Dr. Henry Davis Sadler

Dr. Henry Davis Sadler practiced the profession of medicine in Rison for more than thirty-four years. He was one of the most esteemed citizens of Cleveland County and had held public office of responsibility and trust and had acquitted himself with credit and to the advantage of the people.

He had a great professional following and accumulated a large property, most in cash, all of which was earned by ceaseless industry and skill in his professional work. He was active in the preliminaries that brought about the incorporation of the town of Rison.

Born in what is now Miller Township, Arkansas, April 7, 1862, he was the son of John W. and Ohello (Wharton) Sadler. He grew to manhood on the farm of his father who was a veteran of the Civil War. He also lived in the village of Toledo, which was at that time the county seat.

He worked as a deputy in the office of Sheriff Henry W. Rogers. He later taught in the county schools and one term in Union  County, near El Dorado. Obtaining sufficient funds, he entered the University of Arkansas in Little Rock, from which he was graduated in 1891 with a Doctor of Medicine Degree.

He practiced his profession for one year in Rison, then practiced in Thornton for four years. He returned to Rison in 1896 and resided there the remainder of his life.

In 1911 he took a post-graduate course at Tulane University in New Orleans. For a brief period during his early life he was engaged in mercantile business. In addition to being one of the petitioners for the incorporation of the town of Rison, he was one of the organizers of the Bank of Rison and was a charter member of its official board.

At various times he served as a member of the board of aldermen and for nearly twenty years was a member of the Rison School Board. He was a member of the American Medical Association and of the Arkansas State Medical Society. He was affiliated with Culpepper Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and was an active member of the Methodist Church.

He died in Rison, October 28, 1925.

On January 29, 1899, Henry Davis Sadler married Annie McLendon, a native of this county. Their children were: Guy M., editor of the “Cleveland County Herald”, Harold D., who at one time was secretary to the Hon. James B. Reed, and Tom, who attended Brown College at Arkadelphia. 

Source: Information compiled from Arkansas and Its People:  A History, 1541 - 1930, Biographical and Genealogical Volumes III and IV and descendents.  Submitted by Belinda (Brown) Winston.