Henry D. Wharton

Warren is proud to number among its influential citizens Henry D. Wharton, who is proprietor of the Wonder Variety Store and owner and operator of the Pastime Theatre, the sole moving picture house in this community.

He is a native of this state, his birth having occurred in Cleveland county, on the 21^st of March, 1883, a son of James M. and Sarah (Cash) Wharton. The father was also born here but Mrs. Wharton  was a native of Georgia. However, she came to Arkansas with her parents when but eight years of age.

James M. Wharton is one of the prominent and highly respected citizens of Warren, where for several years past he has been justice of the peace. Henry D. Wharton received his education in the common schools of Cleveland county and in due time entered the high school at Kingsland.

After completing his studies he identified himself with the lumber business and for some years was employed in various capacities in large sawmills throughout the state. His health failing, he was compelled to give up his work in that connection and he came to Warren and purchased the Pastime Theatre and engaged in the moving picture business. He was so successful in the conduct of that enterprise that he bought the show houses at Monticello and Wilmar and conducted all three until 1918. In that year he disposed of his interests in Monticello and Wilmar and bought the Wonder Variety Store at Warren, in the conduct of which he is now active, in connection with the Pastime Theatre. He is enjoying substantial success in both enterprises and the high and honorable principles which he employs in their conduct have won for him many friends.

In 1908 occurred the marriage of Mr. Wharton to Miss Jewell Henry of Eagle Mills, this state, and to their union one son has been born, Henry Sidney. Mrs. Wharton is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and she takes a prominent part in church work. She is likewise active in the club and social circles of Warren and is a member of the Culture Club, of which body she was at one time president.

Fraternally Mr. Wharton is identified with the Masons, belonging to Warren Lodge, No. 33, F.& A.M., and his religious faith is that of the Baptist church, to the support of which he is a generous contributor. Mr. Wharton is one of the live-wire citizens of Warren and as president of the Rotary Club he is a dominant factor in every movement for the development and improvement of the community.

Submitted by Belinda (Brown) Winston