planter of De Vails Bluff, where he is acting as manager of the Gates
estate, was born in Mississippi, in 1864, a son of A. I. and Julia (Moore) Coyle. The
father was a native of Lexington, Kentucky, while the mother's birth occurred in Ten-
nessee. Mr. Coyle removed with his family to Arkansas, settling near Hickory Plains,
in Prairie county, in 1870, and there B. W. Coyle attended school, his training fitting
him for life's practical and responsible duties. He started out in the business world
as clerk in a store and from that point has steadily worked his way upward, wisely
utilizing his time, talents and opportunities as the years have passed by. Removing to
De Vails Bluff in 1893, he secured employment in the Gates store and through years of
active association with Mr. Gates familiarized himself with all of the details connected
with the Gates holdings, including thousands of acres of land. Upon the death of Mr.
Gates, Mr. Coyle was entrusted with the management and development of this land,
exceeding ten thousand acres, and thus he has become one of the foremost planters of
Arkansas. He has managed this vast property prudently and profitably and as the years
have passed has introduced most progressive methods in the care of the soil and the
development of the place, much of which is devoted to rice culture. His unfaltering
energy, his broad vision and his keen sagacity have been vital forces in the attainment
of success and he ranks today as one of the most prominent representatives of agricul-
tural life in Arkansas.

Mr. Coyle was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Espich, a daughter of Henry Espich,
who removed from Indiana to Arkansas. Mr. Coyle and his wife are keenly interested
in all those forces which make for public progress and improvement, and his own labors
have constituted a valuable contributing force to the upbuilding of the state. Especially
have his labors been of great worth in demonstrating what can be accomplished in the
way of rice production in the Prairie lands of Arkansas, hitherto regarded as of little
value.

MEYER F. GATES.

Meyer F. Gates, assistant treasurer of the Bankers Trust Company at Little Rock,
conies to Arkansas from Memphis, Tennessee, where his birth occurred January 8, 1892.
He is a Harvard man and throughout his entire life has wisely used the talents given him
and the opportunities that have come to him in the course of the years. His parents
were Ferdinand and Tillie (Schamburg) Gates. The father was born in Bavaria, Ger-
many, in 1832, and coming to America in early life, devoted his attention to business
affairs in Memphis for many years. On crossing the Atlantic, however, he first located
at Hickory Plains, Arkansas, and it was in 1890 that he removed to Memphis, Tennessee,
where his remaining days were spent, his death occurring July 9, 1909. He had been a
merchant and planter and at the time of the Civil war he put aside all business con-
siderations and joined an Arkansas regiment of Confederate troops, setving from the
beginning of hostilities in 1861 until the middle of the year 1865. His political endorse-
ment was given to the democratic party. His widow, who was born in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, in 1859, is still living in Memphis. They were married in her native
city in 1890 and their family numbered a son and three daughters, but two of the
daughters are deceased.

Meyer F. Gates pursued his education in the public and high schools of Memphis
and in a preparatory school before entering Harvard University, from which he was
graduated in 1915 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, having completed a classical

240 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

course. In 1916 he became connected with the Bankers Trust Company in the capacity
of messenger and through the intervening period has won various promotions until he
is now treasurer, having been called to this office in January, 1921. He is thus active
in connection with one of the foremost financial interests of the state and his ability
is widely recognized.

On the 30th of November, 1915, Mr. Gates was married to Miss Gladys Theresa
Prauenthal, who was born in Conway, Arkansas, November 30, 1896. They are now
parents of one son, Meyer F. Gates, born October 17, 1916.

During the World war period Mr. Gates served on various drives in connection with
financing the war. He is a democrat in his political belief and religiously he adheres
to the Jewish faith. He belongs to the Independent Order of B'nai B'rith and also to the
Concordia Club. He has steadily worked his way upward not only in the sense of
success in business but also in the regard of his fellowmen and is today one of the highly
esteemed young representatives of financial circles in Little Rock.

D. A. RANSOM.

D. A. Ransom, starting out in the business life with limited opportunities and
meager advantages, has steadily worked his way upward and is now one of the owners
and editors of the Democrat-Enterprise, jniblishfd at Ozark. Born in Alabama in 1868,
he is a son of David and Mary E. (Gallups) Ransom, who were also natives of that
state. At an early day they removed to Georgia and subsequently to North Carolina,
whence they came to Arkansas in 1890, settling in Johnson county. The lather filled
various county offices while in Alabama and after coming to this state he turned his
attention to the occupation of farming and also conducted a country store near Clarks-
ville. He has always given his political allegiance to the democratic party and during
his early manhood he served under General Joe Wheeler in the Confederate army for
four years. On one occasion he was wounded while engaged in military duty. His
wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Both have departed this lite.
Their family numbered nine children, five of whom are living: D. A., w^hose name
introduces this review; John, a printer, located at Clarksville, Arkansas; W. T., living
in Little Rock; Simon, who follows farming in Johnson county; and Annie, now Mrs.
Pollard, residing In East Texas.

D. A. Ransom received but limited educational opportunities. He began working
at the early age of seven years in a printing office and was thrown entirely upon his
own resources when but a child. He continued to work in the printing office, learning
every phase of the business and was employed at various places in Alabama, Georgia.
North Carolina and Arkansas. He has followed the printing business throughout his
life, with the exception of one year, which he devoted to farming near Clarksville, this
state. At length he purchased an interest in the Enterprise, a paper published at Ozark,
of which he became part owner in May, 1908. This was his first independent venture.
He later consolidated this paper with the Democrat and his publication is today called
the Democrat-Enterprise. The paper has a circulation of about thirteen hundred and
fifty and the company does considerable job printing, having a well equipped office
with a linotype machine, large presses and everything for turning out first-class work.
In fact, theirs is the best equipped office of any plant of the size in the state and Mr.
Ransom holds to high standards in the character of work turned out.

Mr. Ransom belongs to the Missionary Baptist church. He is a member of the
Masonic fraternity and the Knights of Pythias, being a past chancellor in the latter
organization. He is also identified with the Woodmen and is a past consular commander
in that order. In politics he is a democrat and stanchly advocates the principles of the
party but has never been an aspirant for office, devoting his entire time and attention
to his newspaper business. In this undertaking he is a partner of Sid Forrest, both of
them doing editorial work on the paper and together owning the plant.

THOMAS E. HELM.

Thomas E. Helm, attorney at law, practicing independently in Little Rock, was
born at LaCrosse, Izard county, Arkansas, on the 1st of January, 1874, his parents being
David N. and Mary A. (Hesterly) Helm, who were natives of Kentucky and Missouri,
respectively. In his early childhood the father accompanied his parents to Tennessee,
where the period of his minority was passed and soon afterward he accompanied his
widowed mother to Arkansas, where they established their home just prior to the

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 241

outbreak of the Civil war. Becoming a resident of Izard county, David N. Helm, when
nineteen years of age, joined the Confederate army as a member of an Arkansas regiment
and later he was transferred to the army of the Tennessee. He proved gallant and
his courage was demonstrated on many a southern battle field. He participated in the
engagements at Shiloh and at Murtreesboro and in many other hotly contested battles
of the war, including much of the fighting in and near Chattanooga and in other sections
of Tennessee. He was also actively engaged in tlie Atlanta campaign and was with
Hood's army in the battles of Franklin and Nashville, following the engagement at
Atlanta. When the war was over he returned to his home in Izard county and there
concentrated his efforts and attention upon mercantile pursuits. For many years he
was on the road as a traveling salesman and eventually took up his abode in Batesville,
Independence county, Arkansas, where he lastly lived retired until his death, which
occurred May 1, 1904. His widow is still a resident of that place. They reared a family
of two sons and two daughters, all of whom are living.

Thomas E. Helm largely acauired his education in the schools of his native town.
He attended the public schools until he had completed the regular course and later
became a student in the LaCrosse Collegiate Institute. In 1893 he matriculated in
Hendrix College, at Conway, and was there graduated as a member of the class of
1896, at which time the Bachelor of Arts degree was conferred upon him. He then
entered upon the profession of teaching and for three years occupied the position of
principal of the high school at Clarendon, Monroe county, but he regarded this merely
as an initial step to other professional labor. He proved a capable teacher, imparting
clearly and readily to others the knowledge he had acquired, but his desire to become
a member of the legal profession led him to enroll as a law student in the University
of Arkansas and there he completed his course as a member of the class of 1900, at
which time the Bachelor of Laws degree was conferred upon him. Immediately after-
ward he was admitted to practice in all the courts of Arkansas and took up the active
work of the profession in connection with De E. Bradshaw. In 1907 they were joined
by Lewis Rhoton, forming the firm of Bradshaw, Rhoton & Helm, which firm was con-
tinued until November, 1916. At that time Mr. Bradshaw moved to Omaha, Nebraska,
where he engaged in the practice of his profession and Lewis Rhoton and Thomas Helm
continued in the practice, separately, at Little Rock. In all of his professional work
Mr. Helm displays a thorough grasp of the law and ability accurately to apply its prin-
ciples and these qualities make him an effective and successful advocate, at a bar which
numbers many distinguished representatives.

Politically Mr. Helm has always been a democrat and loyally supports the principles
of the party, but has never aspired to office. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, the
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias and is a worthy follower
of the teachings of these societies, exemplifying in his life the beneficent spirit upon
which the orders are based. A lifelong resident of Arkansas, he has made wise use of
the opportunities accorded him and has steadily advanced to a most creditable position
in the legal profession, in which progress depends entirely upon individual merit and
ability.

RISLEY N. LYON.

One of the well known citizens of Hampton is Risley N. Lyon, who since 1918 his
been engaged in the abstract business here. He was born near Hampton on the 1st
of July, 1874, a son of Henry L. and Catherine Means Lyon. The maternal ancestors
came from Ireland to America at an early day, first locating in New York. Fi'om there
they removed to Fairhaven. Vermont, arriving there in the latter part of 1700, and
Matthew Lyon represented that state in congress during Adams' administration. An-
other member of the Lyon family, James Lyon, served in the Revolutionary war. Henry
L. Lyon was born in Sullivan county, Tennessee, and came to Arkansas in 1872. For
many years he engaged in farming here, achieving substantial success. Upon the out-
break of the Civil war he enlisted for service in the Confederate army, becoming a private
in Company G, Fourth Alabama Cavalry. For many years previous to his death he was
active in the local chapter of the United Confederate Veterans at Pine Bluff. At
Hampton in 1873 occurred the marriage of Mr. Lyon to Miss Catherine Means. She was
born in Huntsville. Alabama, but came to this state with her parents, who located at
Hampton in 1850. They were among the pioneer settlers of Hampton. The Means family
is of English-Irish extraction, one branch of the family, the Bradfords, having come to
this country on the Mayflower. Grandfather Means served in the Civil war. Henry L.
Lyon died at Pine Bluff in 191S, at the advanced age of seventy-tour years. Mrs. Lyon

242 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

died at Hampton, in 1919, aged seventy-five years. To tlie union of Mr. and Mrs. LyoD
four children were born, all of whom are living; Risley N. being the eldest.

In the acquirement of an education, Risley N. Lyon attended the public schools of
Hampton and after graduating from the Warren high school he enrolled in the Woodbury
Institute at Woodbury, a town which is not now in existence. He then took a course iii
the Central Business College at Sedalia, Missouri, and in six months completed his course
there. In 1901 he became associated with the Cotton Belt Lumber Company as book-
keeper, remaining active in this position until 1902. Prom 1902 to 1904 he was employed
in like capacity with the Hampton Stave Company and from 1904 to 190S was with the
Marsh & Reilly Wholesale Grain & Commission Company at Pine Bluff. In the latter
year he returned to Hampton and kept books for the Furlow & Dunn Company until the
1st of December, 1910. when he went with the Stout Lumber Company at Thornton, this
state, as land commissioner. In March, 1914, he severed his relations with that con-
cern and removed to Little Rock, where until May, 1915, he was engaged as abstractor
for the Guaranty Title & Trust Company. Subsequently returning to Hampton he served
as deputy circuit clerk under W. L. Furlow until the fall of 191S, when he entered the
abstract business on his own account. He has since been identified with this business
and is now located in the courthouse here.

On the 6th of October, 1901, at Hampton, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Lyon
to Miss Maude Means, a daughter of Thomas N. and Belle (Black) Means of this com-
munity. To their union six children have been born: Katie Belle, who died in infancy;
Claude J., nineteen years of age; Clyde B., seventeen years of age; Herbert L., age
twelve years; R. N., Jr., ten years of age; and Madge, seven. All of the children are
students in the Hampton public schools.

Mr. and Mrs. Lyon are members of the Methodist church and fraternally Mr. Lyon
is identified with the Masons, having membership in Southern Star Lodge, No. 53,
A. P. & A. M. of Hampton, and he and his wife are members of Lodge No. 363, Order
of Eastern Star of Hampton. During the World war he served on the legal advisory
board and on the local Red Cross committee and gave generously of his money in support
of his government's interests. He is one of the alej't and enterprising citizens of Hampton
and recognizing the duties and obligations of citizenship, is never too busy to aid in
any movement for the development and improvement of the general welfare.

REV. E. M. FREYSCHLAG.

It is said that "no other profession demands half so much mental labor as the
clerical," and for many years Rev. Mr. Freyschlag, minister of the Presbyterian church
at Mount Comfort and Walnut Grove, has labored tirelessly in serving his denomination.
He is a native son of Arkansas, his birth having occurred near Payetteville on the 12th
of November. 1863, a son of Edward and Lucy W. (Hawkins) Freyschlag. The father
was born in Monheim, Germany, and the mother was born in Kentucky. Their marriage
was celebrated in Washington county, Arkansas, having both come to this county with
their parents in early life. Eight children were born to their union, four of whom are
living: Jennie, the wife of John Stanberry, a mine worker in Kansas; Mary, the
widow of Anderson Davis of Washington county; E. M., whose name initiates this
review; and Sarah, who is residing with the mother on the home place. The father
was a consistent member of the German Lutheran church and always gave his political
allegiance to the democratic party. For a short time he was in the Confederate army
and he served as an officer in the campaigns against the Indians on the frontier. Through-
out his life he followed farming and achieved substantial success in that connection.
His death occurred in 1906, at the age of ninety-two years. Mrs. Freyschlag is still
residing on the old farm of one hundred and sixty-nine acres in Washington county,
where she has lived since she was sixteen years of age. She is now ninety-three and In
the best of health. Her son, Rev. E. M., of this review, looks after the farm for her.

In the acquirement of an education Rev. Mr. Freyschlag attended the common
schools of Washington county and a private Episcopal school in Payetteville. For two
years he was a student in the State University and then went to Chicago, where he
attended the Moody Bible Institute for two years. He united with the Presbyterian
church and was ordained in Arkansas and subsequently went to school to Dr. Earl of
Canehill, this state. In 1891 he entered the ministry and filled a charge at Berryville
for one year. For one year he served his church at Mount Comfort and Rogers and then
for six years was minister of the Presbyterian church at Prairie Grove. In 1908 he
came to Payetteville to educate his children and has since resided in this community.
He is now pastor of the church at Mount Comfort and Walnut Grove. The church owns
a farm of twenty-five acres at Walnut Grove and Rev. Mr. Freyschlag attends to its

CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 243

cultivation, on the side. The church bought the farm on time, under his supervision,
and since Its purchase seven years ago the farm has netted some ten thousand dollars.
There is a modern home on the farm, electrically lighted and with all improvements
of the present day. The church also owns a moving picture machine and shows an
exceptionally fine grade of educational and Bible pictures.

In 1S97 Rev. Mr. Freyschlag was united in marriage to Miss Ida Appleby, further
mention of the family being made in the sketch of George Appleby, to be found on an-
other page of this work. Two children have been born to their union: Jessie, a graduate
of the State University with the class of 1921; and Helen, attending high school. Since
attaining his majority Rev. Mr. Freyschlag has given his political support to the
democratic party, having firm belief in the principles of that party as factors in good
government. He has devoted his life to church work. In his sermons the Rev. Mr.
Freyschlag is "positive but not dogmatic; earnest, but not denunciatory; tender, but
not sentimental; scholarly, but not pedantic; simple, but not commonplace; impassioned,
yet graceful; popular, but not vulgar." He serves to the best of his ability his church
and congregation and he has the love of the entire community.

JOHN E. MILLER.

John E. Miller of Searcy and prosecuting attorney of his judicial circuit comprising
five counties, was born in Aid, Missouri, May 15, 1888, and is a son of John A. and
Mary K. (Harper) Miller, who are natives of Stoddard county. Missouri. The father,
a farmer by occupation, has given much attention to stock raisins, hamlling high grade
cattle and hogs. He has carried on an extensive business and has met with substantial
success in his agricultural and stock raising interests, which he began following his
service in the Civil war, in which he was with the Confederate army, spending much of
his time at Cape Girardeau and Bloomfield, Missouri. He participated in several skir-
mishes and was on active duty until the close of hostilities, whence he turned his
attention to the work of developing his land and raising stock. He has now reached the
age of seventy-three years, while his wife is sixty-nine years of age. Both are members
of the Baptist church. In their family were eight children, five of whom are living:
E. E., who makes his home near Puxico, Missouri, where he follows farming; Eunice
May, who is a graduate of the Cape Girardeau Normal School and is now teaching at
Caruthersville, Missouri; Iva Beatrice, also a graduate of the Cape Girardeau Normal
School and now a teacher in the high school at Bloomfield; Oden Ray, who is pursuing
a pharmaceutical course in the Washington University at St. Louis, Missouri: and
John E. Two of the children died in infancy, while one daughter. Edith Victoria, became
the wife of T. J. McDowell and died in 1S99 at the age of twenty-five years, leaving two
sons: Alfred L. and Samuel H. The former is with her parents and the latter is now
employed in the transportation department of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad
at Danville, Illinois.

John E. Miller pursued his education in the rural schools of Stoddard county,
Missouri, in the high school at Bloomfield and in the State Normal at Cape Girardeau,
while later he took a law preparatory course at Valparaiso University. He did not study
continuously but at intervals taught in six different rural schools of Stoddard county,
Missouri, and thus earned the money which enabled him to continue his education. At
the age of eighteen years he was elected principal of his home school. He never
abandoned his plan of becoming a member of the bar. however, and was graduated
from the Kentucky State University of Law on the 6th of June. 1912. with the B. L.
degree. On the 13th of June he became a resident of Searcy, where he opened an office,
entering into partnership with J. N. Racheals, with whom he was connected until 1915
He then formed a partnership with C. E. Tingling and is still associated with him in
general law practice. He served as assistant attorney for the Missouri & North Arkansas
Railroad tor two years and he has always enjoyed a good private practice. He likewise
filled the ofl^ce of city attorney for three years and on the 1st of January. 1919, became
prosecuting attorney of the first judicial circuit, comprising White. Woodruff, St. Francis,
Lee and Phillips counties. He handled the prosecution in connection with the Elaine
race riots in 1919 and has tried many other important cases. For the past two years
he has been attorney for the Arkansas Hydro Electric Company, of which he is also
one of the directors. Aside from his professional interests he has investments in farm
lands.

On the 21st of October, 1914, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Ethel Lucile Lindsey,
a native of Lee county, Arkansas, and a daughter of R. H. Lindsey. They have one child,
Mary Louise, now two years of age. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church. South, and Mr. Miller is serving on the board of stewards. He is a Chapter

244 CEXTEXXTAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

Mason, belonging to Searcy Lodge No. 49, A. F. & A. M., and Tillman Chapter, No. 52,
R. A. M., in which he has filled all of the chairs. He is likewise identified with the
Ancient Order of United Workmen. His political allegiance is given to the democratic
party and aside from serving as city attorney and prosecuting attorney he was a member
of the constitutional convention of 1917, being the second youngest member of that body
which framed the organic law of the state. His ability is widely recognized and has
brought him to a point of leadership in connection with public interests in his section
of the state.

PHILANDER K. ROOTS.

Philander K. Roots, one of the venerable and highly honored citizens of Little
Rock to the time of his death on October 16, 1921, was closely connected with the
development and progress of the state through his activity as a civil engineer, rail-
road builder and banker. His life had been one of intelligently directed activity
and of intense usefulness and Arkansas largely benefited by his labors. Mr. Roots
came to the southwest from New England and his ancestry was strictly American
in both the lineal and collateral branches through many generations. The line is
traced back in this country to 1634, when representatives of the name came from
England. The great-grandfather of Mr. Roots, a graduate of Yale College, became
a clergyman of the Congregational church, while the grandfather was a graduate of
Dartmouth College and also devoted his life to the work of the ministry, although
becoming a representative of the Baptist church, in the home mission field of which
he did most effective work. Benajah G. Roots, father of Philander K. Roots, was
a pioneer settler of Illinois. In New England he had qualified for the profession
of civil engineering and had devoted his attention to professional work of that
character for a considerable period. He determined, however, to become identified
with the upbuilding of the growing middle west and settled in Perry county, Illinois,
where he turned his attention to educational interests and contributed much to the
development of the schools in that locality. He married Martha Sibley Holt and
they became the parents of four children. The wife and mother died in 1864, while
the father survived until 1888.

Philander K. Roots was the second in order of birth of their children and was
still an infant when the family removed to Illinois from Connecticut. He was born
about twenty miles east of Hartford, in the town of Willington, Connecticut, on the
4th of June, 1838, and has therefore passed the eighty-third milestone on life's
journey. He was reared on a frontier farm near Tamaroa, Illinois, his father
having there taken up a government claim. He early assisted his father in the
development and cultivation of the fields and he likewise received a liberal educa-
tional training under his father, who was a highly educated man. At a later date
Philander K. Roots became a student in the Carrollton College at Carrollton, Illi-
nois, where he specialized in civil engineering, and later he matriculated in the
State Normal School at Bloomington, Illinois, where he continued in the same
line of study to the time of his graduation. He started out in the business world
as assistant to his father, who was then division engineer on the Illinois Central
Railroad in Illinois. In 1853 Mr. Roots accepted a position as engineer in connection
with the work of laying out the town of Centralia, Illinois, and when that task
was accomplished he went to Paducah, Kentucky, where he was in the employ
of the Mobile & Ohio Railroad, acting as locating and constructing engineer. With
the outbreak of the Civil war, however, he returned to Illinois and entered the
educational field by becoming principal of the high school at Duquoin. A year passed
in this way and then, prompted by a most patriotic spirit, he joined the engineering
corps of the Union army, rendering valuable service to his country in operations
between Nashville and Atlanta under command of General Thomas. He did much
reconstruction work along engineering lines, following the trail of the Confederate
Generals Wheeler and Forrest in that section of the south.

When the country no longer needed his aid Mr. Roots turned his attention to
the west and for some time remained in Nevada and California, acting as deputy
state surveyor in Nevada but also giving considerable attention to mining inter-
ests. He dated his residence in Arkansas, from 1869, where he became a partner
of his brother. Colonel Logan H. Roots, in the conduct of plantation enterprises at
De Vall's Bluff. In the early '70s, however, he again engaged in civil engineering,
being employed as locating and constructing engineer by the Cairo & Pulton Rail-
road, now a part of the St. Louis. Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad system.
His labors as a civil engineer constituted a most valuable contribution to the upbuild-

lIILAXDKi; K. I.'OOTS

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 247

ing and development of the state. He was one of the first expert representatives of
his profession in the state and the value of his service can scarcely he overestimated.
In 1873 Mr. Roots turned his attention to banking, becoming managing ofBcial of the
First National Bank of Fort Smith, in which he held a large amount of stock to the
time of his demise. Little Rock had been his home since 1880 and for a decade he
was the cashier of the First National Bank of the city but retired from active con-
nection with the institution in 1890. In the meantime he had made large investments
in property and along other lines here and was able in the evening of life to rest from
labor and yet enjoy all of the comforts and luxuries which make tor a pleasant existence.

On the 23d of May, 1866, Mr. Roots was married in San Francisco, California,
to Miss Frances Maria Blakeslee, who was. reared and educated in Duquoin, Illinois.
They became the parents of the following named: Bishop Logan H. Roots, of the
Episcopal diocese of Hankow, China; Rev. Wiliard H. Roots, Episcopal missionary
in the state of Idaho; Mrs. Mary Emily Hall of Little Rock; and one who died in
infancy. The wife and mother died on August 21, 1906, her death being the occa-
sion of deep regret to her many friends. The sons and daughter of the house-
hold are now all married and filling positions of gi-eat usefulness in lite. The son,
Logan H. Roots, married Miss Eliza L, McCook, a daughter of the Rev. J. J. McCook
of Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut, and they became parents of three sons
and two daughters, all born in Hankow, China; Wiliard Holt Roots, who has de-
voted his life to the work of the Episcop.il ministry, married Miss Katherine Philp,
of Canada, and they have two children, Mary Frances and Wiliard H., Jr. Both
sons were graduated from the Cambridge (Mass.) Theological Seminary; Mary Emily,
the only daughter, is the wife of Walter G. Hall and they have two children, Graham
Roots and Mary Emily. Mrs. Hall has been very active in Sunday school and church
work and has served as president of the Young Women's Christian Association of
Little Rock. Mr. and Mrs. Hall and their two children made their home with Mr.
Roots and the household has ever been noted for its gracious and liberal hospitality.

Mr. Roots had long been identified with the Masonic fraternity, taking all of
the degi-ees of the York Rite, including that of Knights Templar, while in the Scot-
tish Rite he attained the thirty-second degree. His political endorsement was always
given to the republican party and he never neglected any duty of citizenship. He
belonged to the Protestant Episcopal church and for almost a half century was
senior warden therein, while for many years he had served as superintendent of
the Sunday school. He became one of the organizers of the Young Men's Christian
Association of Little Rock in 1885 and there was no good work done in the name
of charity or religion that sought his aid in vain. He approached the end of life's
journey with the consciousness of duty well performed, of a lite well lived, and the
honor and respect accorded him were not the recognition of mere business success
but of a sterling character above reproach. He died at his home, 1018 Scott street.
Little Rock, Sunday, October 16. 1921. and his departure is deeply mourned by
his family and hosts of friends.

S. G. PARSLEY.

S. G. Parsley, cashier of the Valley Bank at Hindsville. was born in London, Ken-
tucky, September 25, 1874, a son of S. W. and Sallie (Black) Parsley and a grandson of
Alexander Parsley, who was a native of Virginia, but in early lite removed to Kentucky.
In the maternal line the grandfather was Richard Black, who spent his life in the Blue
Grass state. S. W. Parsley was born in Lee county, Virginia, but was married in Ken-
tucky to Miss Sallie Black, who was born in that state. Practically his entire life was
passed in Kentucky, for he was but three years of age at the time of the removal of the
family from Virginia. He became a merchant and farmer and about 1880 removed to
Madison county, Arkansas, where he purchased land and carried on general agricultural
pursuits. His political support was given to the democratic party and fraternally he
was connected with the Masons. Both he and his wife died in Madison county. They
were the parents of four children, two of whom are living: S. G.. of this review; and
J. F., a merchant of Patrick, Arkansas.

In the schools of Madison and Benton counties, Arkansas, S. G. Parsley acquired
his education and also attended the Pea Ridge Normal College. He took up the profession
of teaching when but sixteen years of age and was thus engaged for eight years, proving
a capable educator, imparting readily and clearly to others the knowledge that he had
acquired. Afterward, however, he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits at Delaney,
Arkansas, and was active in that line of business (or eight yeirs. Subsequently he was
elected circuit clerk and so continued in office for four years, retiring from the position

248 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

as lie had entered it — with the confidence and good will of all concerned. He then
removed to Hindsville and accepted the position of cashier in the Valley Bank. He has
since served in that connection and is today a well known representative of financial
interests in his part of the state. He started in life with nothing and has been dependent
entirely upon his own resources from the age of sixteen years. Steadily he has advanced
as the result of his industry, perseverance and capability and today he is well known
in the banking circles of Madison county.

In 1S99 Mr. Parsley was married to Miss Cynthia Brashears, who was born in
Kentucky, a daughter of J. C. Brashears, also a native of that state, whence he came to
Madison county, Arkansas, in the '80s and is now living at Lowell, Arkansas, where he
owns a farm. Mr. and Mrs. Parsley have become parents of four children: Leola. who
is a student in a college at Ozark; Keith, attending college in Clarksville; Jeraldine and
Kenneth, who are also in school. Mr. Parsley belongs to the Christian church, while
Mrs. Parsley has membership in the Presbyterian church. He is also identified with
the Masons and the Odd Fellows and has passed through all of the chairs in the lodge
of the latter order. His political support is given to the democratic party and he has
served as county judge for one term since removing to Hindsville. Much of his atten-
tion, however, is given to his business affairs and in addition to his work in the bank
he devotes some time to real estate activity and to the supervision of the farm which
he owns on the river. All that he possesses has come to him as the direct result and
reward of his industry and perseverance and his life record should serve to encourage
and inspire others who must start out in the business world empty-handed as he did.

SIDNEY J. WOLFERMANN, M. D.

Dr. Sidney J. Wolfermann, a physician and surgeon of Fort Smith, with offices in
the First National Bank building, has qualified for his profession by thorough and com-
prehensive study which has well equipped him for the important and onerous duties
that devolve upon him. Moreover, he has held to the highest standards and directed
his course according to the most advanced professional ethics, and thus it is that he
enjoys in the highest degree the esteem and confidence of his professional brethren.
Dr. Wolfermann is a native of Streator. Illinois, his parents being David and Carolyn
(Heller) Wolfermann. The father was engaged in the retail clothing business for more
than fifty-one years. He was desirous that his son should have excellent educational
advantages, and after attending the public schools Sidney J. Wolfermann entered the
University of Wisconsin at Madison and there won the Bachelor of Arts degree. Having
determined to make the practice of medicine his life work, he next became a student
in the medical department of the Northwestern University at Chicago and thus qualified
for professional activity.

Following America's entrance into the World war Dr. Wolfermann enlisted in the
army and was commissioned an officer of the Medical Corps. He was assigned to duty
at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, and specialized in facial surgery. He was also for a time
at Camp Sevier, Georgia, and at Garden City, Long Island, as well as in the Army
Medical School at Washington, D. C. There he studied plastic surgery and while sta-
tioned there also took up the study of X-ray work. For a time he was on duty at Camp
Grant, where he worked in the field of plastic surgery, which was largely evolved in
its more advanced stages during the war period, being used in reconstructing mutilated
faces. This called for skill and application of the highest order. During his term of
service Dr. Wolfermann made this his specialty and attained a high degree of efficiency
in this newly developed science.

When the country no longer needed his aid Dr. Wolfermann returned to Fort Smith
to resume the private practice of his profession in 1919. Here he joined the Cooper
Clinic, with which he has continuously been associated since that time. He is constantly
promoting his efficiency and skill through scientific research and investigation and not
only has he kept abreast with the times but has become a leader in this field of practice,
developing his power to a high point of efficiency.

CURNEL SAMUEL WILLIAMSON.

Curnel Samuel Williamson was for many years a resident of Hot Springs and
although he now makes his home in St. Louis he still has important business interests
and investments in the former city. He was born in Covington, Kentucky, April 5.
1851, and obtained his education largely in the public schools of Cincinnati, Ohio, and

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 249

in the Chickering Institute. His parents removed witli the family to Cincinnati, Ohio,
in 1S61, and Curnel Samuel Williamson started out to provide for his own support when
a youth of eighteen years, initiating his business experience as a clerk with the Peoples
Ice Company of Cincinnati. At the age of twenty years he was bookkeeper with the
ship chandler firm of Williamson & Company, the senior partner thereof being his uncle.
In 1871 he came to Hot Springs on a visit, after which he returned to Cincinnati, but
in 1S72 again made a trip to this city. He did not take up his abode here at that time,
however, but in 1S75 returned to Hot Springs and was married on the ISth of October
of that year, to Miss Fannie Gaines, a daughter of William H. Gaines, who is mentioned
on another page of this work. About the time of his marriage Mr. Williamson took the
management of the old Hot Springs Hotel, associated with A. B. Gaines and carried on
the business until the hotel was destroyed by fire in March, 1878. At that time Mr.
Williamson turned his attention to the real estate business, conducting important trans-
actions of this character until 1892, when he erected the Great Northern Hotel and the
Great Northern Bathhouse. He then assumed management of the hotel and bathhouse
and carried on the business successfully for a long period. In 1897 he erected an addition
to the hotel, making it as it now stands. In 1874 he had acted as agent for the White
Star Line Packet Company, having tour side-wheel steamers on the river, and was located
at Memphis, Tennessee. In 1872 he had been agent for the Cincinnati & St. Louis Express
Line, also having four river steamers. Mr. Williamson continued to conduct the hotel
until 1903. when he removed to St. Louis, where he has since resided, although retaining
his business and financial interests in Hot Springs. He is connected with the city of
St. Louis in an official capacity. While in Hot Springs he laid out the Williamson and
Gaines addition to the city and he owns large real estate holdings here. He still visits
Hot Springs quite frequently, to look after his hotel and other interests and takes great
pleasure in meeting his old friends, who are always glad to see him. He rejoices, too,
in the progress and development that is taking place in Hot Springs, ever manifesting
a commendable pride in what has been accomplished as the years have gone by. This
is a city famous for its fine hotels.

To Mr. and Mrs. Williamson were born four children: Maria L.; Etna A., the wife
of Paul Powers of Washington, D. C; Curnel Samuel, Jr., of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, who
Is engaged in merchandising; and Mary F., the wife of M. P. Relyea of New Jersey.
For his second wife Mr. Williamson ch-ose Ida L. Miller, who was born in Iowa. Mr.
Williamson has been a member of the Elks lodge of Hot Springs for nineteen years. He
has always voted with the republican party and he held the office of chief deputy sheriff
under Mr. Houpt. He collected taxes individually during the smallpox epidemic of
1895 and in 1896 he acted as deputy sheriff, collecting all taxes and making settlements.
A man of pronounced ability and of progressive public spirit. Hot Springs was loath to
have him leave but she feels that she still has a claim upon him because of his extensive
investments here and because of his continued interest in the welfare and growth of
the city.

J. L. CLEMMER, M. D.

Dr. J. L. Clemmer, a successful physician and surgeon of Gentry, where he has been
located since January, 1920, has continuously followed his profession in Benton county
during the past two decades and has enjoyed an extensive and lucrative practice. He is
numbered among the worthy native sons of Arkansas, his birth having occurred at
Springdale on the 6th of September, 1877. His parents, J. G. and Hettie (Mosher)
Clemmer. are natives of eastern Tennessee. John Clemmer, the paternal grandfather,
was also born in Tennessee, his parents having emigrated to this country from Germany
about 1789. The maternal grandfather was Phillip Mosher. likewise a native of Ten-
nessee. Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Clemmer were married in eastern Tennessee and came to
Arkansas after the close of the Civil war. Mr. Clemmer served with the Confederate
army as a member of a Tennessee regiment from 1862 until the cessation of hostilities,
being captured twice and beging in prison when peace was declared. His time and
energies throughout the period of his active business career were devoted to general
agricultural interests, in the capable conduct of which he met with a gratifying and
well deserved measure of prosperity. He and his wife now make their home in Spring-
dale, where he has lived retired for the past three years. Their religious faith is in-
dicated by their membership in the Lutheran church, while in politics Mr. Clemmer is
a stanch democrat. They have been residents of Arkansas for more than a half century
and have become well known and highly esteemed for their many estimable and admirable
qualities. Their family numbered thirteen children, seven of whom are yet living.

J. L. Clemmer, who was the fourth in order of birth, was educated in the Spring-

250 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OP ARKANSAS

dale high school and then entered the University of Kansas Medical College at Kansas
City, from which institution he was graduated with the degree of M. D. as a member
of the class of 1901. He at once opened an office at Springtown, Arkansas, from which
point he traveled over the surrounding district and thus continued in practice until
January. 1920, when he removed to Gentry, where he has remained to the present time.
Well merited success has attended his professional labors, for when he settled at Spring-
town he was entirely without financial resources and during the period of his practice
there accumulated sufficient capital to enable him to become possessed of considerable
property. He has ever kept in close touch with the progress of the medical profession,
pursued a special course in Tulane University in the fall of 1920 and in 1908 did four
weeks' postgraduate work in St. Louis. His high standing among his professional col-
leagues and contemporaries is indicated in the fact that he was chosen to the presidency
of the Benton County Medical Society and he likewise belongs to the Medical Association
of the Southwest, the District Medical Society, the Arkansas State Medical Society and
the American Medical Association.

In 1900 Dr. Clemmer was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Wasson, a native of
Springtown, Arkansas, and a daughter of David Wasson, a prosperous merchant of
Springtown. They have become parents of three children: Vira E., who was educated
in Galloway Female College of Searcy, Arkansas; Franklin, who is a high school graduate
and will enter the University of Arkansas in the fall of 1921; and Iva May, a high school
student.

Dr. Clemmer gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and fraternally
is identified with the Masonic lodge at Gentry and with the Modern Woodmen of
America. His wife and children are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. South.
Both the Doctor and his wife have spent their entire lives in Arkansas and have become
widely and favorably known throughout the northwestern part of the state, winning the
warm regard of all with whom they have come in contact.

PROCTOR F. JOHNSON.

Among the well established attorneys at law in Eureka Springs is Proctor P.
Johnson, who not only has a large private practice but is now serving as deputy
prosecuting attorney. He is numbered among the native sons of Arkansas, for his birth
occurred in Newton county on the 16th of December, 1S91, a son of Oscar P. and Nannie
(Parris) Johnson. The paternal grandfather, James F. Johnson was born in Ohio and
served throughout the Civil war in the Union army. He was with Sherman on his
famous march to the sea. At the close of the war he came to Arkansas and he resided
in this state for some time, subsequently removing to Missouri where he was killed in
a street car accident in 1912. The maternal grandparents were Stephen and Elizabeth
Parris. He was a native of Texas and upon the outbreak of the Civil war, his sympathies
being with the southern cause, he enlisted in the Confederate army. His death occurred
while in service, the result of exposure in all kinds of weather and poor clothing and
food. Oscar F. Johnson was horn in Ohio and at an early age removed with his parents
to Kansas, in which state he was reared to manhood. Mr. Johnson has followed many
lines of business, having been engaged in the mercantile business for some time and
having traveled for some large concerns on the road. He came to this state in the
'80s and remained here for some time before going to Colorado, where he resided for
two years. At the termination of that time he returned here and he has since been a
resident of this state. He owns four hundred acres of valuable land in the county and
is living retired in Eureka Springs. His wife is also living. She was born in Texas
but came to this state in early life. Their marriage was celebrated at Harrison. To
the union of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson four children have been born. Proctor P., the oldest
child, being the only one living. For many years Mr. Johnson has been identified with
the Masons and he is conceded an exemplary member of the craft. His political
allegiance has always been given to the republican party, he having firm belief in the
principles of that party as factors in good government. Both Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are
highly respected citizens of Eureka Springs.

Proctor F. Johnson received his early education in the common schools of Carroll
county and in due time entered the high school at Eureka Springs. Upon his graduation
from that institution he enrolled as a student in the State University, with the intention
of studying law. but being then only about seventeen years of age he changed his mind
and at the end of the year withdrew from the university. He made his initial step into
the business world as clerk in a mercantile establishment and then for some time was
active in the cleaning and dyeing business. About that time he again determined to
make the legal profession his life work and he began to study under the direction of

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 251

F. O. Butt, a prominent and well known attorney. In 1917 he was admitted to the bar
and immediately opened offices in Eureka Springs for the practice ot his profession. In
the early part of the following year, however, the United States having entered the
World war, Mr. Johnson put all personal interests aside and enlisted for active service.
He was sent to Camp Pike for training and on the 15th of October was commissioned
second lieutenant. He was then transferred to'Camp Punston, where he remained until
the close of the war. Receiving his honorable discharge from the army he returned to
his practice here and has gained for himself an enviable place among his professional
brethren in the state. In January, 1920, he was appointed deputy prosecuting attorney
and he is now active in that office. Mr. Johnson's clients are representatives of prac-
tically all classes and the attention which he gives to business entrusted to him and the '
success which he has before the courts, give him an excellent standing in the community
where he is greatly respected.

In November, 1919, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Johnson to Miss Bettie 0.
Woodruff, a native of Washington county, this state, and a daughter of Jasper N.
Woodruff, and Minnie Bell Woodruff. The paternal grandfather, Jasper N., was a
lieutenant in the Confederate army. The maternal grandfather, John M. Bell, was like-
wise a Confederate soldier. Both families were pioneer lumbermen of Washington
county. Mrs. Johnson is prominent in the club and social circles of Eureka Springs and
she is active in all of the undertakings of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which she
is a consistent member.

Mr. Johnson gives his political adherence to the democratic party and he has taken
an active interest in the promotion of those principles and policies for which democracy
stands. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons and he is a Knight Templar. Mr.
Johnson is always interested in matters of progressive citizenship and is a cooperant
factor in many projects for the general good, yet he regards the practice of law as his
real life work, and in his chosen field of labor he has won continuous advancement
through merit and ability which has placed him with the leading lawyers of Arkansas.

.ESLIE GOODLOE.

Leslie Goodloe, as well known figure in insurance circles in Arkadelphia, where close
application and undaunted enterprise have enabled him to develop a business of sub-
stantial and gratifying proportions, was born in Clarksville, Tennessee, December 16.
187S. He is a son ot Albert Theodore and Sarah Louise (Cockrill) Goodloe, the former
a native of Mount Pleasant, Tennessee, while the latter was born in Tuscumbia, Alabama,
where their marriage was celebrated in 1855. Immediately afterward they came to
Arkansas, settling in St Francis county and the town of Caldwell was later built upon
the plantation which Mr. Goodloe purchased. He acquired two thousand acres of land
there and owned a large number of slaves. He was a man of liberal education, having
graduated from the University of Virginia and also from the Richmond Medical College
of Richmond. Virginia. For years he engaged in the practice of medicine in St. Francis
county and in addition managed his large estate, being a man of splendid business ability
and executive force. Both he and his wife were but children when their respective
parents died and both were left estates of considerable consequence. Like her husband,
Mrs. Goodloe had splendid educational opportunities, being a student at Dr. Price's Select
School in Nashville, one of the leading educational institutions of the city at that time.
Soon after the Civil war Albert T. Goodloe returned to Tennessee, where he had retained
his summer home — Millbrook Farm — which adjoined The Hermitage, the home of Gen-
eral Andrew Jackson, near Nashville. In subsequent years he entered the ministry of
the Methodist Episcopal church. South, and gave his life to the holy calling until his
labors were ended. He served in the Confederate army during the entire period of the
Clv^ war and preached to the soldiers while with the army. He died February 22, 1912,
having for a few years survived his wife, whose death occurred March 31, 190S.

Leslie Goodloe pursued his education in the Henderson-Brown College of Arkadelphia,
which conferred upon him the Bachelor of Arts degree at his graduation with the class
of 1898. His brother, Granville Goodloe, was a member of the faculty of the college for
several years. On the completion of his course there Leslie Goodloe spent one year as
a student in the Randolph-Macon College at Ashland, Virginia, and then entered upon a
law course at the University of Virginia, being graduated therefrom with the class of
1902.

Having thus qualified for the practice of the profession Leslie Goodloe located in
.lonesboro, Arkansas, where he opened a law office but at the end of the year turned
his attention to financial interests by organizing a bank in Hoxie. Arkansas, of which
he served as cashier for four years. In the tall of 1906 he came to Arkadelphia as

252 CENTExNXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

assistant cashier of tlie Citizens National Bank, in which capacity he served for six
years. While an employe of the bank he built up an extensive insurance business and
in 1912 he resigned his position with the bank and organized the United Insurance
Agency, of which he was made general manager. Through the intervening period his
attention has been given to insurance interests and he has gained a most extensive
clientage for the agency which he represents, being recognized today as one of the
prominent insurance men of his section of the state.

On the 28th of November, 1906. Mr. Goodloe was married to Miss Frances Louise
Sims of Brunswick county, Virginia, and they have become parents of two children:
Frances Ida and Albert Theodore. Mr. Goodloe is a member of Arkadelphia Lodge,
No. 381, A. F. & A. M., and also of Arkadelphia Lodge, No. 1149, B. P. O. E., of which
he is a charter member, while for two terms he served as exalted ruler. He is serving
on the board of trustees of the Henderson-Brown College and is acting as secretary of
the board. He is also the president of the Rotary Club and is in hearty sympathy with
the high ideals and purposes of that organization, which is actuated not only by a desire
to develop business relations in the city, but also to uphold the highest civic standards
and the most advanced ideals of American citizenship. He was chairman of the exemp-
tion board during the period of the World war and religiously he is connected with
the Methodist Episcopal church, South, while his wife also holds membership therein.

E. L. PYE.

E. L. Pye, numbered among the progressive merchants of El Dorado, where he is
owner of a drug store which he has conducted with growing success since 1907, was
born in Drew county. Arkansas, February 29, 1868. His birth occurred upon a farm
and there he spent his youthful days, dividing his time between the acquirement of an
education in the public schools, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the
fields. He continued to assist in the task of plowing, planting and harvesting until
he had attained his majority, when thinking to find other pursuits more congenial than
those of agricultural life, he left home and obtained a position in a drug store at Helena,
where he was employed for two years. On the expiration of that period he removed to
Monticello, Arkansas, where he occupied a similar position until 1896 and then came
to El Dorado, where he has now made his home for almost a third of a century. Here
he secured a clerkship in a drug store and thus spent his time in the employ of others
until 1907. when he purchased his present business. He was ambitious to have a place
of his own and carefully saved his earnings until his industry, economy and careful
management had made the step possible. He now conducts business under the name of
the Pye Taylor Drug Company, of which he is president and general manager, and his
well appointed store and the straightforward business methods which he follows well
entitle him to the liberal patronage accorded him.

Mr. Pye has ever manifested a helpful and progressive interest in public affairs and
has served as a member of the town council of El Dorado. He also belongs to the Baptist
church and to the Knights of Pythias fraternity — associations which indicate much con-
cerning the nature of his interests and the rules that govern his conduct.

SIDNEY W. DUKE.

Sidney W. Duke, cashier of the First National Bank at Mena, was born in Prescott,
Arkansas, September 10, 1889. His grandfather. James W. Duke, was a native of Georgia
and served tor four years in the Confederate army during the Civil war. He was a
farmer by occupation and spent his last days in Nevada county, Arkansas. The gi^nd-
father in the maternal line was John W. Gann and he. too, was born in Georgia, while
at the present time he makes his home in Nevada county, Arkansas, where he is ex-
tensively engaged in farming. He was one of the standard bearers in the Confederate
army during the period of hostilities between the north and the south.

T. H. Duke, the father of Sidney W. Duke, was born in Georgia and having arrived
at years of maturity wedded Eliza Gann, whose birth occurred near Prescott, Arkansas,
where they are still living. They became parents of six children: Sidney W. ; Myrtle,
now the wife of J. D. Crosby, a contractor of Hope. Arkansas; Fred, who is living in
Mena; T. H.. who is assistant cashier of the First National Bank at Mena; Horace G.,
who is an insurance man at Fort Smith, Arkansas; and Chipley Sterling, who is attend-
ing school in Prescott. The parents are consistent members of the Baptist church and
politically Mr. Duke is a democrat. He went to Prescott with his parents soon after

CEXTEXXIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS 253

the Civil war and has there resided to the present, now living retired from business,
although for many years he was connected with the lumber trade.

Sidney W. Duke pursued his education in the Prescott high school, in the University
of Arkansas, which he attended for two years, and in the University of Illinois, In
which he was :i siiiil-nt for a similar period. He started out to provide for his own
support by winking lor a contractor and builder of Little Rock, with whom he remained
for six montlis and later he engaged in the building and loan business in Texarkana for
an equal period. In September, 1912, he came to Mena and secured the position of
bookkeeper in the First National Bank. He was promoted to the cashiership in 1917
and has occupied that position through the intervening period, proving a courteous and
obliging official and one who is very popular with the patrons of the bank. He also
has an insurance department in the bank, of which he has charge and has gained a
large clientage in that connection. His business activities also extend to other corpora-
tions, for he is the president of the Oden State Bank at Oden, Arkansas, a director of
the Bank of Hatfield and secretary of tlie Duke Magruder Dry Goods Company at Mena.

Mr. Duke votes with the democratic party and keeps thoroughly informed concerning
the vital questions and issues of the day but does not seek office. He belongs to the
Baptist church and he is well known in fraternal circles, being now exalted ruler of
the Elks' Lodge, No. 781. He is also a Knight Templar Mason and a member of the
Mystic Shrine and has filled the position of eminent commander in Malta Conmiandery,
No. 17, K. T., of Mena. He has membership in the Kappa Sigma, a college fraternity,
and he is ever most loyal to the interests which he represents, whether of a public or
private nature. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, as he started
out in the business world empty-handed and has progressed by reason of his close
application, his thoroughness and persistency of purpose and his reliable methods in
all of his dealings. Today he is a well known figure in financial circles in western
Arkansas.

C. C SADLER.

C. C. Sadler, engaged in the abstract business at Paris, is one of the native sons
cf Logan county, his birth having here occurred October 12, 1867, his parents being
James O. and Mary Z. (Clements) Sadler. The father was born in Arkansas in September,
1838, and was a representative of one of the old and honored pioneer families of the
state. His father was Rufus C. Sadler, who was probably a native of Georgia and
removed to Mississippi, whence he came to Arkansas in the '20s. He assisted in trans-
porting the Indians to the territory and he was a farmer, merchant and slave owner.
The maternal grandfather, Abel B. Clements, a native of Tennessee, also came to Arkansas
long prior to the Civil war and served as county judge in southwestern Arkansas. His
daughter, Mary Z. Clements, was born in the southwestern part of this state on the
12th of February, 1840, and there she became the wife of James 0. Sadler on the 9th of
August, 1866. He was a farmer and tnerchant. conducting a store at Shoal Creek and
also carrying on merchandising at Elsworth tor a number of years. In 1887 he removed
to Paris and thereafter lived largely retired from active business until his death, which
occurred in January, 1913. For about four years he had survived his wife, who died
April 3, 1909. They were the parents of seven children, of whom five are living; C. C,
who is the eldest of the family; J. M., who is field man for the Bankers Trust Company
of Little Rock, having for a number of yeirs been associated with the banking business,
connected with the state banking department for some time; Ocie M., the widow of
William L. Cravens, Jr., who was a merchant and bookkeeper; R. B., who is a practicing
dentist at Paris; and Lewis C, cashier of the First National Bank at Paris. The parents
were faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church. South, taking an active part
in the church work. In early life they had been members of the Presbyterian church
but later joined the Methodist denomination. Mr. Sadler was also a Mason and for a
number of years served as secretary of the Masonic lodge in Blaine. In politics he was
a democrat and at the time of the Civil war was a captain of Headquarters Company
under Cabell. He was wounded in the arm at the battle of Wilson Creek, Missouri. Both
he and his wife were highly esteemed as people of sterling worth and as representative
of two of the old and honored pioneer families of the state.

C. C. Sadler was educated in the country schools of Logan county and started out
in the business world by assisting in his father's store. He afterward began studying
law in an office and was admitted to the bar in January, 1906, at which time he began
practice in Paris but now devotes the greater part of his attention to the abstract
business, in which he has engaged since 1908. He has a splendid set of abstract books,
is thoroughly accurate, systematic and reliable and his patronage is now extensive.

254 CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSxVS

In 1897 Mr. Sadler was married to Miss Jennie Gwaltney, who was born in Logan
county and died August 7, 1908. She had four children, of whom three are living;
James Overton, who works at an oil station in Paris; Mary Lee, attending Galloway
College at Searcy; and Elizabeth Murphy, also a student in Galloway College. In July,
1909, Mr. Sadler was married to Theodocia Foster, who was horn in Logan county,
Arkansas.

They are faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Sadler is
also identified with the Knights of Pythias. He is a past chancellor commander of the
lodge and keeper of the records and seal. He is also identified with the Woodmen of
the World. Politically a democrat, he has served as town recorder, as school director
and for four years as deputy circuit clerk, while for an equal period he filled the office
of county treasurer and