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L. F. Blankenship |
COUNTY ARKANSAS |
STAR HERALD PRINTING COMPANY POCAHONTAS, ARK. Second Printing 1978 |
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Heartfelt gratitude is extended to Ann B. Carroll for granting permission to reproduce her Grandfather's book on this webpage.
HISTORICAL
Sketch of the State
of Arkansas since its Acquisition,
Randolph county, the County Seat, and other
Neighboring Towns in the County.
Views of Residences, Business Places, Churches, School
House, Public Buildings, Street and Farm Views,
Advertisements of Leading Business Firms.
THE HISTORY of the State of Arkansas was long since written by historians, its territory being a part of the Louisiana Purchase and its subsequent sanguinary war record are familiar in a general way, to almost every reader in the land.
The biographies of its great men have also been written and rewritten until they are familiar to every one; consequently this article will contain but little historical events relative to the state and but little space will be used on this pedigrees of these dignitaries, for in the light of modern push, energy and development of the west, its official greatness has no bearing on the question now at issue, nor does its former history hold out any inducement to the homeseekers who would better their conditions on general principles.
The westward immigrants are fleeing from conditions where they must need grovel in the groove marked out by capitalized monopolies if he remains on his native health; he is confronted with worn out lands at high prices, with arrogant landlords who are constantly tightening the reins over his cherished hopes; therefore he looks westward for relief, westward for the land and westward for business prospects, where he may enjoy the legitimate fruits of his honest endeavor; he cares not for history, he does not read gushing biographies of individuals for information regarding soil, climate, resources
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and other business prospects.
On the other hand, he wants a truthful representation of the practical side of things that go to clothe and bread his family and bring him a competence for old age.
The purpose of this article is for the benefit of Randolph county and every town within its confines, showing the resources of this section, the county's stock and crop interest and the growth and business interest of Pocahontas, the county seat, and other towns throughout the county and at the same time extending an urgent invitation to all who are looking this way for investments to investigate this section of the state before looking elsewhere.
AQUISITION
The territory of which the present State of Arkansas consists was a part of the Louisiana purchase and was acquired by the Untied States in 1803, and comprises 52,198 square miles, or near 33,406,720 acres of land, but in point of fact the area and acreage is constantly changing with the changes in the channel of the Mississippi river, gaining in a number of places and losing in others.
From the earliest period the state was in possession of the Osage and the Quapaw tribes of Indians, whom Columbus so named believing that the coast he had reached was a part of India.
The name Arkansas is often given as being derived from the word KANSAS said to mean, in the Indian language, "smoky water," with the French prefix "arc" meaning "a bow," hence the name in this combination, meaning "bow of smoky water," or "smoky bow." This is extremely improbable; indeed bears on the face of it, evidence of its being impossible.
The word Kansas is most probably variation of the word Kansas, the possessive case of the word Kans; the word Kans, or Kansas, becoming corrupted into Kansas. And in relation to the "arc" being a French prefix, signifying "bow", it is to be observed that when Marquette visited them in 1673 -the first Frenchman to encounter them-he found the prefix already there in the word A-kan-sa (Ah-kahn-sah), and therefore it could not have been there after added. In Choctaw language, also neighbors of theirs, living just across the Mississippi River on the west, the word is found pronounced Oc-con-sah. The word is an Indian word, and its signification is unknown.
FORMATION OF TERRITORY
By an Act of Congress, March 2nd, 1819, it was enacted that after July 4th, 1810, all that portion of Missouri Territory lying south of the line beginning on the Mississippi river at 50 degrees north latitude, running thence west to the river "St. Francois," thence up the St. Francois to 36 degrees 30 minutes north latitude, thence to the western territorial boundary line of Missouri Territory, should be erected into a separate Territory, called the Arkansas Territory. John Scott delegate from Missouri Territory was the author of this bill and the next day, James Miller, of New Hampshire, was appointed by President Monroe, as Governor. He had his Secretary Robert Crittenden, of Kentucky, who acted as Governor during the absence of Governor Miller. Governor Miller served as such until the latter part of 1824. At the time of the creation of the territory the population was estimated at 14, 000. The exact number given by the census in 1820 was 14,255.
The first session of the Territorial Legislature was held on the 28th of July 1819 at the Post of Arkansas. It consisted of the Governor and the Judges of the Superior court. Robert Crittenden, Secretary, acted as Governor. The Judges of the Court was Charles Jouett, Robert P. Letcher and Andrew Scott. They organized by electing Charles Jouett, speaker and George W. Scott, Clerk. Their first act, was to declare that all laws of Missouri Territory, of a public and general nature, in conformity of the organic law of Arkansas Territory, should be in force as fully as it had been in the Territory of Missouri.
The first newspaper published in Arkansas was the Arkansas Gazette and was edited by William E. Woodruff, who was born and reared in New York. The paper was published at the Post of Arkansas and was afterwards moved to Little Rock, December 29th 1821, and is still being published under that name, being at the present time 91 years of age.
ARKANSAS THE STATE
Arkansas was admitted into the Union as a State by an Act on the 15th of June 1836, and received the signature of the President the next day. The State was allowed one Representative, until the next census and the laws of the United States were declared extending over it. The first election took place on the first Monday in August of the same year. James S. Conway was elected Governor and Archibald Yell a member of Congress.
The legislature assembled in its first session at Little Rock, September 12, 1838. Sam G. Roane was elected President of the Senate and John Wilson was chosen speaker.
At this session of the Legislature, A.H. Sevier and William S. Fulton were chosen U.S. Senators,
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Doctor Robert A. Watkins became the first Secretary of State, Ellis N. Conway was elected Auditor and William E. Woodruff was elected Treasurer. In the autumn occurred the first presidential election and Arkansas cast her vote for Van Buren, the successful candidate.
The following are the names of the Governors of Arkansas since it was admitted as a State and the order in which they served.
James S. Conway, Archibald Yell, Samuel Adams: acting Governor. Thomas S. Drew, John Seiden Roane, Henry M. Rector, Harris Flanagin, Isaac Murphy, Powell Clayton, O.A. Hadley, acting Governor. Elisha Baxter, Augustus H. Garland, William R. Miller, Thomas J. Churchill, James H. Berry, Simon P. Hughes, James P. Eagle, W.M. Fishback, J. P Clarke, Dan W. Jones, Jeff Davis, Geo. W. Douaghey. Of the governors that the state has had all were democrats with the exception of three republicans, one federal, two confederates and one independent democrat. The democratic party has been continuously in control of the state since 1874.
LOCATION OF THE STATE
The location of the state of Arkansas should a once attract the attention of even the most casual observer who glances on the map. In the very heart, you might say the Great Republic of the United States, it is bordered on the east by the great Mississippi River. Other large streams in the state are the Arkansas, Red, White, Black, Saline, St. Francis and Ouachita. The principal river of the state is the Arkansas which flows from Ft. Smith, west of the center of the state down through to Desha county, where it empties into the Mississippi River. In the southeast part of the state furnishing water for thousands of acres of farming land, in fact no state in the Union has so much navigable water, in proportion to its area, as Arkansas. The length of the State is 240 miles; its average width is 224 miles and it has an area of 53, 858 square miles. In the eastern and southern parts of the state the lands are low and nearly level. The central part is rolling, and is covered with hills and valleys. The northwestern part is mountainous. There are no desert or barren lands; though of course, some parts are more fertile than others. Extensive prairies afford grazing for large herds of cattle and when one comes to investigate with intelligence and judge with candor of its position and resources, he will be amazed at its future possibilities.
Verily it is the "mighty seat of the empire," the source from whence it is destined to flow out wealth almost beyond human calculation.
The very formation of the country embraced within its limits its nicely balanced variety of temperature climates, prairies, forest land, river, lakes, springs, rain and sunshine, mineral and contiguous expanses, now arable and pastoral, constitutes an original order of physical facts not only symmetrical, but sublime. Its admirable location almost in the heart of the Nation gives it the position of a distributor to every point of the compass.
Having illimitable and inexhaustible natural resources of a more valuable and varied character than any other equal area of territory on the face of the globe, who can venture a prediction as to its future?
It will beyond a doubt, become the central and one of the most important manufacturing districts in the United States. It will teem with a population to work its mines, forges, forests, furnaces, quarries and mills, while immediately contiguous to all these hives of industry is found the soil to produce the bread and meat, the fruit and vegetables necessary to sustain the vast army of operatives.
By natural sequence a state possessing such elements of wealth, once its vast resources become known, must naturally attract the attention of capital necessary for development, and the enterprise seeking a field wherein to locate. Some of the finest pearls in the world today have been taken from the rivers of Arkansas and its streams are not dotted with pearl hunters.
Inventive genius in the last four score years has accomplished more for the development of the earth and the benefit of mankind than all the years that have come and gone since man's record of the progress of events. If we reason time by its results the century just past, many out measure a millennium of olden times.
THE CLIMATE
The state of Arkansas is blessed with a climate that is temperate and agreeable, and it is a climate that distinctly controls the migration of the human race. In the winter the temperature seldom falls below zero; in the southern part of the state there are few snows and very little real cold weather. The summers are long, and in some portions of the state the weather becomes quite warm. The winds, for the most part, are from the south or southwest. Nothing can unmake the eternal ordinances of nature and reset the universe to suit local fancies and idle fashion. It is natural the region known as Arkansas should be the seat of a vast and varied industry and the home of millions of people.
OUR NOTED SPRINGS
Arkansas has many noted springs, Eureka Springs,
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in Carroll County are visited by large numbers of people every year. The most famous springs in the state are those in Garland County, in they city of Hot Springs. Hundreds of years ago, the Spanish discoverer, Ponce de Leon, was told by the Indians of a "Fountain of Youth" some where west of the Mississippi River. He sought for it a long time, but failed to find it. Many people think the Indians referred to the now well-known springs of Garland county.
THE SOIL
Next to climate in attraction to the human race is the soil. That of Arkansas is beyond a doubt unequaled for variety of unsurpassed for productiveness. It produces all the edible grain in large abundance. The southern and eastern parts of the state are noted for producing large quantities of cotton of an excelled quality. Several times Arkansas has taken the premium for having the finest cotton in the world. Corn, hay, alfalfa, wheat, oats, cow peas, all kinds of grass, rice, tobacco, potatoes, and other farm products grow in all parts of the state. The northern part is admirably adapted to fruit growing, the apples of this section being of a very fine quality which has caused it to be called the "Land of the Big Red Apple."
With in its borders is everything to sustain and enrich millions of people. Our streams contain all variety of fish and the banks are skirted with the finest variety of timber, so that there is no kind of lumber needed by its own citizens, or by those of neighboring states that it cannot readily supply. With in its forests are found the pine, walnut, cherry, birch, oak, ash, hickory, cottonwood, cedar, hackberry, gum and sycamore, and some of these species there are many varieties.
EDUCATION
It is not only in material resources that Arkansas is rich, for its educational system is not equaled by that of any western state. Magnificent modern edifices have now taken place of the pioneer school houses, and throughout the entire state from six to nine months school is annually maintained. In most of the school districts a tax of five mills is levied for school purposes, and the people pay it cheerfully. It is a noticeable fact that prosperity and good schools are closely associated. Although the colored people pay only a small portion of the taxes they are provided with school facilities just the same as the whites. Nearly all the towns have high schools. The State University at Fayetteville is well equipped, and has a large number of students every year. Excellent denominational colleges and private schools have been established in Conway, Arkadelphia, Searcy, Batesville, Fordyce, Monticello, Paragould, Maynard, and other towns. The state devotes quite an amount of her total revenue to the cause of education and her safety as well as her future welfare depends upon an educational citizenship.
TEMPERANCE
The great wave of temperance which has been sweeping over the United States has reached Arkansas and judging from the sentiment of the voters during the past ten years it will only be a question of a short time until we will be totally placed in the dry column. In 1900 out of 75 counties composing the state 27 were in the dry column. In 1904, 47 counties had enlisted in the cause of temperance and in 1906 it was swelled to 58. In 1908, 67 counties went dry which leaves only eight in the wet column. Whiskey is sold in not more than twenty towns in the state, the most prominent towns being Ft. Smith, Little Rock, Hot Springs, Forrest City, and Pine Bluff. The temperance people are waging a warm fight in the state at the present time.
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Randolph County
Randolph county, situated in the northeast corner of the state, the thirty-third county created was formed October 29th 1835, out of territory taken from Lawrence county and was named in honor of the late John Randolph and is a tract of land comprising 586 square miles of the finest agricultural, fruit and timber lands to be found in the Untied States. The following year the county was admitted into the constellation of stars that forms the crown of the grand old state of Arkansas.
The temporary seat of justice was directed to be at the house of James G. Russell, and an election was directed to be held to locate it permanently. The commissioners chosen selected a place called Bettis Bluff, and a town was laid off and named Pocahontas and designated as the county seat and has remained as such ever since.
At the time of the formation of the county it was almost a wilderness and wild game roamed over the forests and the settlers were few and far between
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and churches or school houses were almost an unheard of thing in the county. The early settlers, the hardy descendents of an indomitable race, toiled on, suffering the discomforts and trials that are incidental to the opening of all new countries, until today. Randolph County stands as a monument more enduring than granite to the perseverance and energy of these unconquerable men and women who first took up their abode in the new county.
The western portion of the county is generally hilly and broken, while the eastern part is comparatively level, the soil in this portion being nearly all-alluvial, with an admixture of sand that renders it a very easy of cultivation. The hills and uplands are wonderfully well adapted to the cultivation of fruit and for stock raising, which so far has engaged but very little attention of our people, although the county is most favorably adapted to this branch of industry, owing to the many creeks and springs of almost everlasting water which abound through out the county, and the abundant pasturage that is at all times available. In this county stock will keep fat throughout the entire year, and the hogs tinding an abundance of mast require but little, if any feeding throughout the entire year.
Up to the present time cotton has been one of the principle staples, but corn, oats, wheat, rye, sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes, peas and sorghum are successfully raised. Apples are also grown in the western part of the county and that section is widely known as "The land of the Big Red Apple." Cotton produces on the uplands 600 to 800 pounds of seed cotton, and on the bottoms 1000 to 1600 pounds to the acre; the average yield of corn on the hills is 20 to 35, on the bottom 40-65 bushels; wheat 5 to 12 bushels; tobacco 2000 pounds; oats 20 to 35 bushels; Irish and sweet potatoes 50 to 300 bushels and other fruits and grains in proportion. Peaches are hardly ever a failing crop and some of the finest varieties are to be found in this county. The cultivated varieties of grasses succeed well; clover, red top, millet and Hungarian grass, yield from two to three tons per acre. During the year 1909 there were 13, 225 bales of cotton produced in this county and the crop for 1910 will probably exceed the crop of last year.
The timber interests of Randolph County are many and varied. In the uplands the principal growth consists of oak, hickory and ash, while in the lowlands gum, cypress and other varieties abound in great quantities. In the western part of the county there are magnificent deposits of lead, zinc, iron and magoneze ores, but so far these mineral beds have not been developed to any great extent.
When the Civil War broke out Randolph county went with the confederacy, and eight companies of soldiers where organized and went out to fight the battles of the South. Scores of her brave men went down, and many of her older citizens still carry scars, inflicted by bayonet and ball-grim reminders of the great conflict.
Since the war Randolph County has made rapid progress and in culture and morality we are second to none in the state. The Frisco railroad runs through the eastern center of the county and the Iron Mountain passes through a portion of the southeastern part. Four rivers pass through the county and there are creeks and brooks without number, while lasting springs of clear, cold water are found almost every where. We have plenty of water for all purposes.
We do not understand why so many people grope in the dark amid the moldy, musty "what has been's" of the early days of the east when right here in this county, a man with energy and pluck can reproduce those "good old days," with 500 per cent added. Here there are more golden opportunities being opened up daily under the broad glare of the noonday sun, than one ever heard of in the east.
Refer to the map in the rear of this directory and you will find one of the best agricultural sections of the grand old commonwealth of Arkansas, the best climate in the world--with on extremes in heat or cold, and no malarial diseases.
No section of the state enjoys greater opportunities for rapid development that this, and there are many reasons why this is so, and in this connection we may mention this fact; In casting about for investments capitalists have been seeking mineral deposits, while the attention of the farmer has been attracted to the barren plains of the west, by the highly colored and glowing descriptions sent out by the western land agents who sought to discourage the investment of capital in Arkansas. Now all these conditions have changed and there is now created a greater desire for the fruit and farming lands of this section, and the tide of the northern and eastern immigration that has been flowing in our direction is becoming larger every day. This desire for new homes has caused this section to be carefully examined, and has brought to light our vast possibilities and in consequence we are now receiving our just share of public attention.
Society here is not in the chaotic and disorganized state imagined by the people of the north. Here all men are-so long as they are honorable and upright-equal. No caste or class prejudices mark the harmony in which our people dwell. Generous and open hearted, they have obtained a reputation abroad that opens all doors to them, in whatever
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section they may be. Life here does not mean living in a semi-barbarous country, but in a Christian community, and among an honest, God-fearing people. Churches of all the various Protestant denominations dot our soil in all directions, and not an opportunity passes but what services are held in some one or more of them, and our good people vie with each other in doing deeds of charity and kindness. Every where strict observance is paid to religious worship and all the churches are well attended by people, both young and old.
The leading Protestant denominations in this county are Methodist, Baptist, Christian, Presbyterian and Holiness. Live working churches of these denominations can be found in almost every community. One noticeable fact about the church people of Randolph county is that the members of the various denominations never allow their cross opinions as to religion interfere with their good-will toward each other, all living and worshiping together in perfect peace and good fellowship.
The first Catholic priest in this section was Rev. Father O'Kean of Ireland, who came to Pocahontas in 1868 and erected the first Catholic church in this section, although there were at that time but two Catholics in this section of the country, but during his two years stayed he succeeded in securing about twenty-five converts. He was then called to Little Rock, and for nine years there after the only spiritual consolation enjoyed by the church, were the four yearly visits from Little Rock. In 1876 Father Weibel was appointed pastor for the church here. From 1880 to 1882 about forty families of German Catholics immigrated here. Today St. Paul's congregation is one of the most flourishing organizations in Northeast Arkansas, growing from but two members in 1868, up to over 600 in 1910 with Father Froltzhelm in charge of the church. A fine church of native stone has been constructed on Catholic Hill in Pocahontas costing in the neighborhood of $130,000 and said to be one of the best in the state.
The public school system is justly the pride of our people, and it will compare favorably with any school system in the older states, both in the grades of study pursed, and in the class of work done. Our school boards believe in employing none but the best of teachers, and wisdom of that policy is noticeable in the excellence of the schools. Commodious school buildings are located in every district, easy of access and well attended. The various departments are always up to the standard grades, and nothing is left undone to give a thorough and practical education to our youth.
Our temperance laws are said to by competent judges, far in advance of those of any other state, the cause being the result of evolution, growing by degrees and taking hold of our community at a time when public sentiment is educated up to an appreciation of their importance, and the laws on this subject are easily and completely enforced. Saloons were voted out of the county four years ago and Randolph county is now a dry one and if the sentiment of the people is not changed it will forever remain in the prohibition column.
The race question here is no longer a problem. Matters have adjusted themselves in accordance with common sense. The Australian ballot system has eliminated all danger from ignorance, and the free school system is fast educating the negro in his duties of citizenship. The Christian doctrine of the universal brotherhood of man has thrown around him a mantle of protection. In all his rights as a man and a citizen; he stands before the law equal of all men, veg he has cheerfully accepted the doctrine that the white man ought to and will rule.
A wise man about to seek a new home naturally will be curious regarding the impost on capital. People who have been used to paying enormous taxes in northern and eastern states, and who think it nothing for their country to pay thousands of dollars yearly on railroads, city or county bonds will be agreeably surprised on coming here. Our taxation is light and is guarded by constitutional limitations. So long as the present state constitution remains in force, for it is one of the safeguards thrown around the people, no city, town, or county can loan its credit or issue any interest bearing evidences of debt. This wise provision prevents our counties, cities and towns loading themselves down with debt, which the immigrant would have to help pay off. The immigrant who comes here can rest assured that he is not bringing his capital and labor to be taxed to death to pay for what he may find here, much less to pay for other people's follies.
The new settler who begins at bed-rock keeps out of debt, buys as little as he can, wears his old clothes, works early and late, plants trees and vines for his future deiectation and benefits, leaves whiskey severely along, and has a definite aim and plan in life, deserves and he generally obtains success. He can come here with a few dollars, and find that this is a good place for a poor man. All who are content to work, can have here a comfortable home in a land where one can work in comfort, every month of the year. All we need is the population to take advantage of the favorable soil, and woo and win from old Mother Earth her yet reserved treasures. The immigrant will find a superior geographical location, a more than average crop and a
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graphical location, a more than average crop and a home market.
The purpose of this article and what is to follow is written to induce a good class of people to come to Randolph County and live with us. It is not a great number that we want but a good number. It is cheaper and infinitely better to buy than to rent. But you can make a mistake in buying too much. A small farm will tilled is much better than a large one skimmed over. To those who come, a hearty welcome will be given. Look at our land, study carefully its possibilities, weigh well the pros and cons, and then when you have bought it, you can settle down and begin to make money for your old age.
With our great range of products an ultimate competence will inevitably follow industrious effort. Yield in farming always stands for dividends on invested capital, and along this line our county makes a grand showing. Here cheap building material, mildness of climate, short feeding periods for stock, and inexpensive social demands guarantee you a roof tree beneath which less anxiety will dwell and the problem "Is Life Worth Living?" will be solved.
Occasionally one in his rambles over the world stumbles by the merest accident, upon one of these beautiful spots of nature that are the theme of song and story-the poets fancy and the painters dream-the Arcadia long sung, long sought, seldom found-the home of a generous, hospitable people who do no evil and are free from guile.
Such a spot is the dream of all, where to live is happiness unalloyed. Such ideal spots seem but the "idle fancies of a dream," for the cold, sordid, money getting world would soon stamp out these idyllic fancies; and quickly starve the citizens of that happy land.
But such is this land which we are trying to tell you about. For in truth this section should be called the "Modern Egypt," for like that biblical story, when grim want and gaunt famine stalked abroad in other portions of our fair land, our over flowing granaries and bursting corn bins go to show the every ready productiveness of our soil, and like the Egypt of old, right royally does she respond to the "Macedonian cry" for help.
And to-day many of her fertile acres stretch forth their hands, bearing rich promises of peace, plenty and prosperity to those who, in other lands have met with the reverses of fickle fortune, and asking them to come here with the few dollars they have saved out of the mad strife for wealth, and with careful investment here, promise them returns that will surpass the expectations of the average money-getting man.
But this wealth can only be obtained by those who are not afraid to work. To such our farm lands will yield abundantly, while our orchards will bear fruit as man must have tasted in the Garden of Eden before Satan discovered us.
Our apples are red, juicy and almost perfect in form and coloring, while grapes may be raised rivaling in size and flavor those clusters brought back by the spies who went to view the richness of the land of Canaan. Peaches, melting, juicy, luscious, as fine as any that graced the banquet tables of Lucullus or tickled the fancy or tempted the palate of the gods of Mount Athos, while many streams, crystal clear and sparkling as the pellucid Neva, water our lands, and from whose placid bosom the angler may wrest the finny tribe, fit to adorn the tables of a kind and find pearls out classing those ever worn by any monarch.
Such is the land we are speaking of. We do not ask you to take our word for these things. But we do ask you to come and look over our land-a land that is warmed by the sun and kissed by the dew-a land that is nearly as perfect as could be desired by man--where famine comes not and pestilence is but the phantasm of a dream. Seeing is believing, and could you but once look over this fair land of ours, you would exclaim: "The half has never been told."
POCAHONTAS
Pocahontas, the county seat, is the most important town in Randolph County. Under the act creating the county commissioners were appointed to select two separate places, either of which would be suitable for the location of the county seat. It was provided that the people should decide at an election to be held for that purpose, at which of the points the County Seat should be fixed. Accordingly the commissioners selected the site of Pocahontas, and also another place at a noted spring eight miles north of Pocahontas. At that time Thomas S. Drew and R. S. Bettis owned the present location of Pocahontas. The election was held in the summer of 1836, on which occasion Drew and Bettis gave a free barbecue at the site of Pocahontas which was sufficient inducement to draw voters enough to secure a small majority in favor of locating the seat of justice at the latter place. Here it was accordingly placed and here it has since remained.
Pocahontas is an important trading point, being located near the geographical center of the county
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| 1835 to 1836 | W. Pilbourn | P. R. Pittman | B. J. Wiley |
| 1836 to 1838 | W. Pilbourn | P. R. Pittman | B. J. Wiley |
| 1838 to 1840 | P. R. Pittman | B. J. Wiley | |
| 1840 to 1842 | W. A. Houston | P. R. Pittman | B. J. Wiley |
| 1842 to 1844 | Wm. Mitchell | James Martin | J. H. Imboden |
| 1844 to 1846 | J. B. Anthony | James Martin | T. O. Marr |
| 1846 to 1848 | B. R. Baker | B. J. Wiley | T. O. Marr |
| 1848 to 1850 | H. McIlroy | B. J. Wiley | T. O. Marr |
| 1850 to 1852 | H. McIlroy | James Martin | L. F. Johnson |
| 1852 to 1854 | W. R. Hunter | B. J. Wiley | J. C. Walker |
| 1854 to 1856 | W. R. Cain | J. P. Ingram | E. L. Urmston |
| 1856 to 1858 | Michael Beshoar | J. P. Ingram | E. L. Urmston |
| 1858 to 1860 | J. H. Purkins | J. P. Ingram | J. B. Kelsey |
| 1860 to 1862 | J. H. Purkins | Wm. Thompson | J. B. Kelsey |
| 1862 to 1864 | H. Cockran | J. B. Kelsey | |
| 1864 to 1866 | J. F. Harrison | H. Cockran | C. C. Elder |
| 1866 to 1868 | J. Hufstedler | H. Cockran | C. C. Elder |
| 1868 to 1872 | W. B. Janes | G. V. Corey | E. Rockwell |
| 1872 to 1874 | W. G. Matheny | J. T. Robinson | |
| 1874 to 1876 | J. Dodson | Isam Russell | J. T. Robinson |
| 1876 to 1878 | P. Pierce | J. H. Purkins | J. Schoonover |
| 1878 to 1880 | R. H. Black | S. J. Johnson | J. Schoonover |
| 1880 to 1882 | Tom Foster | S. J. Johnson | J Schoonover |
| 1882 to 1884 | R. C. Mack | J. H. Richardson | J. T. Robinson |
| 1884 to 1886 | Perry Nettle | J. H. Richardson | J. T. Robinson |
| 1886 to 1888 | C. G. Johnston | Dan Wyatt | W. T. Bispham |
| 1888 to 1890 | Perry Nettle | A. J. Witt | W. T. Bispham |
| 1890 to 1892 | John C. Wisener | A. J. Witt | W. S. Tanner |
| 1892 to 1894 | A. J. Witt | D. C. Black | J. T. Robinson |
| 1894 to 1896 | A. J. Witt | H. M. Bishop | Jos. T. Robinson |
| 1896 to 1898 | M. D. Bowers | Wibb Conner | Ben A. Brown |
| 1898 to 1900 | C. H. Henderson | J. B. Duvall | Ben A. Brown |
| 1900 to 1902 | T. W. Campbell | J. B. Duvall | M. R. Armstrong |
| 1902 to 1904 | T. W. Campbell | R. H. Black | M. R. Armstrong |
| 1904 to 1906 | H. E. Ruff | Ben A. Brown | J. W. Going |
| 1906 to 1908 | H. E. Ruff | S. M. White | J. J. Lewis |
| 1908 to 1910 | A. M. Doss | S. M. White | J. J. Lewis |
| 1835 to 1836 | William Black | ||
| 1836 to 1836 | William Black | B. M. Simpson | |
| 1838 to 1840 | William Black | J. Newland | |
| 1840 to 1842 | J. H. Imboden | J. Newland | |
| 1842 to 1844 | J. Spikes | J. Newland | |
| 1844 to 1846 | J Spikes | J. Newland | |
| 1846 to 1848 | J. Spikes | W. L. Rice | |
| 1848 to 1850 | J. Spikes | W. L. Rice | |
| 1850 to 1852 | John Chandler | W. L. Rice | |
| 1852 to 1854 | W. G. Murphy | J. D. Cross | |
| 1854 to 1856 | W. G. Murphy | J. D. Cross | |
| 1856 to 1858 | W. G. Murphy | J. D. Cross | |
| 1858 to 1860 | D. C. Black | W. W. Douthit | |
| 1860 to 1862 | D. C. Black | W. W. Douthit | |
| 1862 to 1864 | M. McNabb | W. W. Douthit | |
| 1864 to 1866 | S. M. Truly | Thomas Foster | |
| 1866 to 1868 | D. C. Black | Thomas Foster | |
| 1868 to 1872 | G. A. Eaton | A. J. Pace | |
| 1872 to 1874 | J. T. Fisher | J. Hufstedler | |
| 1874 to 1876 | J. F. Spikes | T. S. Bennett | |
| 1876 to 1878 | D. C. Black | J. W. Slayton | |
| 1878 to 1880 | W. Conner | A. H. Kibler | |
| 1880 to 1882 | W. Conner | A. H. Kibler | |
| 1882 to 1884 | A. J. Witt | A. H. Kibler | |
| 1884 to 1886 | A. J. Witt | A. H. Kibler | |
| 1886 to 1888 | B. F. Spikes | J. R. Chambers | |
| 1888 to 1890 | B. F. Spikes | J. R. Chambers | |
| 1890 to 1892 | W. M. Hogan | J. R. Chambers | |
| 1892 to 1894 | W. M. Hogan | S. M. White | |
| 1894 to 1896 | M. R. Armstrong | S. M. White | |
| 1896 to 1898 | M. R. Armstrong | J. W. Presley | |
| 1898 to 1900 | L. H. Jones | J. W. Presley | |
| 1900 to 1902 | J. T. Robinson | W. R. Russell | J. D. Gossett |
| 1902 to 1904 | Ben F. Spikes | W. R. Russell | I. N. Sorrell |
| 1904 to 1906 | Ben F. Spikes | W. A. Jackson | I. N. Sorrell |
| 1906 to 1908 | M. R. Armstrong | W. A. Jackson | I. N. Sorrell |
| 1908 to 1910 | M. R. Armstrong | Sam Brown | J. A. Parker |
| 1835 to 1836 | J. M. Cooper | |
| 1836 to 1838 | J. M. Cooper | |
| 1838 to 1840 | John Johnson | |
| 1840 to 1842 | J Vanbibber | |
| 1842 to 1844 | I. L. Garrett | |
| 1844 to 1846 | William McLain | |
| 1846 to 1848 | William McLain | |
| 1848 to 1850 | William McLain | |
| 1850 to 1852 | William McLain | |
| 1852 to 1854 | William McLain | |
| 1854 to 1856 | T. S. Simington | |
| 1856 to 1858 | I. L. Garrett | |
| 1858 to 1860 | I. L. Garrett | |
| 1860 to 1862 | I. L. Garrett | |
| 1862 to 1864 | I. L. Garrett | L. F. Johnston |
| 1864 to 1866 | I. L. Garrett | L. F. Johnston |
| 1866 to 1868 | N. L. Dodson | L. F. Johnston |
| 1868 to 1872 | I. L. Garrett | D. C. Downey |
| 1872 to 1874 | N. C. Dodson | J. D. Wyatt |
| 1874 to 1876 | N. C. Dodson | S. W. Thompson |
| 1876 to 1878 | N. C. Dodson | J. H. Richardson |
| 1878 to 1880 | N. C. Dodson | J. H. Richardson |
| 1880 to 1882 | N. C. Dodson | J. H. Richardson |
| 1882 to 1884 | J. H. Skaggs | W. H. Johnston |
| 1884 to 1886 | N. C. Dodson | M. D. Bowers |
| 1886 to 1888 | N. C. Dodson | M. D. Bowers |
| 1888 to 1890 | G. B. Smith | Gideon Thompson |
| 1890 to 1892 | Geo. B. Smith | Gideon Thompson |
| 1892 to 1894 | Luther L. Jones | L. H. Jones |
| 1894 to 1896 | L. H. Jones | J. D. Gossett |
| 1896 to 1898 | J. L. Fry | J. D. Gossett |
| 1898 to 1900 | Tobias Chastain | J. L. Fry |
| 1900 to 1902 | Tobias Chastain | J. L. Fry |
| 1902 to 1904 | J. H. Bennett | Tobias Chastain |
| 1904 to 1906 | Tobias Chastain | J. H. Bennett |
| 1906 to 1908 | John M. Cox | R. L. Higginbotham |
| 1908 to 1910 | Tobias Chastain | R. L. Higginbotham |
Page IX
and on the west side of Black River, being at a point where the hills and uplands form the west bank of the river for quite a distance. It is elevated at from one hundred to two hundred feet above the river level, making natural drainage as good as could be asked for anywhere. A more healthful location would indeed be hard to find as we are elevated far above the malaria that stagnates the lowlands. Pocahontas is one of the fastest growing towns in the state of Arkansas and is surrounded by the finest farming and timber land to be found anywhere on the face of the earth. Located as it is, it is on a line of steamboat navigation and is also on the line of the Hoxie division of the Frisco Railroad, which makes it a commercial center of some prominence, being 214 miles south of St. Louis, Mo. 119 miles north of Little Rock and 107 miles northwest of Memphis, Tenn.
SECRET SOCIETIES
Pocahontas has twelve distinct fraternal societies with a combined membership of more than one thousand souls. It is true many people belong to more than one order, in fact nearly everybody belongs to two or more. The insurance carried by the members of these societies amounts to more than $325, 000. The different societies, membership, principle officers, etc. are as follows:
Randolph Lodge No. 71 F.& A.M. was the first order established in Pocahontas many years ago. It now has a membership of ninety-six and is in a flourishing condition. More than thirty new members have been added to the roll during the last three years. It has a well organized degree team, in fact, the district deputy grand master pronounces it as good as any in the state. F. Dalton is the present master and J.D. Wells is secretary.
Ahoilab Council, No. 40 Royal and Select Masters, was organized about one year ago, with a membership of seventeen. There are now twenty-eight members. E.G. Schoonover is the Thrice Illustrious master and A. J. Witt is recorder.
Pocahontas Chapter No 63 Royal Arch Masons was organized a good many years ago but for some reason disbanded. A few years ago the order was revived and is now in line working condition. There are forty-eight members. Dr. C.E. Stuttle is high priest and A.J. Witt is secretary.
Red Cross Chapter No. 48, Order Eastern Star, has forty-two members. The order meets the first Thursday night in each month. Mrs. Voohers is worthy matron and Mrs. Dalton is secretary.
Pocahontas Lodge No. 93 Knights of Pythias, is one among the most popular orders in Pocahontas. It has a membership of fifty, nearly all of whom live in town. The boys have a special degree team and their services are always in demand at all district meetings where degree work is done. C.J. Stevens is present chancellor commander and S.M. White is keeper of records and seal. The members of this order carry insurance to the amount of $35, 000.
The order having the largest membership with the greatest amount of insurance carried is the Catholic Knights of America. This order has eighty-eight members with $65,000 insurance carried by them. The dates for meeting are the second and fourth Sunday in each month. F.M. Gebhart is president and Joe H. DeClerk is secretary.
Oak Camp No 63 W.C.W. is a live wire among the other societies. It meets on Friday nights and there is nearly always something doing when the members meet. The membership is about fifty and growing all the time. The amount of insurance carried by the members is $75,000. J.A. Parker is counsel commander and S. M. White is clerk.
Pocahontas Camp No. 13690 M.W.A. is a comparatively new organization in Pocahontas, but is growing in membership very rapidly. It has sixty members who carry insurance to the amount of $80,000. A.R. Aliphin is head counsel and Oscar Keith is clerk.
The Knights of Maccabees is another new order in Pocahontas, the lodge having been chartered only a few months. It was organized with fourteen members who carry insurance to the amount of $14,000. D.V. Cooke is the sir knight commander and B.B. Fisher is record keeper.
Orient Lodge No. 213 I.O.O.F has a membership of sixty and is a good working order. Its meetings are held each Thursday night. D.V. Cooke is the noble grand and T.W. Campbell is secretary and treasurer.
The Loyal Americans have an organization here but do not hold regular meetings. The order has thirty members who carry insurance to the amount of $40,000. Mrs. H. Ella White is secretary.
Pocahontas Lodge No. 2272 Knights & Ladies of Honor has a membership of twenty-three, but has no regular time of meeting. About $35,000 insurance is carried by the members of this order. Mrs. L. F. Blankenship is secretary.
OUR BUSINESS PEOPLE
This directory would be incomplete should we fail to make mention of the various business enterprises in the town of Pocahontas and we will be brief in mentioning them as it would require to much space should we go into detail and give each man in businesss a lengthy write up. Those who placed adverstsements in this book are among our prominent business people and they are worthy of the patronage of the people of the county.
Page X
RANDOLPH COUNTY BANK
The Randolph County Bank is the oldest banking institution in the county having been organized in 1898 with a paid up capital stock of $10,000. In 1901 the capital was increased to $20.000 and the surplus at the present time is $23,500 giving the depositors a protection of more than $50.000. The stock is owned by citizens of Randolph county and the officers are: E. Dalton, president; A.Z. Schnabaum, vice-president; J.D. Wells, cashier and L.R. Martin, assistant cashier.
POCAHONTAS STATE BANK
The other banking institution of Pocahontas is the Pocahontas State Bank. This institution was organized in 1903 and began business January 1st, 1904. The organized capital stock of $30.000, one half of which is paid up. They have a surplus of $5,000. The officers of the institution are W.H. Skinner, president; A.J. Witt, vice-president; and Ben A. Brown, cashier. They have had a steady increase in business eah year and all their customers are being well cared for and are pleased with the institution.
MARTIN & WELLS
The firm of Martin & Wells, rank amont the most prominent fire insurance agencies in thie part of Arkansas. The firm is composed of J.D. Wells, and L.R. Martin, cashier and assistant cashier respectively of the Randolph County Bank, where they have their offices. This firm was organized April 1st 1910 and has enjoyed a good business with our people. They represent only the best companies.
F. J. BALTZ
Six years ago F.J. Baltz launched himself in the mercantile business at this place and by his courteous manner and fair dealing with his customers has built up an excellent business. He is also engaged in the real estate business and has some good bargains for those desiring to locate in the county.
G.F. LEMMONS
We doubt very much if there is a man between Little Rock and St. Louis who is a better photographer than G. F. Lemmons of Pocahontas. Mr. Lemmons is a native of Randolph county, but for a number of years was located at Palmer, Texas. In 1901 he returned to Pocahontas and opened a photograph gallery and has been engaged in the business continously. He also has a branch at Biggers. Most of the photographs in this directory were made by him.
THE PRINGLE DRUG CO.
The Pringle Drug Company was organized in 1900 and is now owned by Dr. C. E. Pringle, with V.K. Pringle as manager. This store keeps all the drugs and other articles generlly found in a first class drug store. They also have installed a fine soda fountain and eispense all kinds of soft drinks to the thirsty.
N.A. CHILDS
The only jewlery store and repair shop in Pocahontss is that of N.A> Childs, who has been engaged in the business since 1901. Mr. Childs is an expert in his line of business and carries an elegant stock of goods and consequently is doing a flourishing business. He has recently purchased a lot adjoining the Star Herald office and is erecting a business place which he will occupy.
WALL BROTHERS
The firm of Wall Brothers, composed of Sol, Jake and Jow Wall has been located in the Court Square Hotel building since 1903 and carry a complete stock of Ladies and Gents clothing, shoes, dress goods and millinery. They have established a reputation of themselves and enjoy a lucrative business. They have two other branch stores and Jake Wall is the manager at this place.
LEWALLEN GROCER CO.
The Lewallen Grocer Company is one among those of our town which is enjoying an enormous businesss. In May, 1909, George Lewallen embarked in the restaurant business at this place and after over ifve months in that line he decided to engage in the grocery business. He rented his location in the Court Square Hotel building October 19th 1909, and he is doing a flourshing business. He handles groceries exclusively.
JOHNSON-CLOYES HARDWARE CO.
On September 7th 1907, the Johnson-cloyes hardware Company was organized with a capital stock of $10,000. The officers of the company are T.W. Johnson, president; Dr. J.W. Johnson, vice-president and A.C. Cloyes, secretary and treasuret. They carry a complete stock of hareware and farming implements, harness and horse goods of all kinds. This company ranks among the best in this section.
THE PALACE DRUG STORE
The Palace Drug Store, or the home of "Rexall Remedies," is owned and controlled by Dr. W.E. Hamil a native of Pocahontas. Dr Hamil graduated in pharmacy in 1809 and graduated in medicine in 1902. June 1st 1906 he opened the Palace Drug Store, which is said to have the best furniturePage XIand fixtures to be found in a drug store in the county. In 1907 he added the Rexall Remedies and he has built up an excellent trade. He has a first-class soda fountain and serbes all kinds of soft drinks.
HENDERSON BROTHERS
The firm of Henderson Brothers, insurnce and real estate dealers is one of the promincure in this section and is composed of C.H. and E.R. Henderson. They enjoy a good business and the firm is as reliable as the rock of Gibralter. Both members of this firm are natives of the county and attended the State University. Senator C.H. represented this county in the legislature in 1899 and is now serving the district as state senator.
THE ECONOMY STORE
The Economy Store, owned by Wm. Kercheval and D.V. Cooke has a wonderful growth since they embarked in business November 1st 1909. At that time they only had a very small stock of goods but at the present time they carry an immense stock of gents clothing, hats and shoes as well as gents and ladies furnishings and piece goods. Courteous tretment and fail dealing has gained for them the reputation that they can well be proud of. They sell at wholesale as well as retail.
L.C. HAYNES
Among our business men, one who is well known throughout the county is L.C. Haynes, who for the past 35 years has been a resident of the county. He engaged in the grocery business at this place June 6th 1907 and enjoys a good patronage. He keeps the best groceries and his assistants are courteous and kind to all his coustomers, making it a pleasure to do business with him.
JOE PETERS
Prominent among the resturants in Pocahontas is that owned and controlled by Joe Peters in the Jansen & Cravens building. In 1890 Mr. Peters engaged in business for himself and has built up an excellent trade by serving the best of cursine to his many patrons. He also carries soft drinks of all kinds.
JUNKERSFELD & DeCLERK
The firm of Junkersfeld & DeClerk, general merchants, composed of Will Jenkersfeld and Joe H. DeClerk was established in 1896 and is one among the many firms in Pocahontas that has been prosperous. They carry a large stock of general merchandise and you can get most anything you want at their place. In 1905 they orgnized the Pocahontas Produce and Commission Company, and have met with success along that line. They are now preparing to erect a large wholesale house in Pocahonts, plans and specifications having already been prepared for same.
SPINNENWEBER & PETERS
In 1896 the firm of Spinnenweber & Peters, composed of Fred Spinnenweber and H.A. Peters, dealers in lumber and all knids of building material, was organized and they have done an excellent business along that line. They also own the Opera House building, which they erected in 1901 and it has a seating capacity over 800 and is the only place of amusement in Pocahontas. They deal in all knids of laumber and also contract for the erection of buildings and have erected a number in Pocahontas.
BENNETT & RICE
The firm of Bennett & Rice is composed of John Bennett and Herbert Rice, both natives of Randolph county, was organized December 1st 1908 when they bought out the dry goods stock of the St. Louis Bargain Store, which was conducted at that time by Grossman & Solomon. They enjoyed a good patronage and today have one of the most complete lines to be found in the county. August 1st they purchased a grocery business form M.M>McHaney and are now conducting both places in a satisfactory manner. They carry a complete stock in both lines and you can get real values by dealing with them.
SKINNER'S PHARMACY
In 1885 Skinner's Pharmacy was opened to the people of Pocahontas by W.H. Skinner and for the past twenty-five years he has been actively engaged in filling the prescriptions for many who have been afflicted with one or another kind of illness. He carries a stock a complete line of durgs, patent medicines, paints, oils, wall paper and school supplies. All physicians recommend him for his close personal attention to the filling of prescriptions. He also bottles all kinds of soft drinks, the Bottling Works being a branch of his pharmacy.
GRAHM & WARD
Graham & Ware, tonsorial artists, have their parlor located in the rear of the Randolph county Bank building and it is a tow-chair parlor. Here it is that you can get a easy shave and hari cut in the latest style. Everything in their shop is neat, clean and up-to-date and they ask a share of your patronage.
JOE SCHMIDT BRICK CO.
When you are in need of the fine pressed brick for that building of yours you should not purchase until youPage XIIhave, inspected the bricks made by Joe Schmidt Brick Company of Pocahontas. They now have pressed brick ready for sale and will sell them in any quanity. Their place of business is located west of Pocahontas on Black Ferry road and they have a reputation of making the best pressed bricks to be found anywhere in the state. Their prices are right.
JOE W. VOOHERS
Else where in this directory will be found a page advertisment of J.W. Vouhers, dealer in lumber, sash, doors, lime, eaves, troupha and all kinds of builders supplies, also a picture of his place of business. He also carries the best cement on the market. My Vouhers is one of our progressive business men and is straight-forward in his business dealings. He has built up an excellent trade and you can rely on him for the genuineness of his stock and trade.
JACKSON EBBERT & CO.
Among the firms in Pocahontas that are doing a nice business in the general insurance business is that of Jackson-Ebbert & Company, composed of W.A. Jackson, Issac Ebbert and R. R. Reynolds. This firm was recently organized, but they are doing an excellent businesss consisting of fire, life, liability, health and accident, burlary, boliler and by wheel,livestock and bonding. Their offices are located on the north side of court square.
PEOPLES REAL ESTATE COMPANY
A firm that has recently organized which promises in the future to be a paying investment for those insterested financially in that of the Peoples Real Estate and Abstract y, located in the Presley-Anderson building. The officers of the company are Dr. H.L .Throgmorton, president; John F. James, vice-president; and Dr. C.E. Suttle,secretary and treasurer. Their abstract books are completed to date and they are now prepared to furnish the public with an abstract of any tract of land in the county.
W. H. MILLER
In this directory will be found the advertisment of W.H. Miller, whose place of business now located next door to the Star Herald office. Mr Miller was born and reared in the county and is well known throughout the county. He is now engaged in cleaning and pressing clothes and is also agent for some of the best tailoring establishments in this section of the county. He is an electrian and also takes quite an interest in band music.
M.M. CARTER
One among the progressive business men is M.M. Carter, who runs a fine breeding barn in Pocahontas, advertisment of which will be found in the book. He is also manager of the electric light plant and interested in other business enterprises in Pocahontas. His hansome residence helps to adorn the town of Pocahontas.
ELBERT ROBINSON
If you are thinking about building a residence or business place you should see Elbert Robinson before you take any definate steps toward same. He is well versed in architecture contracting and building and he can assist you very materially with your plans and specifications. He has his office in his residence in Pocahontas and will furnish you with estimates free of charge.
PETE FRENKEN
The Farmers Union Resturant in Pocahontas is conducted by Pete Frenken, who has been engaged in this business for about two years. Mr. Frenken enjoys a good patronage and the cursine at his place is all that could be desired. He makes a speciality of short orders and his "Hamburgers" are eagerly sought by the hungry at all hours of the day and night.
D.L. WILEY
One of our progressive nerchants is none other than D.L. Wiley, who handles a complete stock of ladies and gents furnishings. Mr Wiley was for sometime clerk in the store of H. J.Warshavsky and in 1906 bought the stock at a bankrupt sale. He has disposed of all the old stock and keeps constantly on hand a well assorted stock of all the latest creations in furnishings. His place of business is next door to Pringles durg store.
HENRY MEIER
One among the large grocery stores in Pocahontas is that conducted by Henry Meier, who also runs a hotel in the same building, using the second and third stories of the brick building for that purpose. Mr Meier enjoys a good patronage from the traveling public at his hotel and has many customers in Pocahontas for his grocery department. He also conducts a bakery.
J.W. GOING
Among the many advertisers in this directory will be found the displayed adbertisment of J.W. Going, who is engaged in farming, milling, rolling and stock raising. Mr. Going is dealer in thoroughbread Durock Jersey hogs and has quite a number of them. He is one of our prominent business men and held the office of clerk of the circuit court for one term.
JOE JANSEN
Joe Jansen conducts the meat market in PocahontasPage XIIIand he makes a special effort to get the best of meats for his coustomers. His place of business is located on the north side of court square and he also conducts a second hand store where you can buy most any kind of furniture that you are in the market for. He has been very successful in his business ventures.
R.N. HAMIL
Among the pioneer merchants of Pocahontas there are noe that have been in business as long R.N Hamil and any directory or book of historical nature would be incomplete if it did not mention the above named gentleman. Mr. Hamil has been actively engaged in business for himselfin this county and in the town of Pocahontas since 1875 and carries a well selected stock of general merchandise. He owns considerable real estate in the county and also the two story brick building in which is located his store as well as that of the Palace Drug Store and S. Riegler's store. Mr. Hamil is well know to all the citizens of the county and has a large business and still enjoys a liberal partonage from the people.
A.Z. SCHNABAUM
A.Z. Schnabaum, who is well known to the people of this county, conducts general merchandise business on the westside of court square. Mr. Schnabaum carries a general line of general merchandise and farming implements and also owns an interest in the firm of Schnabaum-Tipton Mercantile Co., at Biggers. He is one of our enterprising business men and is always ready to assist in anything that will be of benefit to the town or county. He also owns and opertes a cotton gin at this place and at Biggers and is recognized as one of the leading cotton buyers of Northeast Arkansas. He has been in business here for nearly a quarter of a century.
R.D. HABER COMMISSION CO.
The R.D. Haber Commission Co., which has its principal place of business at St. Louis, has recently opened a branch at this place and is now engaged in buying poultry of all kinds, fur, ginseng and other articles along this line. They will buy all kinds of produce and agree to give top prices and full weight. E.P. Lake is the manager here and he solicits your business. Write to him for prices or call and see him.
SHANNON BROS
Prominent among the business men of Randolph county are C.F. and J.W. Shannon, dealers in real estate and live stock. They have been associated in business under the above firm name for the last several years and have been very successful in business. They live, energetic and enterprising men, always ready and willing to assist in any enterprist that will advance the intersts of the town and county.
HOTELS
The town of Pocahontas has four hotesl, to say nothing of the private boarding room houses. Chief among these hotels is the Biggers Hotel, conducted by B.F. and Mrs. Ida Bigger, and located near the Frisco depot. This hotel is headquarters for the commercial travelers. The other hotels are the Court Square, conducted by Mrs. Anna Shively, the Von Bauer Hotel, run by Valentine Bauer and the Meier Hotel, conducted by Henry Meier. All of these places enjoy a good business and are run in a first class manner.
CHURCHES
The churches in Pocahontas are the Methodist, Baptist and Caholic. The colored people also have a suitable place of worship here. The Catholic church is said to be one among the finest in the state. The Baptist and Methodist churches are built of brick and the colored church is a frame structure. All of the denominations have a good membership and regular services are conducted in these several places. The members of the Christian denomination have not as yet a permanent place of worship and now hold services in one of the jury rooms at the court house.
OTHER BUSINESS ENTERPRISES
Among other business enterprises in Pocahontas, there are Thos. Edlin, harness and shoe shop; J.W. Presley & Sons, merchants, Presley Cotton Gin Co., New York Bargain Store; R.L. Stackhouse, pool room; B.B. Fisher, barber shop; Lee Bolen, painter and paper hanger, Will fisher, painter and paper hanger; S. Reigler & Co., merchants; Bruce Collier, blacksmith; Joe Peters Jr., soft drinks; Mrs. Hamp, millinery; I.S. Flogham, restaurant; Wegley's cigar and fruit store; J.E. Brown & Co., blacksmiths; Farmers Union Mercantile Co., Luther Mills, livery; Fry & Park, marble works, R.D. Haber Commission Co., Spiece Bros, hoop factory; Salliee Bros, handle factory; Dalton & Sallee, real estate agents; Dixon & Meyers, saw mill; Dr. C. Sheid, druggist; Pocahontas Abstract Co; J.D. Million, real estate; John Malone, restaurant; Henry Gschwend, blacksmith; Ozark Telephone Co; Farmers Mutual Telephone Co; Western Union Telephone Company; Unites States Express Co; Pocahontas Ice and Power Company; Robert Lynch, dray; John Thomas, dray; Robert Smith, dray; J.L. Knotts, dray; Pocahontas Canning Factory; Waters Pierce Oil Co; J. S. Anderson, furniture andPage XIVundertaking establishement; Shannon Brothers, real estate agents; Patrick Wiley, tinsmith; J.E. Burke Wholesale Grocery Co. Randolph Gin Co.
REYNO
Among The many towns in Northeast Arkansas that has a bright future and all of her citizens working in harmony together, there are but few that will in time to come excel the growing town of Reyno located in the eastern part of the county on the Frisco railroad.The soil in this community is porous, has a very good drainage, while water for domestic purposes is excellent being found far below the artificial surface.The business at this town is on a solid foundation and well secure perfect credit if needed, and the businessmen are displaying a progressiveness that is truly worthy of commendation.Improvements of various kinds are continually being made, lawns are being cared for, stumps are being removed from what was once a wilderness, church influences are wholesome, social influences elevating and inspiring home influences a benediction, educational influences the most helpful.Page XVTHE PUBLIC SCHOOL
Reyno seems to have little ambition as a manufacturing center. There is some enterprise, but it interests itself not so much in promoting "wild cat plunges" as in developing the many attractions that makes it a model home-town.The concerns and influences that constitute a desirable environment for the home-these are the elements that should be most assiduously cared for by those who have the future growth of the city at heart.Certainly, adequate and varied provisions for education is a price requisite from the point and view of the home. The home means children and the children demand schools. And a town which claims to offer unique advantages to homeowners must posses not average but superlative school facilities. Whatever else is stinted, the school must be well cared for. Those who today have the school in charge cannot exactly see the form that will be assumed a quarter of a century hence, but they have it in their power to hasten or seriously impede the brilliant educational future. The highest development of the school of the cities in the years ahead are largely conditioned by those in authority doing their whole duty by the schools today. Illiberality, sordid aims, ignoble standards, picayunish policy, will cramp the work and delay, perhaps prevent, the future development that is within the range of possibility. Let the officers continue to build with their best wisdom and liberality, and the historian of the future will look well after the records.Those today who direct the destiny of the school at Reyno, and the people whose wishes they execute, will do well to ask themselves what their school will be ten, twenty, thirty years from now. Even if the question can be answered but vaguely, hints may be obtained as to the probable lines of development, which will make present duty the cleared.
CHURCHES
That the churches in any community exercise a most potent influence for good is conceded by all except the most rabid or blatant whose in tidel egotism and self conceit blinds his mind to the inestimable value of Christianity.So far we have not heard of a man in Reyno, however indifferent to the claims of Christianity, who would want to rear his family here if there were no churches or church influence, for he at once recognizes them as the guardian of the morals of the community. What would be the condition of his community at the end of the next ten years if from this time until the churches were closed? To what extent would life and property be safe?But yet, with all the organized agencies of the churches, the devil to frequently holds high carnival. What might we not expect if wholly divested of these good influences?The high moral standing of this community is due to the fact that it has been permeated by Christian influence and education, such as have radiated from the three church organizations herewith mentioned as follows: Baptist, Rev. R.L. Lewis, pastor: Methodist, Rev. W. W. Reid, pastor; Christian, J. Will Heniey, pastor.
SECRET SOCIETIES
That Reyno should be unusually well represented by a large number of orders is not at all surprising, when the character of the citizens is considered.The Masonic order is the oldest of any in existence, it's founding dating back to a period early in the world's history. It is a strong local order, has in its membership men who are united in purpose and who believe that right hurts no man.The Odd Fellows in an order of world-wide popularity, and an influence is radiating therefrom that is extremely helpful.The W.O.W., M.W.A., K. and L. of H., and Royal Neighbors, with possibly one or two more that the writer's information failed to enumerate, furnish ample facilities to meet every demand of lodge life, no matter how exacting.The above orders at Reyno are ably officered, have a numerical strength that insures perpetuity, and stands as a beacon lights along the rock-ribbed coasts, thus directing many a tempest-tossed mariner into the harbor of safety.
HEALTHFUL CLIMATE
At the present there seems to be a good-natured rivalry between progressive towns of respectable proportions to make Reyno a good place to live in. On every hand can be found evidence of this commendable spirit being fostered in their midst, the friendly competition of traffic, the observance of social amenities, the support of the church and school, the beautifying of home and environment, and all else conspiring to that end. These and more, may be secured through well directed human effort, but individual nor municipality cannot make to order the chief consideration of desirability for residence known as the healthful climate.Reyno is so situated that the porous soil has an excellent drainage, which necessarily makes it an extremely healthful section. The winters are reasonable mild and dry, although the thermometer at times registers below zero. The heats of summer are moderated by the cooling breezes and byPage XVIthe almost unfailing coolness of the nights. The rapid radiation of heat into a cloudless sky causes a delightful change at nightfall. The hot winds of summer, which sometimes brings disaster to crops in the more southern sections, spend their force before reaching this section, and rarely produce perceptible effects here on vegetation or human health and comfort. The climate is favorable to health and vigor and proves indeed a beneficient sanitarium.Practically speaking, contagion has ever been among the unknown quantities here. The extreme purity of water has had much to do with this condition.
REYNO STATE BANK
One of the sound banking institutions of the county is the Reyno State Bank. This bank is owned by home people and the depositors come first when loans are to be made. The other fellow if he gets it at all, is next. The officers and directors of this institution are: D. Blackburn, president; Joe B. Renie, vice-president; L.F. Maynard, cashier, and W. D. Polk, D.W. Reynolds, J.W. Shaver, Mrs. Mollie Jones and M.L. Adams directors. An advertisement of this institution will be found in this directory.
J.M. HAWKS
The name of J.M. Hawks is familiar to the people of Randolph as well as adjoining counties. Mr. Hawks has a general store at Reyno as well as three others in this section of Northeast Arkansas. He is a hustler and keeps only the best of goods in his stores. He is a firm believer in advertising and it has been the means of building up his business. The merchandise you buy of him is first-class in all respects. Logan Whittington is manager of the Reyno store.
MRS M. J. REYNOLDS
Among the many business people in Reyno, we doubt very much if there is any one who believes in advertising more than Mrs. M.J. Reynolds, who conducts a first-class millinery establishment. She carries a complete stock of goods usually found in a millinery store. She has been it this lime of business ever since the town of Reyno was established, having been engaged in the same business at Old Reyno. She and her husband D.W. Reynolds were among the first settlers in that section.
DR. O.W. ROBERTS
Among the professional men of Reyno we take pleasure in directing your attention to Dr. O.W. Roberts, physician. Dr. Roberts has been located in Reyno a number of months and has been very successful in his practice. He has gained the confidence of the people and is well thought of by all those with whom he has come in contact.
OTHER BUSINESS INTERESTS
There are a number of other business interests in Reyno and we mention a few of them: H.L. Sparkman, general merchant; T.C. Albritton, grocery; J.M. Smith, general merchandise; Mrs. Glasco, ice cream parlor; Cox Hotel; Jones Hotel; Dr. Hill; Dr. F.W. Cox, T. Jess Redwine, merchandise; F. F. Jones & Co., general merchants; Phoenix Cotton Gin Co; Farmers Union Cotton Gin co; T.C. McClure, druggist; J.R. Reynolds, livery stable; J.F. Youmans, groceries; two barber shops, two pool rooms, a lumber yard and blacksmith shop.
BIGGERS
It is not vain boosting but a clear statement of fact demonstrated that we have here in Biggers resources that are hard to duplicate in any other town its size in Arkansas. It is located on the Frisco Railroad 234 miles south of St. Louis and eleven miles from Pocahontas, affording good transportation to leading points. Biggers has good streets, good walks, one bank of strong financial stability, one of the largest Stave and Heading Mills in the country, lumber yard, one of the finest hotels in this section, fine business blocks, nice residences, fine schools, churches, secret societies, etc. Biggers' manufactures and merchants are prosperous, but the town is entitled to more-a fact which is fully appreciated by her citizens and one which is made patent on investigation. There are splendid sites along the railroad and inducements are offered manufacturers of stability to cast their lot in Biggers. Biggers asks the closest investigation of her advantages, well satisfied to take her chances what the verdict of the prospective citizen may be. Don't take the word of any man for it, but examine for yourself. By addressing any of Biggers' fine merchants information will be gladly furnished. The country surrounding Biggers is rich in agricultural resources. Here can be raised crops of all kinds, and land can be had at reasonable prices. Investigate and satisfy yourself that Biggers has and is all that is claimed for her.
B.F. BIGGER & SON
Prominent among the business enterprises of the town must be mentioned the very successful firm of B.F. Bigger & Sons. They occupy one of thePage XVIIfinest stores in this section of Arkansas and their store and warehouse cover a space of 9,000 square feet which is stocked with a complete line of every thing in merchandise, a specialty being made of the "Brown Shoe Co's." Fine shoes, the "John Deere" implements; handle everything in the undertaking line, are large planters; deal in real estate and live stock. The enterprising firm aims to handle only the best the market produces. B.F. Bigger and Tom bigger are directors in the Bank of Biggers while Tom and George Bigger have severed the town in various public ways. The firm members are wide-awake, progressive, public spirited and honored citizens of Biggers.
IDA MAY HOTEL
One of the popular hostelries in this section of Arkansas is that operated by Mrs. S. F. Harrison since May, 1907. It is a fine brick structure and its interior arrangements and all of its appointments would do credit to a much larger place. It contains 24 light, airy, finely furnished sleeping rooms, handsome parlor, sample room and finest dining room in the county. The cuisine and services all that can be desired and is not surpassed in the state. Everything is new at the Ida May Hotel and no pains are spared to make guests comfortable.
BANK OF BIGGERS
The banks of Randolph county, like her other business enterprises, are noted for their sound energetic, vet conservative management and command the entire confidence of business men and farming classes. Of them is the Bank of Biggers, which was incorporated in 1903 with a capital stock of $20,000. The executive officers are: S.C. Tipton, president; B.F. Bigger, vice-president: Lee Rolin, cashier and Frank Hart, assistant cashier.These are men of prominence whose names rank high as to the standing ability. This institution is housed in its own building, pays interest on time deposits and transacts a general banking business. In addition to the capital of $10.000; deposits $16,503.87 and loans and discounts of $15,967.94. The bank today stands ready to accord a welcome to all new enterprises of stability and to render to them and its old and new customers liberal aid consistent with sound business methods.
DR. J. J. JOHNSON
The subject of this article was born at Ashland, Ala., in the year 1868, moving to Marion county, Ark, with his parents in early childhood where he grew up to manhood. After completing his education in the common schools of the county, he entered the Memphis Hospital Medical College, graduating from the above institution in the year 1896. He has held several positions of honor and trust. He is ex-treasurer of the town, ex-member of Randolph County examining board, also board of health and now a member of the following medical societies; The Randolph County Medical society, the Arkansas State Medical Society, the American Medical Association, examiner for a number of fraternal orders and life insurance companies.
E. C. WHITTINGTON
For over 4 years the well know house of E.C. Whittington has been a leader in the particular line of trade it affects. He carries all the leading styles and modes in up-to-date millinery both trimmed and untrimmed and modern notions. Mr. Whittington is the popular postmaster of Biggers, is a director in the Bank of Biggers, popular in secret orders and one of Biggers progressive businessmen. He also buys pearls and all kinds of furs.
THE CHURCHES
Prominent among the religious denominations at Biggers is the Methodist, Baptist and Christian. The Christian congregation is the only one at present that has a Church building, but the other two denominations are now making arrangements for suitable places of worship. The people at Biggers take an active interest in church work and much good has been done by the pastors as well as the members of various denominations. The colored people also have a place of worship.
THE SCHOOLS
The town of Biggers is blessed with a good public school building and only the best of teachers are employed to instruct the pupils. The building is of brick and is a large commodious one. The people of this town take an active interest in school work and the attendance is always large. There is a colored school at this place and Mrs. Scott, the wife of C.C. Scott, one of the wealthiest colored men in the state, for some time has taught the colored children. He also built a church and school house for them which has been named "Scott's Chapel."
SECRET SOCIETIES
The secret societies at Biggers are in a prosperous condition and on their roster will be found the names of the best citizens in the section. The leading orders at Biggers are the Masons, Knights of Pythias, the W.O. W. and M.W.A. The Eastern Star, a branch of the Masonic order, has a large membership and the ladies take an active interest in the work. All of the orders meet in the Bank building.Page XVIIIGRAFTON STAVE & HEADING FACTORY
The principal industry at Biggers and one which is the pride of the people is none other than the Grafton Stave & Heading factory, said to be one of the largest in the State of Arkansas. This firm employs over one hundred men, who are paid good wages and there is always a demand for the product of this enterprise.
WILLIS M. BIGGER
Among the prominent merchants of Biggers and one who has built up an excellent trade along his line, none has been more prosperous than Willis M. Bigger, who runs a first class grocery store opposite the Frisco depot. Mr. Bigger has had a number of year's experience in the business and has built up an excellent business since he has been located at this place.
CHERIKEE HEADLIGHT
The only newspaper in Biggers is the Cherokee Headlight, which was established at this place over a year ago by the Headlight Printing Company and was edited until recently by L.F. Blankenship, who leased the plant to Mrs. Willis M. Bigger. Mrs. Bigger is an excellent writer and there is no doubt that she will be successful in her venture, as she has been assured the co-operation of the business people of the town.
MRS. J.M. JOHNSON
In this directory will be found the advertisement of Mrs. J.M. Johnson, the milliner of Biggers. Mrs. Johnson handles a full and complete line of all the various goods generally found in a millinery store and the prices are very reasonable. She has had considerable experience in this line of business and her many patrons always feel that they get the latest creations when they buy their millinery from her.
LEE BROOKS
When you are looking for the best in general merchandise you should not fail to call on Lee Brooks, one of the leading merchants of Biggers. Mr. Brooks established himself in business at Biggers in 1906 on a small capital and the secret of his success has been that he has always treated the people right and given them the best of goods at reasonable prices. He carries a large and well-selected stock of general merchandise and asks the patronage of all the people. He sells for either cash or on credit to responsible parties. He is located near the Frisco depot.
JOE H. JOHNSON
Joe H. Johnson, better know to the people through out the county as "Big Four," is one among the prominent residents of the town. He has held a number of positions of trust and at present is justice of the peace of the township. At present his main line of business is that of auctioneer and collector and he solicits the business of the people. If there is a man in the county that can collect a bad account it is "Big Four" and all business entrusted to him will receive prompt attention.
OTHER BUSINESS INTERESTS
Among the other people in Biggers who are engaged in business there are Schanabaum-Tipton Mercantile Co; J.J. Estey, soft drinks; City Hotel, Mrs. Tobe Foster, proprietress; Ida May Restaurant, S.F. Harrison, proprietor; S.B. Hawkins, meat market; S.C. Conner, grist mill and lumber yard; Fletcher Goodwin, soft drinks; Shaver Bros, druggist; Seaman drug Co, druggist; John Thompson, barber; Roberts Cotton Oil Co; H.Z. Hepner, merchandise; E. McElya, bakery; Dr. H.W. Farver, druggist and physician; Lee Bolin, fire insurance; B.S. Tipton, line insurance; J.A. Roberts, real estate; G.F. Lemmons, photographer.
MAYNARD
The town of Maynard located twelve miles north of Pocahontas, among the foothills of the Ozarks, just south of the Missouri line, is a thrifty town of about five hundred inhabitants and is beautifully located, and the health record, good drainage, moral tone hospitable people make it an ideal town in which to reside. There are no saloons or bad influences thrown out to the people in that section which are demoralizing, not only to the residents but to the visitors to this beautiful little place.The town has the reputation of being one of the educational centers of Northeast Arkansas and here is located the Ouachita-Maynard Academy, a branch of Ouachita College at Arkadelphia.The town has three churches, Baptist, Methodist and Christian and the people take a great interest in church work and the population is made up from the best people in the county, who went there for the purpose of educating their children. The people are cultured and refined and one seldom hears even so much as an oath on the streets.As a trading point Maynard cannot be beaten, size of the town considered and there are several good stores there and the businessmen are enterprising and believe in pushing things and the town
Page XIXbelongs to home people, it being paid by people who are a position to know that not a dollars worth of town property is mortgaged to an outsider, and not only this, but some of the best farms for miles around the town are owned by the residents. The people are hospitable and are always ready to give strangers a welcome to the pretty town. There are no grades in society, the poor and honest people being looked upon and treated in the same manner as the more wealthy classes.Besides the Academy, the citizens of Maynard support a public school, which is in the hands of competent instructors and has a large attendance. The people of this section believe in education and encourage their children along this particular line.The town as yet has no railroad, but prospects are bright for a time in the very near future. Several surveys have been made and it is almost certain that before many months elapse the citizens in that section will hear the blast of the locomotive whistle. There is one banking institution at Maynard, the Bank of Maynard, which was opened for business January 1st 1900 with a capital stock of $12,000. It occupies its own building, which is a hansome two story brick structure and the furniture and fixtures are of modern style and J.L. Talbott is the efficient cashier. The stockholders are some of the best known citizens in that section of the county.
SECRET SOCIETIES
The various secret societies which are generally found in a town the size of Maynard are there. The Masonic and Odd Fellows are the leading orders and their rosters divulge the fact that the best citizens in that section are enrolled. The members take quite an active interest in the work and there is always a large attendance at the regular meetings.
E.C. MOCK
One of the pioneer merchants of the town is E.C. Mock, whose advertisement appears in this directory and to which we refer the many readers, as it gives a better description of the manner in which he has succeeded than the writer could tell. He is interested in several other industries and has always been influential and well known in the world of finance. His place of business is so well known to the citizens of the surrounding county that it needs no recommendation at this time. Mr. Mock is clever and obliging and by treating his customers in the right manner has won their respect and confidence.
POND & REDWINE
The firm of Pond & Redwine is composed of J.Q. Pond and J. T. Redwine, dealers in general merchandise. Mr. Pond is postmaster at Maynard and is courteous and kind to all the citizens in that section and consequently his firm has secured a large patronage. They carry a first class stock of goods and when you purchase from them you can rest assured that you are getting values for your money. The business with them has been good and they are consistently adding new and better goods to their already large stock.
C.L. ALBERT
One among the up to date merchants mills in the county is the one conducted at Maynard by C.L. Albert, who has had considerable experience in the business. He manufactures first grade flour and meal and also purchases wheat for which he pays the top prices. His mill enjoys a good patronage and is one of the permanent fixtures of Maynard.
OTHER BUSINESS INTERSTS
Among others who are engaged in business at Maynard we note The Bank of Maynard; H.S. Burton, barber; J.L. Burton, shoe shop; E.T. Lincoln, book agent; Dr. J.R. Loftis, physician; J.H. Vester, merchant; C.L. Cate, soft drinks; J.A. Crismon & Co., merchants; J.M.C. Lehman, druggist; Templeton & Spencer, blacksmiths; H.L. Richardson & Co., merchants; Poynor & Hanna, blacksmiths; Richardson Hotel, J.R. Acree, manager; Maynard-Pocahontas Hack Line.
RAVENDEN SPRINGS
Ravenden Springs is the famous health resort of Randolph county, and is a thriving little town in the western part of the county and is noted for the health giving water of the springs from which it takes it name.The springs are at an altitude of about 1300 feet, surrounded by heavily wooded hills and beautiful little valleys. One very pleasant feature is that there is no malaria, no mosquitoes, no lice or other annoying insects. The air is delightful, never gets very cold, and in summer is delightfully cool.That the medical properties of the water are beyond question is easily ascertained by an analysis made several years ago.The town and community are noted for good society, excellent church and school facilities, and an industrious enterprising and cultured citizenship. The town is absolutely free from saloons and all places of vice and immorality. The visitor is entirely removed from the temptation to waste other time or money because of any demoralizingPage XX
influences. Here the people enjoy the modern conveniences of local and long distance phone system, banking facilities and other business institutions and daily freight and passenger transfers. The town stands an open door to health and happiness. If you are in search of such you will do well to consider Ravenden Springs before you go to other places.There are two motels at this place the Davis and Southern Hotel, the latter being owned by the Southern Hotel Company, with Isaac Ebbert as manager. The Southern Hotel was opened to the public in 1883 by Capt. Welch, who success fully conducted it until the first of this year when it was purchased by a stock company. It contains forty rooms and is one of the drawing cards for this resort. During the summer months it is filled to its capacity and the new management will make several improvements in it from time to time.The town has excellent school facilities. In December 1908 the large school building was destroyed by fire, but the citizens have organized a stock company and are now building a large and commodious brick structure which will be ready for occupancy by the 1st of November. Prof. Hulen is principal of the school and he has an excellent corps of assistants.The town is incorporated and G.G. Hogan is the mayor. F.C. Hawkins serves as postmaster. The Masonic, Odd Fellows, Modern Woodmen and Woodmen of the World are the secret societies of the town and the best people of the community form the membership. All of the orders meet in Decker's Hall, which has been specially arranged for lodge rooms.
RUFUS ROWEN
One of the principal staple and fancy grocery stores of Ravenden Springs is that conducted by Rufus Rowen, who believes in advertising and we can call attention to his advertisement which appears in this directory. Mr. Rowen keeps a fresh and complete stock of all kinds of groceries and canned goods and enjoys a liberal patronage.
OTHER BUSINESS INTERESTS
Other business firms of the town are the Security Bank of Ravenden Springs, Fry Brothers; C.A. Dixon; Davis & Decker, general merchants; G.C. Hogan, restaurant; Ernest Rice, druggist; Ravenden Springs Hardware Co; Frank Chun, jeweler and photographer; J.R. Traxall, restaurant and John Lane, blacksmith. There are a few others but our informant failed to mention them to us.
HAMIL
This is a hamlet on the Pocahontas and Elm Store road about twelve miles from the former named place. The places owes it origin to J.D. Jackson, one of the energetic citizens of this county, who established a post office and store there in 1896 and did an excellent business selling merchandise. The county around this town is said to abound in minerals, specimens of lead and zinc being found in abundance. It is a good farming section except in the mountainous section.
ALBERTHA
The hustling little town of Albertha is situated on the Pocahontas Pitman Ferry road, ten miles north of Pocahontas. The county around Albertha is very near level and the land is very productive. The residents in this section are all energetic and industrious and their hospitality cannot be excelled.
BROCKETT
The village of Brockett is situated about half way between Pocahontas and Maynard on the south bank of the Fourche Dumas. All around this place lies a section of county famous for fertility of the soil and the wealth of its timber resources. Here in are extensive timber works, making the town an exceptionally good business point. There is a good public school building close by and down the river a mile or two, near Jeger's old mill, the Catholics have a church and school. The Baptist have an organization and regular services are conducted there. Joe Wisenbach conducts a large store at this place and is also the postmaster. They have telephone connections and are on the route of the Pocahontas and Maynard hack line. They have one among the best roller flouring mills, to be found in the county. Mr. Wisenbach carries a complete line of general merchandise and does an extensive business. He is also engaged in farming and is one of the most substantial farmers and businessmen to be found in the county.
MIDDLEBROOK
Middlebrook is a prosperous little village situated near the Fourche Dumas River, three and one half miles north west of Maynard, and three miles south of the state line. It is surrounded by a large farming region and is a good business point.The town contains the usual number of stores,
Page XXI
some neat residences and one of the best public school buildings in this section of the county. The people in the town are hospitable, intelligent and for the most part religious. The Methodist have a nice church at Siloan and church services are often held in the school building. A good school under competent instructors is maintained several months in the year. The businessmen are energetic and wide-awake and the farming element is among the best in the land.
INGRAM
The section lying around Ingram is one of the best in Randolph County. The post office is situated six miles west of Maynard. Lying around it are some of the best farms and farmhouses in the county. The people are intelligent and refined. There are one or two good churches in the neighborhood and a number of commodious schoolhouses in this section.South of Ingram are the towns of Foster and Attica, all in the fine farming section. The land around these three post offices is very rich, well watered and timbered, and some of it can be bought at a close figure.
WARM SPRINGS
This beautiful little town is located 20 miles northwest of Pocahontas and is noted for its many springs, some of them having medical properties sufficient to boom the town as a health resort. The people at this place are very enterprising and will always be found ready to lend a helping hand in anything that will assist in the upholding of their town and community. The surrounding country is generally broken but very productive. Cotton, tobacco and all kinds of grain grow well there.
SUPPLY
The country surrounding the post office of Supply and Pitman is one of the most favored sections of county. It lies northeast of and adjacent to Maynard being a portion of that towns tributary territory. The face of the country is comparatively level and this section contains some of the finest farms in the county. McCaulay, Arkansas and Pratt, Missouri north of this section are favored with the same sort of country which surrounds Supply and Pitman. Around these four towns there are hundreds of acres of fine unimproved land that can be bought cheap.The people of this section are up with the average in intelligence and enterprise and certainly a more hospitable people could not be found in all the world. They are moral, law abiding, generally religious and believe in education.The Baptists have a fine church near Pitman and one near Supply, while the Christians and Methodists have a church in that section. There are numerous schoolhouses and some of the best public schools in the county flourish in that section.
OTHER TOWNS
Other permanent towns in the county which are surrounded by excellent farming and grazing lands are the following; Manna and Manson on the Frisco Railroad, south of Pocahontas; O'Kean in the southeast corner of the county on the line of the Iron Mountain railroad; Sharum, eight miles east of Pocahontas; Holmes eight miles southeast of Pocahontas. Peru in Cherokee Bay near Biggers; Swarts and Mock in the central part of the county; Lorine six miles northeast of Pocahontas; Elm Store in the northern part of the county; Dalton Oconee and Water Valley on Elevenpoint River; Noland and Birdell, in the southern part of the county; Yadkin, Cedar Grove and Ring in the western part of the county. There are several more and we direct of our many readers to the map of the county which will be found in the rear of this directory as to the exact location of all our towns.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion the writer will say to the many people who will peruse this wok, not only now but in years to come, that we have tried to make this interesting and instructive as possible and we trust that our efforts have not been in vain.To the people of our county we would say' "Stay where you are," for there is no better county under the broad canopy of Heaven. Where hospitality reigns supreme or the working man or women has a better chance to make a good living and grow rich than right here in the grand old county of Randolph. The resources of this county are sufficient to last for centuries to come.To those from a distance who are looking for a new location in a wide awake county, we would say that you can do no better than investigate Randolph county. Any of her citizens are willing at anytime to give any information relative to the resources of our rapidly developing county.
1910 Directory Index Page
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