Biographical and historical memoirs of eastern Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the state, a number of biographies of distinguished citizens of the same, a brief descriptive history of each of the counties named herein, and numerous biographical sketches of the prominent citizens of such counties., Part 1

Author: Goodspeed Publishing Company
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. ; St. Louis [etc.] : The Goodspeed Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 836

USA > Arkansas > Biographical and historical memoirs of eastern Arkansas, comprising a condensed history of the state, a number of biographies of distinguished citizens of the same, a brief descriptive history of each of the counties named herein, and numerous biographical sketches of the prominent citizens of such counties. > Part 1

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Gc 976.7 3523 1541067

GENEALOGY COLLECTION

GEN 1

ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

3 1833 01755 8823

Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016

https://archive.org/details/biographicalhist00good_0

BIOGRAPHICAL

AND

HISTORICAL

MEMOIRS

OF 00

EASTERN ARKANSAS

COMPRISING

A Condensed History of the State, a Number of Biographies of Distinguished Citizens of the same, a Brief Descriptive History of each of the Counties named herein, and numerous Biographical Sketches of the Prominent Citizens of such Counties.

ILLUSTRATED.

CHICAGO, NASHVILLE AND ST. LOUIS: THE GOODSPEED PUBLISHING CO. 1890.

PRESS OF JOHN MORRIS COMPANY, CHICAGO.

W. B. CONKEY, BINDER.

1541067

THIS beautiful volume has been prepared in response to the popular demand for the preservation of local history and biography. The method of prep- aration followed is the most successful and the most satisfactory yet devised -the most successful in the enormous number of volumes circulated, and the most satisfactory in the general preservation of personal biography and family record, conjointly with local history. The number of volumes now being distributed seems fabulous. Careful estimates place the number circulated in Ohio at 50,000 volumes; Pennsylvania, 60,000; New York, 75,000; Indiana, 40,000; Illinois, 40,000; Iowa, 30,000; Missouri, 25,000; Kansas, 20,000; Tennessee, 20,000; Kentucky, 25,000; Georgia, 20,000; Alabama, 20,000, and all the other States at the same proportionate rate. The entire State of Arkansas, which until recently had scarcely been touched by the historian, is now being rapidly written.

The design of the present extensive biographical and historical research is to gather and preserve in attractive form, while fresh with the evidence of truth, the enormous fund of perishing occurrence. In gathering the matter for the historical sketches of the counties, it was thought wisest, owing to the limited space, to collate and condense only the most valuable items, by reason of which such sketches are a credit to the book, and of permanent worth.

In the preparation of this volume the Publishers have met with nothing but courtesy and assistance from the public. Nothing promised is omitted, and much not promised is given. About fifty pages of State history were guaranteed; over twice that number are given. Special care was employed and great expense incurred to render the volume accurate. In all cases the personal sketches were submitted by mail, and in most instances were corrected and returned by the subjects themselves. Coming as they do from the most illustrious families of the State -all worthy citizens from the upper, middle and lower classes-they form in themselves the most complete account of the Eastern Counties ever written, and their great value to future generations will be warmly acknowledged by all thoughtful people. With many thanks to their friends for the success of such a difficult enterprise, the Publishers respectfully tender this fine volume to their patrons.

THE PUBLISHERS.

January, 1890.

CHAPTER I.

Geology-Importance of Geologic Study-Area and Cli- mate-Boundaries-Principal Streams of the State- The Mountain Systems-The Great Springs-Diversity of Soils-Caves-The Mines, Their Wonderful Deposits and Formations .9-18

CHAPTER II.

Archeology-Remains of Flint Arrow and Spear Heads, and Stone and Other Ornaments-Evidences of Prehis- toric People along the Mississippi-Mounds, etc., in Other Portions of the State-Local Archaeologists and Their Work-The Indians-Tribal and Race Character- istics-The Arkansas Tribes-The Cession Treaties- The Removal of the Cherokees, Creeks and Choctaws- An Indian Alarm-Assassination of the Leaders, etc., etc. .. 19-23

CHAPTER III.

Discovery and Settlement- De Soto in Arkansas - Mar- quette and Joliet - La Salle, Hennepin and Tonti - French and English Schemes of Conquest and Dreams of Power-Louisiana-The "Bubble" of John Law- The Early Viceroys and Governors-Proprietary Change of Louisiana-French and Spanish Settlers in Arkan- sas -Euglish Settlers-A Few First Settlers in the Counties-The New Madrid Earthquake-Other Items of Interest. .24-34

CHAPTER IV.

Organization-The Viceroys and Governors-The Attitude of the Royal Owners of Louisiana-The District Divided -The Territory of Arkansas Formed from the Territory of Missouri-The Territorial Government-The First Legislature-The Seat of Government-Other Legisla- tive Bodies-The Duello-Arkausas Admitted to State- hood-The Constitutional Conventions -The Memor- able Reconstruction Period-Legislative Attitude on the Question of Seeession-The War of the Governors, etc., etc. .34-44

CHAPTER V.

Advancement of the State - Misconceptions Removed- Effects of Slavery upou Agriculture-Extraordinary Improvements Since the War-Importaut Suggestions

-Comparative Estimate of Products-Growth of the Manufacturing' Interests-Wonderful Showing of Ar- kansas-Its Desirability as a Place of Residence-State Elevations .45-52

CHAPTER VI.

Politics-Importance of the Subject-The Two Old Schools of Politicians-Triumph of the Jacksonians-Early Prominent State Politicians-The Great Question of Secession- The State Votes to Join tlie Confederacy- Horror of the War Period-The Reconstruction Distress -The Baxter-Brooks Embroglio. 52-55

CHAPTER VII.

Societies, State Institutions, etc .- The Ku Klux Klan- Independent Order of Odd Fellows-Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons-Grand Army of the Republic-Bu- reau of Mines-Arkausas Agricultural Associations- State Horticultural Society-The Wheel-The State Capital-The Capitol Building-State Libraries-State Medical Society-State Board of Health-Deaf Mute Institute-School for the Blind-Arkansas Lunatie Asylum-Arkansas Industrial University-The State Debt. .56-64

CHAPTER VIII.

The Bench and Bar-An Analytic View of the Profession of Law-Spanish and French Laws-English Common Law-The Legal Circuit Riders-Territorial Law and Lawyers-The Court Circuits-Early Court Officers- The Supreme Court-Prominent Members of the State Bench and Bar-The Standard of the Execution of Law in the State. .65-73

CHAPTER IX.

The Late Civil War-Analytical View of the Troublous Times-Passage of the Ordinance of Secession-The Call to Arms-The First Troops to take the Field-In- vasion of the State by the Federal Army-Sketch of the Regiments-Names of Officers-Outliue of Field Oper- ations-Cleburne and Yell-Extracts from Private Memoranda-Evacuation of the State-Re-occupation -The War of 1812-The Mexicau War-Standard of American Generalship 73-81

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER X.

Public Enterprises-The Real Estate Bank of Arkansas- State Roads and other Highways-The Military Roads -Navigation within the State from the Earliest Times to the Present-Decadence of State Navigation-Steam- boat Racing-Accidents to Boats-The Rise and Growth of the Railroad Systems-A Sketch of the Different Lines-Other Important Considerations 82-87

CHAPTER XI.

The Counties of the State-Their Formation and Changes of Boundary Lines, etc .- Their County Seats and Other Items of Interest Concerning them-Defunct Counties -New Counties-Population of all the Counties of the State at every General Census 87-92

CHAPTER XII.

Education-The Mental Type Considered-Territorial Schools, Laws and Funds-Constitutional Provisions for Education-Legislative Provisions-Progress since the War-The State Superintendents-Statistics- Arkansas Literature-The Arkansaw Traveler ........ 93-97

CHAPTER XIII.

The Churches of Arkansas-Appearance of the Mission- aries-Church Missions Established in the Wilderness- The Leading Protestant Denominations-Ecclesiasti- cal Statistics-General Outlook from a Religious Standpoint. .98-101

CHAPTER XIV.

Names Illustrious in Arkansas History-Promineut Men- tion of Noted Individuals-Ambrose H. Sevier-Will- iam E. Woodruff-John Wilson-John Hemphill- Jacob Barkmau-Dr. Bowie-Sandy Faulkner-Samuel H. Hempstead-Trent, Williams, Shinn Families, and Others-The Conways-Robert Critteuden-Archibald Yell-Judge David Walker-Gen. G. D. Royston- Judge James W. Bates. 102-112

CHAPTER XV.

White County -Location and Description - Boundary Lines -Topography and Geology-Water Supply- Drainage - Streams-Timber-Soil-Resources-Lum- ber Interests-Census Enumeration-Taxable Property -Live Stock Industry-Real and Personal Property- Railroad Facilities-Population-Era of Settlement- County Organization-Seat of Justice and Public Buildings-County Officers-Politics-Court Affairs- Roll of Attorneys-Civil War History-Towns and Villages-Schools-Churches-Biographical. . . . . . 113-271

CHAPTER XVI.

Woodruff County-Period of Settlement-First Pioneers -County Formation-Seat of Justice-Buildings for Public Use-Judicial History-Legal Bar - Political Status-Directory of Officials-Military Affairs-Geo- graphical Situation-Boundary and Area-Topography -Physical Description-Resources-Census Statistics -Valuation and Taxatiou-Trausportation-Popula- tion-Educational and Religious Facilities-Society and Conimercial Centers-Biography. .. 272-320

CHAPTER XVII.

Cross County-Act of Formation-Early and Subsequent Settlements-Names of Pioneers-Origin of County Name-Seats of Justice-Judicial Transactions-Build- ings for Public Use-Situatiou, Boundary and Area- Surface Description - Municipalities - Court Affairs and Bench and Bar-Noted Cases-Ecclesiastical His- tory-Schools-List of Officials-Secret Societies - Political Status-Railroads-General Development - Family Record .321-389

CHAPTER XVIII.

Crittenden County-Act of Organization-The Name- Early Settlements and Laud Entries-Tribunal Ceuters -Public Edifices-Material Advancement and Progress -The Crittenden of To-day-Its Desirability as a Place of Residence-Resources, Location and Topography- Military Affairs-Official Directory-Military Road- Railroads - School Matters - Religious Condition - Newspaper Press-Towns and Villages-Biography .390-450

CHAPTER XIX.

St. Francis County-Its Advantageous Location-Area and Boundary-Streams-Population - Navigation - Period of Entry-First Settlers - Mound Builders- First Building and County Seat-William Strong-Soil -Climate and Production-Stock Raising-Growth and Material Progress-Valuation -Organization-Court Affairs - Prominent Cases-War Record-Sketch of Forrest City-Political History and Directory of Offi- cers-Summary-Biographical. 451-506

CHAPTER XX.

Monroe County - Transportation Facilities - Taxation, Valuation, etc .- Bonded Indebtedness-Productions- Live Stock - Horticulture - Location-Topography- Variety of Soil-Drainage-Streams, etc .- Timber- Original Occupancy - Pioneer Settlers and First Homes - County Organization - Seat of Justice and Public Buildings-List of Officials-Political Aspect- Population-Court Affairs-Civil War-Towns and Vil- lages-Schools and Churches-Private Memoirs .... 507-565

CHAPTER XXI.

Lee County-Recent Organization-Creative Act-Seat of Justice-Officers of Trust-During War Times-Politi- cal Complexion-Valuation-Development-Churches and Schools-Period of Settlement-Location, Area and Population-Streams, Soils, etc .- Natural Yields- Stock Raising Interests - Sketch of Marianna and Haynes-Numerous Selected Sketches .. 566-631

CHAPTER XXII.

Arkansas County-Boundary and Area-Valuation-Topo- graphical Presentation-Springs and Mounds-Early Settlement-Names of Pioneers-Population-During War Times-Bencli and Bar-Prominent Cases-Inter- esting Historical Records-Territorial Officers-Cities, Towns, etc .- Church Organizations-Transportation Facilities-County Papers-Municipal Townships and Postoffices - Resources - Schools-Biographical Me- moirs. 632-672

- .

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXIII.

Prairie County-History of Settlement-Act of Organiza- tiou-Publie Structures-Centers of Judiciary Affairs- Judicial Districts-Courts-Names of Official Incum- bents-Political History-Location, Topography, ete .- Physical Features-Soil and Productions-Railroads- Agricultural Wheel-Civil War Items-Valuation and Taxatiou-Towns and Villages-Public School Sys- tem-Church Organizations-Personal Sketches .... 673-738

CHAPTER XXIV.

Phillips County-Judicial Center-Buildings for Public Use-Political Life-Populatiou-Courts of Equity-

Roll of Legal Practitioners-County Situation and Physical Features-Geologic Formation-Water Sup- ply and Drainage-Farming Lands-Live Stock Iuter- ests-Shipping Facilities-Pioneer Settlements-Mili- tary Affairs-Sketch of Heleua-Other Towns, Villages, cte .- Interests, Scholastic and Religious-Individual Memoirs. 739-809

CHAPTER XXV.

Speech of Hon. T. F. Sorrells on the Deep Water Ques- tion-A Matter of Prime Importance-Eastern Arkan- sas Interests-Necessity of Deep Water-Methods Employed, etc., etc. 810-818

AIRS

1-3-

S. E. Dent.

. between pages 120 and 123

Dr. Philip Van Patten

between pages 498 and 501

Hon. F. P. Laws.

190

193

Dr. T. J. Brasher

576 “ 579

James B. Dent ..

272

275

Dr. F. D. Dalc.

642 4 645

Capt. J. M. Levesque

364

367

B. B. Conner.

708~4 711

Maj. James F. Barton

400

403

Col. Hoggatt Cloptou.

760

763

Hon. Asa Hodges

418

421

Thomas Cotton Press Works

821

Col. O. P. Lyles

476 479

ISTORY · OF ·

RKANSAS.

CHAPTER L.

GEOLOGY-IMPORTANCE OF GEOLOGIC STUDY-AREA AND CLIMATE-BOUNDARIES-PRINCIPAL STREAMS OF THE STATE-THE MOUNTAIN SYSTEMS-THE GREAT SPRINGS-DIVERSITY OF SOILS- CAVES-THE MINES, THEIR WONDERFUL DEPOSITS AND FORMATIONS.

Such blessings Nature pours, O'erstocked mankind enjoys but half her stores .- Young.

HE matter of first impor- tance for every civilized peo- ple to know is the economic geology of the country they inhabit. The rocks and the climate are the solution in the end of all problems of life, as they are the prime sources from which all that human beings can possess comes. The measure of each and every civilization that has adorned the world is in exact de- gree with the people's knowledge of the natural laws and the envi- ronments about them.

The foundation of civilization rests upon the agriculturists, and nothing can be of more importance to this class than some knowledge of what materials plants are composed, and the source from whence they de- rive existence; the food upon which plants live and grow; how they are nourished or destroyed; what plant food is appropriated by vegetation itself, without man's aid or intervention, through the natural operations in constant action. The

schools will some day teach the children these use- ful and fundamental lessons, and then, beyond all peradventure, they will answer very completely the lately propounded question: "Are the public schools a failure?" The knowledge of the ele- mentary principles of the geology of this country is now the demand of the age, made upon all na,- tions, in all climes.

The character of vegetation, as well as the qualities of the waters and their action upon vege- table and animal life, is primarily determined by the subjacent rocks on which the soil rests. Earth and air are but the combinations of the .original gases, forming the solids, liquids and the atmosphere surrounding the globe. The soil is but the decomposed rocks-their ashes, in other words, and hence is seen the imperative necessity of the agriculturist understanding something of the rocks which lie beneath the land he would success- fully cultivate. He who is educated in the simple fundamental principles of geology-a thing easier to learn than is the difference in the oaks and pines of the forest-to him there is a clear comprehension of the life-giving qualities stored in the surface rocks, as well as a knowledge of the minerals to be

HISTORY OF ARKANSAS.

found in their company. A youth so educated possesses incomparable advantages over his school companion in the start of life, who has concentrated his energies on the classics or on metaphysical sub- jects, whether they enter the struggle for life as farmers, stock raisers, miners or craftsmen. It is as much easier to learn to analyze a rock, min- eral or soil, than to learn a Greek verb, as the one is more valuable to know than the other. All true knowledge is the acquirement of that which may aid in the race of life, an education that is so prac- tical that it is always helpful and useful.

The geology of Arkansas, therefore, so far as given in this chapter, is in fact but the outline of the physical geography of one of the most interest- ing localities of the continent, and is written wholly for the lay reader, and attempted in a manner that will reach his understanding.

Within the boundary lines of the State are 53, - 045 square miles, or 33,948,800 acres. It has 3,868,800 more acres of land than the State of New York, and multiplies many times the com- bined natural resources of all the New England States. It has 2, 756 miles of navigable rivers.

It had a population in 1880, as shown by the census, of 802,525. Of these there were 10,350 foreigners and 210,666 colored. In 1820 the Ter- ritory had a population of 14,255; in 1830, of 30, - 338; in 1840, of 97,554; in 1850, of 209,897; in 1860, of 435,450; in 1870, of 481,471. (This was the Civil War decade.) In 1885 the popula- tion had advanced about 200,000 over the year 1880, or was near 1,000,000. In 1887 it reached the figures of 1,260,000, or an increase of more than a quarter of a million in two years, and there is reason to believe this increased ratio will pass beyond the two' million mark in the next census. At least, an increase of one hundred per cent in the ten years is indicated. Keeping in mind that there are no great populous cities in the State, it will be known that this has been that healthy in- crease of population which gives glowing promises for the future of the State. Here the agricultural districts, and the towns and cities, have kept even pace, while in some of the leading States of the Mississippi Valley the great cities have grown

while the rural population has markedly decreased. These are serious problems to reflective minds in those States where the cities are overgrowing and the country is declining. Happily, Arkansas is troubled with no such indications of the disturbed natural distribution of its people. The State, since it emerged from the dark and evil days of civil war and reconstruction, has not only not been advertised in regard to its natural resources, but has been persistently slandered. The outside world, more than a generation ago, were plausibly led to believe the energy of its citizens was justly typified in the old senseless ballad, "The Arkan- saw Traveler," and the culture and refinement of its best people are supposed to be told in the witty account of Judge Halliburton's "First Piano in Arkansas." The ruined hopes, the bankrupted fortunes and the broken hearts that are the most recent history of the Western deserts, form some of the measure the poor people are paying for the de- ceptions in this regard that have been practiced upon them. These silly but amusing things have had their effect, but they were pleasant and harm- less, compared to th" latest phase of pretexts for persistent publications of the cruelest falsehoods ever heaped upon the heads of innocent men. But, in the end, even this will do good; it is to be seen now among the people. It will put the people of the State upon their mettle, resulting, if that is not already the fact, in giving it the most orderly, law abiding, peaceful and moral people of any equal district of the Union.

The State is in the central southern portion of the great Mississippi Valley, and in climate, soil, rocks, minerals and water may well be designated as the capital of this "garden and granary of the world," with resources beneath the surface that are not, taken all together, surpassed on the globe. Its eastern line is the channel of the Mississippi River "beginning at the parallel 36° of north lati- tude, thence west with said parallel to the middle of the main channel of the St. Francois (Francis) River; thence up the main channel of said last men- tioned river to the parallel of 36° 30' of north lati. tude; thence west with the last mentioned parallel, or along the southern line of the State of Missouri,

HISTORY OF ARKANSAS.

to the southwest corner of said State; thence to be bounded on the west to the north bank of Red River, as designated by act of Congress and treat- ies, existing January 1, 1837, defining the western limits of the Territory of Arkansaw, and to be bounded west across and south of Red River by the boundary line of the State of Texas as far as the northwest corner of the State of Louisiana; thence easterly with the northern boundary line of said last named State to the middle of the main channel of the Mississippi River; thence up the middle of the main channel of said last mentioned river, including an island in said river known as Belle Point Island, and all other land as originally surveyed and included as a part of the Territory, or State of Arkansas, to the 36° of north latitude, to the place of beginning."*

The State includes between its north and south boundary lines the country lying between parallel of latitude 33º north, and parallel of latitude 36° 30' north, and between ,its east to west lines the country between longitude 90° and a little west of longitude 94° 30'. Its geographical position on the continent assures the best conditions of tem- perature, salubrity and rainfall, this being shown by the absence of the intense heat and the cold storms of the higher latitudes and the drouths of the west.

From the meteorological reports it is learned that the average rainfall in the State during June, July and August is sixteen inches, except a narrow belt in the center of the State, where it is eighteen

inches, and a strip on the western portion of the State, where it is from eight to fourteen inches. Accurate observations covering fifteen years give an average of seventy-five rainy days in the year.

Of twenty-three States where are reported 134 destructive tornadoes, four were in Arkansas.

The annual mean temperature of Los Angeles, Cal., is about 1° less than that of Little Rock.

The watershed of the State runs from the north of west to the southeast, from the divide of the Ozark Mountain range, except a few streams on the east side of the State, which flow nearly parallel with the Mississippi River, which runs a little west of south along the line of the State. North of the Ozark divide the streams bear to a northerly direction.

Of the navigable rivers within its borders the Arkansas is navigable 505 miles; Bartholomew Bayou, 68 miles; Black River, 147 miles; Current River, 63 miles; Fourche La Favre River, 73. miles; Little Missouri River, 74 miles; Little Red River, 48 miles; Little River, 98 miles; Missis- sippi River, 424 miles; Ouachita River, 134 miles; Petit Jean River, 105 miles; Red River, 92 miles; Saline River, 125 miles; St. Francis River, 180 miles; White River, 619 miles.

These streams flow into the Mississippi River and give the State an unusual navigable river frontage, and they run so nearly in parallel lines to each other and are distributed so equally as to give, especially the eastern half and the southwest part of the State, the best and cheapest transporta- tion facilities of any State in the Union. These free rivers will in all times control the extortions of transportation lines that are so oppressive to the people of less favored localities.

The Arkansas River passes diagonally across . the center of the State, entering at Fort Smith, and emptying into the Mississippi at Napoleon.

South of this the main stream is the Ouachita River and its tributaries; the Saline River, which divides nearly equally the territory between the Arkansas and Ouachita Rivers; and the Little Mis- souri on the southwest, which divides the territory between the Ouachita and Red Rivers. North of the Arkansas, and about equally dividing the ter-

* The above descriptive boundary lines are in the au- thoritative language of the State Constitutional Conven- tion. To understand the south and west lines necessitates a reference to the treaties and acts of Congress. The fol- lowing would simplify the descriptive part of the west and south lines: Beginning at the southwest corner of Missouri, or in the center of Section 19, Township 21, Range 34 west of the fifth principal meridian line, thence in a straight line south, bearing a little east to strike the east line of Section 4, Township 8 north, Range 32 west; thence in a straight line south, bearing a little west to where the line strikes Red River in Section 14, Township 13 south, Range 33 west; thencc along said river to the southwest corner of Section 7, Township 14 south, Range 28 west; thence south to the northwest corner of the north- east quarter of Section 18, Township 20 south, Range 28 west; thence east along the 33º of latitude to the middle of the channel of the Mississippi River; thencc up said river to the place of beginning. The State lines run with the lines of latitude and the meridional lines, and not with the government survey lines.

HISTORY OF ARKANSAS.

ritory between the Mississippi and the Arkansas Rivers, is White River, running nearly southeast. Its main tributary on the west is Little Red River, and on the northeast Black River, which enters the State from Missouri, and flows southwesterly and empties into the White at Jacksonport, Jackson County. Another important tributary is Cache River, which flows a little west of south from Clay County, emptying into the White near Clarendon.

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Author: Goodspeed Publishing Company Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. ; St. Louis [etc.] : The Goodspeed Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 836

Author: Goodspeed Publishing Company
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. ; St. Louis [etc.] : The Goodspeed Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 836