LEADING CITIZENS OF NEVADA COUNTY IN 1900
(from the Times-Picayune
of April 12, 1900 and reprinted in the The
Nevada News beginning with the June 1, 1972 issue)
Capt. I. L. Adair came from Georgia
to Arkansas just before the war
clouds began to gather. Since 1858 he has made southwest Arkansas
his home. At the opening battle cry in 1861, he mounted a cavalry-man’s horse
and announced he was ready for duty. He was captain under Gen. Cabbel.
Thomas Alsobrooks
was born in Georgia in 1830 and came to Arkansas in 1855. For 45 years, he has labored on the farm, cultivating
her soil and honoring his parents and the church to which he belongs.
C. B. Andrews, Esq. is a graduate of the
Arkansas Law School of Little Rock. In 1892 he was appointed postmaster and
served four years. He is a native of this county and at present is a candidate
for the legislature.
Crawford Andrews, age 76, who lives near
Emmet was born and raised near his present home. He is now 76 years old and
quite active. It is said that Uncle Crawford came here before the bear and
stayed until he ran them out.
Dr. E. R. Armsted
who for 17 years has been one of our popular and leading physicians is a native
of North Carolina. He graduated with medical honors in March, 1853.
He served as a Confederate surgeon.
R. P. Arnold carries a fine line of fancy
groceries and confectioneries and has one of the finest soda fountains of
this county in our city. Mr. Arnold and his brother, Clifton are natives of this county and sons of Dr.
W. E. Arnold who lives in the hearts of many of our citizens. They are highly
respected and first class young gentlemen.
John R. Atkins for 85 years has breathed
earth’s native air. He was born in South Carolina. He dates 20 and 4 years to her honor and 61 years
are given to Arkansas where his
family has grown.
Rev. A. Avery, 90 years old, is one of
the most interesting and honored citizens of this county and lives 6 miles
west of Prescott. He has passed the 90th mile post of his age,
born in Johnson County, North Carolina.
For 69 years his voice has rung out from the pulpits of Tennessee
and Arkansas. He came to Arkansas in its wilderness state, in the infancy of its record. In
1837 he crossed the Arkansas River on a 3 log raft and
landed on the western side to bid adios to native soil and to enter a life
struggle for Methodism. For about 30 years he has been living near Old Midway
church.
J. W. Baker, Esq. is a native of Louisiana. He studied law under Hamp Smead
and is at present City Attorney for this place.
Mrs. Lucy J. Barham
of Sutton is of Tennessee birth and was married to Jas. M. Barham of Kentucky
blood. They came to Arkansas about 55 years ago. Elder W. R. Barham
and Dr. Chas. F. Barham are her sons who reflect
honor upon her and their sainted father. Lewis G. Barham
is honored by sheltering her in her aged walks.
Capt. William J. Blake, a gallant Confederate
soldier, became a citizen of Arkansas in 1856 and in
Dec., 1861 enlisted as a private in Co. I, 15th
Regt., Ark. Infantry. He was in
this regiment under Col. James J. Gee at Ft.
Helman, Tenn. When Grant’s movements
against the forts of the Tennessee and Cumberland
rivers began, and being transferred across the river to Ft.
Henry, took part in the defense of that post. Marching
thence to Ft. Donelson, he took part in the battle of Feb.
15 with the brigade of Col. Joseph Drake. At the surrender, he escaped and
went to Memphis, from there returning to Arkansas. Having lost his regiment, he began the organization of a
new company in which he was successful and was elected captain. He later
was made a prisoner and was held at the prison camps at Alton,
Illinois and Johnson’s Island, Lake
Erie until 1864.
E. Y. Blakely was born in Clington,
South Carolina and came to Arkansas
in 1859 reaching Nevada County in 1871 and since that time with the exception of five years
in Texas, has made this his home.
In 1896 he was elected county assessor and in 1898 was elected to the office
of Sheriff and Collector of our county, which office he still holds.
R. L. Blakely is a native of Arkansas.
Raised in Johnson County,
he came to Prescott in 1889. He began business in a small way which increased
as an ever-flowing and increasing stream. Notwithstanding the heavy losses
sustained by fire last November, his business has grown until he now carries
a full and complete stock of dry goods, groceries, millinery and feed stuff
and is considered the largest cotton buyer in our section of the state. Behind
his counters are found T. L. Purtle, D. B. Thompson, Blackwell Jordan, George Christopher,
and none more efficient than Mrs. E. A. Shankle,
Mrs. B. H. Blakely, Misses Edna Shankle and Hattie
Barr. B. H. Blakely, brother of R. L., has charge of the books and Miss Lizzie
Cobb has charge of the cash carrier.
Bodcaw High School
is located at Bodcaw in Parker Township. Prof. Hollis is principal
and is assisted by Miss Reed. Under their management are found about 60 of
the leading young men and women of this section. This school was established
in 1896 and has steadily grown and is doing much to stimulate our young people
to higher education.
Col. H. G. Brooks has been a citizen of
Prescott since 1880. During the war he served as lieutenant under Harrison.
He has been one of our leading merchants and today is one of the wealthiest
men.
J. U. Brown, son of J. C. Brown, is one
of our assistant postmasters. He was raised on the farm and has rapidly grown
into the confidence of our people. For several years he taught in our county
and now is assistant postmaster and one of the most popular and promising
young men.
Prof. P. L. Burrow who has charge of our
Tom Allen High
School is a native of Tennessee.
He was born and raised on a farm in Bedford Co., and was the 15th
of 16 children. He went to the Univesity of Ohio
at Lebanon where he graduated
with honors in 1888, after which he came to Arkansas and married Miss Ida Blackwell in 1890. He came to our town
3 years ago and he and his accomplished wife have labored to meet the issues
of a busy school life.
Prof. N. B. Burrow, like his brother, is
of Tennessee blood and was raised on his father’s farm and numbered nine
in his father’s home. He, too, sought to carve his way into literary circles.
He graduated at the University of Tenn. In 1881 and after serving an important place as teacher and principal
of leading institutions, he came to Arkansas. Tiring of the long occupation of teaching,
he has accepted a position with the Mutual Life Insurance Co., and at present,
is one of us.
J. O. A. Bush, Esq. is of thoroughbred
Arkansas blood. He was born and raised in Pike County and was county and circuit clerk
of that county from 1884 to 1890. He came to Prescott and has figured large in county and state politics in the
Populist party. He was in the legislature in 1897 and is author of the famous
Bush Bill. He was editor and manager of the People’s Tribune at this place
from August, 1891 until Nov. 1899, he and Guy Nelson forming a law firm under
the name of Nelson and Bush.
W. S. Caldwell lives in Taylor
township and is now more than 60 years old. He was raised in the community
in which he now lives. During the war, he was wounded from which he has never
recovered. He has been a Methodist for years and no one is more prompt to
his church call than he has been.
S. D. Carman, living 10 miles northwest
of town, is among our honored citizens. He has passed his eighty-fifth birthday.
His life has been one of honor and deep piety. He has lived in the community
where he now lives for about 35 years. He was born and raised in Tennessee,
but has given his active and mature manhood to Arkansas.
Elijah DeLaughter
is one of Nevada’s purest and best citizens. He runs a general
supply business at Boughton where he has been for
ten years.
A. M. Denman, our popular and efficient
county clerk came to Prescott in 1878 and has figured largely in our
county politics and business interests.
D. A. J. Estes who lives just south of
town, came here in 1892 and has made many friends and endeared himself to
the people of his community by his industry in farm life. His orchard bears
peaches, apples, pears, blackberries, strawberries, apricots, and raspberries
and he also had various lines of poultry.
Nathan Fairchild is 82 years old and is
still able to plow all day. For 43 years he has been in Arkansas. His faith is that of the Primitive Baptist
and his upright walk has won for him the good will and highest returns from
all who know him.
G. M. Franks of Albany
township for 52 years and his home has been within two miles of Harmony Church. Since the first edition of
the Picayune until the present, he has been one of its constant readers
and strong supporters.
Ed. F. Gee carries a full line of gent’s
furnishing. His business is managed by J. A. Bryan who is an old settler
of Prescott and one of its finest salesmen they ever got behind a counter.
Mr. Gee also deals largely in cattle, sheep, etc. He with his brother, William,
first began business in our town with a very small capital and by honest dealing
and close attention, he has pushed his way forward to business recognition
in our leading cities and abroad.
Dr. Lee Gee was born and raised in Nevada County. He just returned from St.
Louis where he spent two terms in the Beaumont Medical College.
He is a son of S. B. Gee and well known and highly respected. He carries
his medicine case gracefully.
S. B. Gee is an old Confederate soldier
and one of Prescott’s strongest business men. He first began
business in Prescott in 1882 with
his brothers, William and Ed. He afterwards sold out and in 1898 opened the
present line of general merchandise with Ira Gee and Brad Hamilton. Ira is
his son; Brad his son-in-law.
O. B. Gordon, who is cashier of the Nevada
County Bank has made his home in Arkansas
since the age of 12. He has served the people of our city as mayor for several
terms and has figured largely in state and county politics and at present
is chairman of the Democratic County Convention. He has reached high water
mark in the Masonic Order, having taken the 32nd degree.
Dr. J. M. F. Gill, a native of Nevada
and a graduate of Tulane University at New Orleans,
La., of the class of 1889, located at Emmet for several
years where he controlled a good practice; for the last few years, he has
shared a good practice in our community.
Jack Grayson, deputy postmaster, was raised
in Prescott and served as postmaster for 4 years under Harrion’s
administration and has figured in Republican politics in the county since
childhood. He was turnkey for the U. S. Jail at Ft. Smith and U.
S. deputy marshal for 18 months.
Hon. M. W. Greeson
is strictly of Arkansas production. He was born in Van Buren
county and educated in Clinton, after which he took a
law course at Lebanon, Tenn.,
where he graduated in the front ranks of the class of 1888. The following
fall he came to Prescott and formed
a partnership with W. V. Tompkins. For nine years they continued their business
which was extensive and satisfactory. Since 1897, he has been to himself.
His land department has grown until he has charge of large bodies of land
ranging through six counties in southwest Arkansas. He is mayor of our city and one of our best citizens.
Christopher Columbus Hamby is a lawyer
of long standing in our town and is “practicing for the money there is in
it.”
H. A. Hamilton & Co. are successors
to Hamilton Sharp and Co. Since 1896, they have done business under the above
name. The business has been exceedingly prosperous and today they are classed
among the leading merchants. J. K. and H. A. Hamilton are of fine blood and
have a special art in making friends. In 1879, they crossed the Mississippi
river and landed on Arkansas soil, where they have enjoyed
the hospitality of the noble people of our state and have been ready with
all their powers to make it the banner state in the Union and Prescott the fairest of her daughters. Behind the
counters are Pomp Whitesides and Ben Hatley
who are ready with yard stick and ready hands to meet the issues of the day.
P. C. Hamilton is one of our retired business
men and a true noble man. He is of Alabama birth and
is now 67 years old; has watched every movement of Arkansas
since 1857 and is among the few who came to Prescott in 1873. During the war he showed true manhood and bravery
under the Confederate flag and since by an upright walk.
H. M. Hannah, who is the owner and proprietor
of the H. M. Hannah Barber Shop, came to Prescott
in 1895. Since moving to our town he has made many friends and his barber
shop is of modern convenience, has hot and cold baths with all other modern
and first class conveniences.
P. S. and J. R. Harrell run a general blacksmith,
gunsmith, wagon and buggy repair shop. They came to our town in 1885. Success
has met them on every hand, and today they are classed high in the estimation
of our people.
W. T. Hart came to Prescott
in June, 1891 from Mississippi.
He is of Tennessee birth and has done a profitable grocery business in our community
since he came, and continues to gain friends and customers as he makes acquaintances.
He stands high in this community in social, moral, and literary circles and
is worthy of the confidence of his many acquaintances.
W. A. Hatley
has been a citizen of our town since 1875. He is a traveling salesman for
Turner Bros., wholesale grocers of Texarkana.
Hon. G. R. Haynie
is a native of our county and son of Judge E. T. Haynie.
He is a member of our state Senate and a prominent young lawyer in our city.
T. S. Hellums and
John Vaughn are next door neighbors and occupy joining farms 5 miles west
of Prescott. They stand time worn, but bending with honor and unquestioned
confidence in the minds of their neighbors and friends.
Dr. S. J. Hesterly
has enjoyed the free and open air of Arkansas
from his birth. After securing a good literary education, he entered Memphis
Hospital Medical College
where he graduated with the class of 1895. After a season of active practice
at Bluff City, he came to Prescott in 1897, where he has enjoyed a lucrative practice.
J. B. Higgins was born in Troy,
New York and went to Canada in his early boyhood. He came to Prescott in 1881 and since that time he has made his home among us,
an honorable citizen. His range of information is extensive and his skill
in shoe making and shoe leather is in advance of anyone we have ever had in
our community. He passed his 65th birthday and is still active
and is highly respected by his many friends in this community.
Dr. R. L. Hinton has passed his 70th
birthday. He is a native of N. C. and came to Arkansas
in 1848. He graduated in the Medical College at Memphis,
Tenn. in 1858. For 12 years he practiced medicine in west Tennessee, and moved to Washington and in 1866 opened a drug store where he continued in business
until 1877. He came to Prescott
later and opened a drug store here. He has had 45 years of active work.
He now donates his time to his drug store, having retired from medical practice.
He has served the M. E. Church South 34 years as steward and today is one
of the most active members of that denomination.
The Citizens Bank was organized in 1895
with a capital stock of $25,000. Dr. A. Harris, Pres., S. A. Scott,
V-Pres., and J. S. Regan cashier. This bank has done a good business
from the beginning and its deposits and general volume of business have increased.
The officers of this bank are among our most worthy men and no one need to
have any fears of money placed in their hands. Mr. Regan has ranked among
Prescott’s most honored citizens
for 18 years. He came from Louisiana in 1870 and settled
near our town, and in 1883 moved to Prescott.
He was elected sheriff in 1886 and served 2 years; since then he has stood
among our best business men. When the Citizens Bank organized, he took stock
in it and held the position of cashier since 1895. No business ahs lagged
in his hands. His courteous manners and firmness in principle have made him
a success.
John Cope has been a citizen of Arkansas since 1858. He came of North Carolina blood and was born in 1855. He was married to Miss
May C. McCollum of Alabama. Their
home has been in Prescott for 22 years and their noble deed of kindness will linger
in the minds of many of our people after they rest from their labors. Mr.
Cope has passed through the war and took part in some of the leading battles
during that 4 years march. They live in honor and high esteem and their home
has been known as the home for their pastors for 45 years. No minister ever
met a frown at their door.
Elder L. H. Hitt
was born in Mississippi and came to Arkansas in 1879. He was two years in the Baptist High School at Arkadelphia. For 17
years he has filled the leading pulpits of the Missionary
Baptist Church in Nevada
and Clark counties. The minutes of the Red River Association
show that he has remained with the same church longer and baptized more members
than any minister of the association. He is a strong preacher and a high-toned
Christian gentleman, unswerving from duty and Christian citizenship. He lives
3 miles east of town on his farm where he raised an abundance of corn, cotton,
hogs, etc., in fact, everything necessary to carry on a first class farming
interest. Success has been the result of his every undertaking. He is now
45 years old and in the strength of manhood.
John Honea is now 72 years old and coming
from his native state of S. C. in 1851, he has spent 46 years in our state,
full of good deeds and Christian love. He lives to do good and forget not
the indulgence of an ever kind father. Catherine, his wife, is 9 years his
junior and ever tender and true, active and good.
J. Wilburn Honea first looked on this world’s
beauty in the state of S. C. in the year 1833. In 1852 he reached Arkansas
and since that time, except his wanderings during the Civil strife, he has
lived in our state. His zeal for Christ and his kingdom have been more than
that of many men. His wife still stands by his side. Their children number
15 and are an honor to their Christian devotion. Though they have passed
the 3 score years, their lives are active and full of usefulness.
G. B. Jobe, aged
78, was born in the state of Tennessee but since 1857
ahs made his home in Arkansas.
70 and 8 mark his pilgrimage on earth. His Christian life has been cast with
the M. E. Church South and his life is a stainless one. The way came and
went, but his life remained without a blur.
D. W. Johnson carries a line of general
merchandise under the management of Dan W. Johnson. Mr. Johnson is of old
Virginia blood and has sold thousands
of dollars worth of goods in our town. He came to Prescott in 1880 and his wife took charge of the Johnson Hotel and
continued 12 years. Since then they have moved to their private home. Mr.
Johnson stands among Prescott’s noble men and carries the friendship of our best people.
O. S. Jones who has been one of our leading
populists for a number of years, is one of our best men and has never failed
to give full support to every laudable enterprise of our county. He served
in our legislature in 1889 and succeeded in passing the Ten Mile Act which
freed our county from the sale of intoxicants. Mr. Jones is a native of Georgia,
but since 1859 he has made Arkansas his home and in 1875
he came to Prescott where he has
successfully run a wagon and blacksmith establishment. He is one of the two
living charter members of the Baptist
Church at this place and stands high among our people.
P. B. Jones, age 55, the representative
of our county, is a native of Mississippi.
In 1859 he reached Caney, Arkansas and since that time his life has passed without reproach.
He was among the most considerate representatives in the last assembly of
Arkansas state lawmakers. He is now candidate for re-election and
doubtless will make a successful race and do honor to his constituency.
Thomas Jones, 79 years old, came from Franklin
County, Alabama in 1848 and has lived in the same community near Laneburg
all these years. His walks and friendly conversations and deeds of kindness
have won for him confidence and respect by all who know him. Time has dealt
gently with him.
J. H. Krenshaw
is one of our leading grocery men. For years he has been counted with our
town and has carried a full line of groceries and confectioneries. He is
of English blood and his polite and enterprising ways have won for him many
true and tried friends.
A. J. Lavender is among our best citizens.
He carries a full line of general merchandise on West
Main St. He is a thoroughbred Arkansan and is now 51 years of age. He has
spent his life in this community and enjoys the full confidence of our people.
J. W. Lightsey
is a native of Bibb County, Alabama. He has
reached his seventieth station on his earthly pilgrimage and for 52 years
he has been connected with Arkansas and her interests. His wife, aged and
true, still walks by his side and they comfort each other as they stand looking
on fallen comrades of years gone by. They are honored and esteemed by their
neighbors.
B. H. Logan who has been one of Prescott’s
leading men for 22 years, is a native of Clark County. At present he is numbered with
the best and most successful traveling men in Arkansas.
No question tending to the moral up-building of our town fails to receive
his full attention.
Rev. Dr. E. A. Lowdermilk,
aged 70, is of Mississippi blood.
He reached the soil of our state in 1849. Since 1879, he has passed his years
in Prescott, where he has stood by
many moral issues and has planted himself on the temperance side of every
temperance fight in our town and county. While the star is sinking behind
the western hills, he tells brighter and richer experience year after year.
Wilburn Haynie Mack,
our town marshal, is full-bred Nevada
blood and of her best and most prominent families. He was selected town marshal
at our last city election and is making full proof of his schooling under
E. Y. Blakely as deputy sheriff. Everyone likes Wib.
Mark Barrow is living 8 miles west of Prescott,
having passed his 3 score and ten years, lived more than 50 years in this
community and still occupies the same farm, and enjoys good health and confidence
and high esteem of all who know him.
John R. Marsh living in the lower end of
Nevada is of N. C. birth. His character is without reproach. He came
with his parents to Arkansas in mid-winter in 1849. He marched under the Confederate flag
for 2 years and returned to his home at Caney, where he has lived and made
full proof of a Christian faith. His wife was a Gladden and in every way
worthy of such honored associations.
Elijah Matthews lives 7 miles south of
Prescott, moved from Union Parish, La. To Nevada in 1868, married and moved home in 1876
and still resides at the same homestead. He is now 50 years old and in active
life and in the enjoyment and confidence and respect of all who know him.
For 24 years, his companion has stood with him in life’s battles and shared
his fortunes and trials. Their lives have been spent on the farm and with
marked success.
C. Mantz who
lives 3 miles west of town is now in the 68th year, is one of Nevada’s
strong intellectual giants. He has grown old through crippled and contracted
nerves. He was born in Germany,
came to Ohio, USA
in 1852. In 1854, he moved to Illinois, and to Arkansas in 1879, settled on Prairie DeAnne
where he now resides. His wife with whom he has spent more than 40 years
has passed her 60th birthday.
Mrs. G. S. Merritt’s Oyster café and lunch
counter is of recent date, but well conducted and a general supply enables
her customers to order and receive the many delicacies afforded by our market.
John M. Milburn came from Louisiana
to Arkansas with his mother and
sister in 1876, and settled near Artesian. His pluck and grit were shown
by his working morning, evenings, and Saturdays until he had acquired a good
education at Capt. John A. Ansley’s academy.
In 1869, he accepted a position with W. E. and R. E. Arnold as drug
clerk. He afterwards clerked for N. T. Richmond and then J. D.
Jordan Drug Co. After occupying important positions and proving his abilities
as a business man, he was elected president of the Prescott Hardware Co. when
it was established in 1890, which position he still holds. Mr. Milburn stands
high. His marked success and affable spirit has won for himself many friends.
O. R. McDaniel, successor to Sharp &
McDaniel, is a native of Columbia county, but raised in Nevada.
He was county and circuit clerk of our county in 1894 to 1896. Since then
he has been in the hardware business in our town. Among our many worthy and
enterprising citizens, none excel Mr. McDaniel. He stands high in every department
of true and tried citizenship. His business includes furniture, harness,
tinware, and a big line of queenware,
bill supplies, and in fact, everything an up-to-date business of this kind.
His building is a two story with a warehouse in the rear. His tinware
manufacture and repair department is under control of L. P. Hitchcock
who has been with this business in its changes for nearly 20 years. Messers.
Munn and Martin are found ever on hand with honest hearts and minds to distribute
to the necessities of his many customers.
T. W. McDaniel is one of Nevada’s
own productions and is just entering upon the active duties of life. He finished
his second term in the Beaumont Medical College at St.
Louis ths spring and has stood a creditable examination before our
county board and is now in regular practice. He is worthy and competent.
He is the oldest son of O. R. McDaniel.
W. S. McDaniel, age 73, has been a citizen
of Arkansas since 1853. His birthplace is in North Carolina. His wife is seven years his junior and side by side
they have breasted the storms of life for 49 years. They are Missionary Baptists
and live in the Morris community.
G. B. McGraw, Esq. came from Monroe
County, Mississippi to Arkansas
in 1852. During the Civil War he carried a musket under the Confederate flag
and suffered from the enemy’s bullet but came out with a faith that said Confederates
can’t be starved or whipped, but may be overpowered. Mr. McGraw has served
our people as constable and justice of the peace for a number of years and
ranks among our truest and best citizens.
Henry B. McKenzie, son of C. L. McKenzie,
is a student of law in the office of W. V. Thompkins.
He is a graduate of Hendrix College of the class of 1898. In
1897 he was successful in the Oratorical Contest and as a reward of that able
effort, he won a gold medal. At his graduation he was chosen by his class
to deliver the class oration which was an honor to him and his class. Since
his graduation he has been principal of the public school at Horatio in Sevier County, and at Chidester
in Ouachita County. Mr. McKenzie is a young
man of exceptionally rare gifts and graces. Before him lies a rich harvest
of usefulness and greatness in both church and state.
I. E. McMillion
who has figured largely in business circles in our town for 18 years, is a
native of Alabama. For 15 years
he made Wolf Brothers one of the most active salesmen they had on the road.
For 4 years past he has been in active business in our town. At present he
is on the road again, and no doubt about Ira selling his goods. He wins confidence
and trade wherever he goes.
W. A. McMillion
carries a good line of general merchandise. His life has been spent among
the people of this community and his friends are bound by his acquaintances.
His life is spotless, his dealings honorable and honest. Miss Ada
Cantley, who is found behind his counters, is one of Prescott’s purest and best daughters, and wins
for Mr. McMillion many worthy customers.
A. W. Moncrief
was another Confederate veteran and of Georgia
blood. From Louisiana he came to Prescott in 1882, where his friends have grown with his acquaintances.
None who know him can say ought against him. His walks among our people have
made friends rich and poor. He stands as one of our ablest and purest citizens.
He has passed 3 score and 11 years, which gives him a ripe old age. His wife
in none the less admired and loved by all who know her motherly walks and
counsel.
Hugh Moncrief
was born in Alabama and came to Arkansas from Homer, Louisiana in 1881. Since that time, he has been
actively engaged in the drug business until last fall, when he was burned
out with many others. His knowledge of drugs and accommodating skill won
for him a large patronage. Owing to impaired health, he is looking after
various interests until his building is completed, when he hopes to re-enter
business.
A. Monson was born in Sweden in 1841. He came to the U. S. of America
in 1869 and to Prescott in 1871.
He has watched every development of our city. He boarded the hands while
the railroad was being constructed. He has watched her growth and development
with anxiety. For 11 years he ahs been dealing in musical instruments and
today has the only music store in our town. His honest dealings have won
for him the confidence of our people, and a liberal patronage.
A. B. Moody, living near Caney, is one
of Nevada’s oldest citizens, and since 1860 has lived on the same farm.
He served through the war as a Confederate soldier; his moral and social standing
is high; his neighbors speak to him in high terms.
Guy Nelson, Esq. is a son of Georgia birth and Arkansas raising. 1850 marks the year he reached Arkansas and he came to Prescott in 1874 and has been a citizen of our
town since that time. In 1876 he was admitted to the bar and since that time,
he has practiced law in our town and has made a success. He is at present
a member of the firm of Nelson & Bush which is composed of himself and
J. O. A. Bush. His business grows with the age of the firm.
Nevada County Bank was organized in 1885.
Hence it is the oldest bank in southwest Arkansas. J. C. Young is president, W.
B. Waller, vice-president, and O. B. Gordon, cashier. It’s capital
stock is $25,000; deposits $84,216.06; undivided profits, $3,514.86; Total
$112,730.92. J. C. Young, O. B. Gordon, and W. R. White, Jr. are
found busy in their various departments at all times.
Francis Newth
is of English blood and beneath the Union flag marched to the drum beat during
the civil disturbances. He lives 2 ½ miles west of our city and enjoys the
sunshine of his 69 years, while his active wife smiles beneath the weight
of 3 score years. Their literary turn of mind has done much to mold the educational
influence in the community.
Nichols Brothers, J. T. and I. D. Nichols,
were born on the farm in this county. After successful farm life, they harnessed
their financial forces and came to Prescott two years ago. Since that time they have passed forces through
our recent fires and yet command a full stock of general merchandise with
special attention paid to dry goods and shoes. This gives to the world another
expression of the possibilities of Nevada
County farm life.
P. Norman, who lives one mile south of
Prescott, was born in Alabama. The Arkansas fever
rose in 1858 and landed him in her borders. Under the Confederate flag he
moved during the war, and his old musket never failed to obey “P’s” command.
For years he has moved among our people as one of our best citizens. His
is a liberal, accommodating , and ever ready to lend a helping hand to one
in distress.
William Ogden was born in Montgomery
County, Alabama Dec. 29, 1823. He moved to Arkansas in 1844 and shouldered his old musket in the defense of the
lost cause and went out among the volunteers in 1861. When the drumbeat was
hushed and the battle cry heard no more, he laid down his musket at Marshall, Texas and joined his 5 motherless children
at Lisbon, Union
County, Ark. More than 25 years ago, he came to this community and still enjoys
the communion of friends.
George Oliver who lives in our town is
68 years old; born in Alabama; came to Arkansas in 1848, and since 1877 he has made his
home in this community. His steps have been in a smooth path and his walk
upright before man. His evening shadows lengthen to a peaceful end and a
happy eternity. His lot has been cast with the Missionary Baptist church
for 47 years.
The Parker Hotel was established in 1890
under the management of Capt. Sidney Parker and wife. After his death
in 1892, the house continued under Mrs. Parker’s control until she married
Judge Ellis. Since then they have continued a successful business. The
house contains about 30 rooms, elegantly furnished with modern conveniences,
water and electric lights with bath rooms and 3 large sample rooms. Mrs.
Ellis has done much to make her house a real home for her many guests.
Capt. John Parker of Parker township is
from Alabama. He was raised in Mississippi
and came to Louisiana to Arkansas
in 1853. During the state’s strife he was captain of Company C., 20th
Ark. Reg. under Col. Dan Jones. For nearly two years he was among our Confederate
prisoners on Johnston Island.
Since the war he has lived in the same community and met every issue of an
honored citizen. He served the county as tax assessor in 1885-1886, and was
treasurer in 1891-1892 and was nominated without even soliciting the office.
In 1898 he was again elected to the assessor’s office which he still holds,
and is at present a candidate for re-election. He has passed his threescore
and ten years, but is full of cheer, sunshine, and activity. No one who knows
Capt. Parker can raise ought against his record. He ripens with a sure and
safe footing for a happy eternity.
H. W. Patton came to Arkansas
in 1880 and from Columbia in mid-winter
to Nevada. In 1882 and with 2 years
exception which was spent in the free
state of Pike, he has made his home in Nevada
County where his friends have grown with his acquaintances.
He is now candidate for assessor and stands a good chance of the office as
any man in the county.
William Peachey, a 63 year old veteran
of the Union flag, lives 2 miles west of Prescott.
For 20 years he has occupied the same homestead. He is another one of Illinois’ sons who has found a hearty welcome among
the Southern people and made friends with all whom he has met until his friends
are numbered by his acquaintances. His religious life has given moral tone
and cast to his sons, but perhaps mot more than his wife, who has for 40 years,
stood by his side amidst the shadows and sunshine of an active life.
Dr. John W. Peeples
is a native of Tennessee, born in McNairy County. At the age of 18, he began the study of medicine and graduated
at the age of 22 at the medical college at Louisville,
Ky. After a few years practice in west Tennessee, he came to Arkansas and in the winter of 1888-1889, he took
his first post graduate course of medical lectures at the college where he
had graduated. He took a course this past winter and has just returned, better
armed for his profession than ever in life. His practice has been a success
and he stands highly respected by all who know him.
W. W. Phillips who left Tennessee the next
day after James Buchanan was elected president, landed on the west side of
the Mississippi and still lives in this community and is nearing the third
score of his earthly walks. He passed the Confederate posts of duty with
musket and honor, and unmarked by the ravages of war, and his morals are so
upright that he has his first oath to speak. He enjoys the respect and confidence
of all who know him.
Daniel Pipkin
is one of Nevada’s oldest, purest, and most highly respected citizens. For many
years his home has been at Glenville, where he has raised a large and interesting
family. His name is a household word in many homes in Arkansas.
Some of his sons have gone in the ministry, and others into other important
stations of a rapidly developing country. Uncle Daniel is noted for his power
in revival meetings and the strength of his faith. His wife is a stainless
one. His reward will be one given to a well-spent life. His wife is still
living, and for more than a half century, they have breasted earth’s storms
side by side. She is the embodiment of motherliness and purity.
Jerry Pittman, living 4 ½ miles north of
Prescott, is one of our oldest landmarkers, having
come to Arkansas from the good old state of Georgia more than fifty years
ago. He has watched the development of our country with pride. His once
happy hunting ground is now under fence and the home of the happy farmer gladdens
his heart. He has passed threescore years and is still an active man and
honorable citizen.
Judge John M. Pittman was born and raised
in Lafayette County, Arkansas. Under the bridal
mantle of a promising life, he came to Prescott
in 1876 where he has lived and advanced with the rapid progress of our county
for 4 years he served as deputy clerk under George Christopher. In
1886 he was elected county and probate judge of our county. In 1890 a stock
company was formed and denominated The Prescott Hardware Co.,
of which he is Secretary and Treasurer and the largest stockholder of the
company. Judge Pittman is also president of the Northwestern and Western
Ry. Co. which will extend from Fayetteville,
Ark. to Talequah, I. T. No man has stood
harder by every advanced interest of our town and county than Judge Pittman
and perhaps no man enjoys more the friendship and confidence of her citizens
than he does.
Dr. J. P. Powell is a native of Mississippi
and a graduate of Vanderbilt University at Nashville, Tenn.
He came to Arkansas in the fall of 1866 and settled in
Lafayette county with his parents.
In 1875 he began the practice of dentistry. After 2 years in Vanderbilt
University he graduated with honors in his profession
in 1882. Amidst the burning sunbeams of the summer of 1888, he came to Prescott
where his practice has grown with his acquaintances. He stands as one of
the leaders in morals and temperance in our community. He is highly respected
by all.
Prescott Hardware Co. was organized and
began business in 1890 with an authorized stock of $20,000 of which $10,500
are fully paid up. Since its organization it has added a complete stock of
furniture, window blinds, windows, doors, and a full line of undertaker goods.
In their store can be found the largest and most complete stock of oils, paints,
and varnishes in Prescott. Their saddle, harness, and repair outfit
is one of the largest in southwest Arkansas, and the
only thing of its kind in Prescott.
Mr. John Lancaster is master of this department. Their large iron
warehouse is 30 x 200 feet and literally filled with wagons, buggies, and
general farming implements. The present stockholders are Jno. M. Pittman, Jno.
M. Milburn, W. B. Waller, J. C. Young, C. C. Hamby, Mrs. Julia G. Smoote, and Dan Pittman. Robert S. Stevens has
helped to make business what it is having been behind its counters since its
organization. Dan and Charlie Pittman are also important factors in
the business.
J. M. Price is one of Prescott’s
noble men, honest, true, and religious. For 35 years he has made his home
in this vicinity and 13 years in Prescott. He was born in Perry County, Alabama
65 years ago. His stay in Arkansas has won him many friends. He passed through the war under
the Confederate flag receiving slight wounds in the flesh, but remaining firm
in morals, and now remains with a firm faith and unshaken confidence.
Lawerence
C. Purtle, aged 79 years, was born in Bibb County, Alabama. In 1851
he landed in what was then Hempstead County, but now Nevada,
where he has raised a large family of honorable children who have gone out
to bless the communities in which they live with godly lives and good citizenship.
He stands high in his community and church and is a wise counselor and a good
man and soon the reward of a well-spent life will be his.
Dr. William W. Rice is of Mississippi
blood. He came to Arkansas in 1875. He spent three years at Hendrix
College and afterwards took Ph. D. degree at Arkadelphia
Methodist College in 1892.
In 1896 he graduated from Beaumont Medical College
in St. Louis, Mo. For the past two years he has
had a splendid practice in our community. Judging from his rapid development
in practice, we may expect a prosperous and successful future for him.
N. M. Riley, successor to J. W. Phillips,
opened business in our town December last and carries a full line of fancy
groceries. Mr. Riley is a native of Arkansas.
Georgia
is honored as the birthplace of J. M. Rhodes, and Arkansas
is honored with 43 years of his manhood and godly walks. His wife has walked
by his side for many long years and stands with him at the 81st
mile post of earthly pilgrimage. Their religious lot is cast with the Primitive
Baptist Church.
For 26 years S. A. Scott has made his home
in Prescott and 40 years in Arkansas.
From South Carolina, his native state, he came to Arkansas
and settled at Cuttingham. In 1860 when the volunteers
were called for he shouldered his musket and went in defense of the lost cause
until the last bugle note sounded to announce peace between the states. After
the war he settled at Murfreesboro. When the iron thread and the shrill whistle tended westward,
he came to Prescott in 1874, and in 1878 he engaged in the furniture business,
which was continued until last year when he retired from business one of Prescott’s
strongest financial men, and carried with him the confidence and best wishes
of all who know him. He is now in the 70th year and an honest,
true, and upright citizen.
Scott Brothers Meat Market is run by H.
V. Scott and Hunter Scott who are natives of our community and sons of
S. A. Scott. They are nice accommodating gentlemen and carry a full line
of the best meat our county affords. Their business was opened up last January
and at present they have the only market in our city.
F. M. Smyth who lives one mile east of
town, is of New York birth, and after 30 years railroading in Illinois, he came to Arkansas in 1881 and settled
in Prescott. For several years he
has been crippled with rheumatism but he never forgets to be cheerful and
full of smiles. He has served our people as mayor and justice of the peace
for several terms each and has many friends among our people.
J. T. Stewart, age 55, lives 2 ½ miles
northwest of Prescott in Prairie DeAnne. Since 1850 he has trod Arkansas
soil; from Tennessee he came; under the Confederate flag he
stepped to the drum beat during our civil war and since the lost cause has
bowed in submission. His moral standing is high; his friendship is felt by
all and his friends are numbered by his acquaintances. His farm life is not
without success.
Stephen R. Stewart, a native of Georgia,
lives in Taylor township and has enjoyed an active farm
life on Arkansas soil for more than
50 years. 78 years have passed since his birth and yet his life is not without
vigor of manhood.
Clayton Sutton, now in his 80th
year, has spent 45 years in the Sutton community 12 miles south of town.
He was from Kentucky to Arkansas and has shown the genuine Ky. blood by an upright Christian walk and unbending character. His
aged wife who has shared his sorrows and joys still lives in impaired health,
but stainless in morals.
George W. Terry, among our many prominent
men, is our druggist. He was born in Atlanta, Ga. and came from S. C. to Arkansas
in 1848. His war career was with Co. G, 9th Arkansas.
He took a business course in New Orleans after the surrender,
coming to Prescott in 1872. He was elected county and circuit clerk in 1886
and served two terms. He carries a complete drug stock and has a growing
business.
Tracy R. Thomas was born and raised in
Little Rock, the “City of Roses”.
He came to Prescott in 1895 as president of the Tracy R. Thomas Lumber Co.
Since Mr. McKinley’s election, he has been appointed postmaster. His management
of our office has been with care, politeness, and satisfaction. Of late years
he has figured largely in the state Republican politics. He belongs to the
younger class of Republican politicians, but carries thought and principles
in his head equal to men of long standing. He continues his wholesale lumber
business which grows constantly. His motto is “Fair and honest dealings with
all”. His deputies, J. U. Brown and Jack Grayson are highly
respected citizens.
Alex Vaughn is one of our West
Main St. merchants and carries a line of general merchandise. He was born
in Georgia and came to Arkansas
via Louisiana in 1859 and in 1875, he came to Prescott where he has spent a quarter of a century
in active business and church life. In 1892 he was elected county and circuit
clerk and served two years. For 17 years he was superintendent of the Methodist
Sunday school here. His record in that line of work is not paralleled by
men of my acquaintance and his courage in temperance has doubtless caused
him persecution and his good name to be cast under a cloud for a season, but
he shines on like an unclouded sunbeam.
J. S. Thompson, who lives 12 miles south
of Prescott, was born in Tennessee, moved to Arkansas in 1860 and has lived
37 years in the community of Sutton where he now lives. He passed through
the war, was under the Confederate flag and came back the same Christian character
he was before he left his quiet home. He has reached his 79th
year and yet he is able to walk where he desires in his community. His friends
are many and his moral character unimpeachable.
F. R. Thorburn
is of Canadian birth and came to our town in 1880. He carries a full line
of general merchandise and has the confidence and friendship of hundreds of
our citizens. He figures close on all business propositions and is rapidly
coming to the forefront of our leading men. His morals are deep seated and
unshaken by obstacles.
When the discordant notes of civil strife were
first being heard in the latter part of the year 1861, William Vernon Tompkins
was born in the mosquito tenanted swamps of White
County, Ark. The gloomy snows of that eventful winter
doubtless threw ominous aspect over matters mundane, but later years prove
that no mean impression was made on William’s life by such austere incoming.
His father was killed in the Battle of Helena on July
4th, 1863. He moved with his mother to Clinton, Van Buren county
in 1867, where he was raised and educated, completing his education at Quitman
in 1879. He made his first visit to Prescott in the spring
of 1881, but returned to Van Buren county the next year and was admitted to
the bar at Marshall, Ark. in 1883. He returned to Prescott that year and has made this his permanent home since. He
was married to Miss Nellie Pope in 1884. In the spring of 1885 he was appointed
by President Cleveland to the office of Mineral Land Commissioner in Montana.
At the expiration of Mr. Cleveland’s term, he was appointed again by Mr. McKinley
to the same position. After having held that office for four years, he resigned
and returned to Prescott to give his attention to his chosen profession.
The personal side of Mr. Tompkins is very pleasant and has had much to do
with his success and standing among his fellows. His humorous sunny nature
brings him into favor with all classes, while his high moral character, his
honest integrity of purpose, and sound judgment give him rank with men of
business as an eminently practical man. He is a member of the Cumberland
Presbysterian church at this place and takes an active part
in all departments of that institution. Mr. Tompkins is now entering the
prime of life and present conditions bespeak for him future honors in both
church and state.
John Vaughn and T. S. Hellums
are door neighbors and occupy joining farms 5 miles northwest of Prescott and have stood the winds and storms, sunshine and shadows
of man’s allotted time, 60 years, and still meet the requirements of an active
farm life. They stand timeworn, but bending with honor and unquestioned confidence
in the minds of their neighbors and friends. Their moral standing has reached
high water marks of Christian integrity.
Submitted by Jerry McKelvy
