USA > Arkansas > Biographical and historical memoirs of western 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 mentioned, and numerous biographical sketches of the citizens of such counties > Part 62
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"Immaculate Conception," Dubois County, Ind., ; and at an early age graduated from this institution with merit and honor. In 1870 she entered this convent as postulant, was invested in 1872 and took the simple vows one year later. After having passed public examination and receiving a very recommendable certificate she was engaged in teaching the boys' department in the public school of Ferdinand, Ind., a position she filled two years to the entire satisfaction of both the public and superintendents. At that time her superiors, to the deep regret of her pupils, as well as their parents, found it necessary to choose her among the first to bring the sacrifice of leaving the dear cloister to found a mission at St. Meinrad. Here she remained until 1876, when she was recalled to her convent, and was immediately elected novice mistress. However, it was not until commanded by virtue of holy obedience, one of the holy vows, that she could be induced to accept this difficult charge, being well aware of the great responsibility with which the duties of a novice mistress are bur- dened. With all the fervency of a truly Christian soul she now devoted herself to the discharge of her duties. The able and well skilled nuns of later years, who were in the novitate during her employment, are an ample proof of her wisdom and prudence. In 1879 it was deemed necessary by her superiors to order her again to St. Meinrad. there to act as principal of the public school. With ready and loving obedience, which she ever strove to practice, she followed the call of her Divine Master, who, through the medium of her superiors thus made manifest to her His most holy will. Here she remained until 1882, when she was again recalled to Ferdinand. Her loss was greatly bewailed by all, for through her removal they lost an able and a universally beloved teacher. But with what aim was she summoned home? Divine Providence had destined her for a greater and more important work, and she had scarcely arrived at her convent home and ventured to hope for the
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gratification of the long cherished desire of resting herself in the bosom of her beloved cloister in the midst of the dear Sisters, when it was announced to her that she was again to leave her home so dear to her, and go to the distant St. Scholastica in Arkansas. These unwelcome tidings smote her heart like a thunderbolt, but after hurrying to the foot of the altar, and there raising her heart to God in prayer and tears, begged for the grace and strength to carry out this great sacrifice. She arose comforted, and gave her consent for the love of Him who had, in His great love for her, chosen her for His bride.
Consequently in May, 1882, she took leave of all that was near and dear to her of earth, and de- parted in company with her Ven, Mother Superior for her distant field of labor in Arkansas. On her arrival she found nothing but poverty and priva- tion awaiting her. Two of the Sisters who were sent in 1878 were occupying the box house, con- taining three small rooms, and the other two were at that time engaged in teaching school in St. Benedict mission. It would make one shudder to rehearse the many trials of these poor Sisters, for the members of the congregation, although willing to give assistance, were utterly destitute of means themselves, battling to keep the wolf from the door, as there had been a succession of failures in the crops, from drouths. The convent, if the term is appropriate, was surrounded by a garden made tillable by their own toil and labor, the remaining ground of the 101 acres being yet an unbroken piece of forest land. There was also a small school numbering from twenty to thirty children, conducted by the Sisters, but under. the supervision of Ven. Mother Meinrada Lex, it grew rapidly, and soon numbered fifty pupils. This school was the only source of support for the wants of the convent and its inmates, and as it proved very ineffi- cient the Sisters saw themselves forced to lay their own hands to the ax and clear land whereupon to raise farm products. Their fund was necessarily too meager to defray the expenses of hiring the work done, and as soon as her school was dismissed the Ven. Superior was at their head. upon which they set energetically to work to clear their land.
Their hands were often covered with blisters from their unaccustomed toil, but, nothing daunted, they continued their labors, and as a reward now have thirty acres under cultivation. The novitiate was immediately opened on Ven. Mother Meinrada's arrival, and she soon had the joy of welcoming candidates from all sides, in spite of the utter poverty of the convent. Through the prudent and skillful management of the Superior she was en abled, from time to time, to add enlargements to their building, which was greatly needed, as the number of the community daily increased. The first addition was erected in 1883, it being 24x30 feet and was two stories in height. In 1885 a second story was added to the original building. and in 1890 an addition, 60x24 feet, forming an L. with the other buildings, making an area of 60x96 feet. It can easily be imagined that the Superior feels herself amply rewarded for the many sacri- fices and privations she had to endure during the first years of her stay, and gladly forgets the many self abnegations and trials. Here it must also be noted that the German Catholics of Fort Smith won for themselves an undying and ever grateful remembrance in the heart of the good Mother and her community by their liberal contributions and by patronizing her school. She was thus enabled to accomplish the most of the improve- ments free of debt, which is, indeed, quite an ex- ception and a visible sign of the blessing of Divine Providence. In 1886 a separate building, two stories high, and 24x40 feet, was erected and spe- cially arranged for guests. It is scarcely ever un- occupied, for, almost daily, visitors from far and near, are welcomed by the genial and ever friend- ly inmates, and it must be added that all pronounce the place very attractive and interesting. The pure air, and delightful scenery which meets the eye from the convent is especially pleasing. New stables and numerous other buildings, as required by the institution, were erected from time to time. There is also a vineyard of from 2,000 to 3,000 vines and a fine orchard of four or five acres, con- taining a great variety of fruit, and in place of the former great scarcity of water there are now cisterns and wells, supplying an abundance of good water.
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ST. SCHOLASTICA'S CONVENT, SHOAL CREEK, LOGAN COUNTY, ARKANSAS.
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The farm is well stocked with cattle, horses, swine, sheep and fowls. They also have good carriages, wagons, farming implements, etc., and the labor previously performed by the untiring Mother and her Sisters, is now given to men who are con- stantly employed about the grounds. The present routine of the convent is in marked contrast to what it was in former days, for, instead of dis- charging laborious and often over-burdening farm duties in days of snow and ice as well as intense heat and inclement weather, the inmates are per- mitted to devote their time to their appropriate duties. They are very skillful with their needles and their fancy work in fine silk, etc., has won uni- versal admiration and is in great demand. In ad- dition to the parish school conducted by the Sisters, the Ven. Mother Superior opened a higher school some years ago, known as St. Scholastica's Acad- emy, a boarding school for girls and young ladies. The course of instruction includes every useful and ornamental branch of female education, while the most untiring attention is paid, by these learned and devoted Sisters, to the moral and polite deportment of the pupils. Many of these Sisters received superior educations themselves, and afterward had experience as teachers in the then much-lauded and well-known Academy in Dubois County, Ind. Terms are moderate and in keeping with the times. Especial attention is given to both vocal and instrumental music, and instruction is given on the piano, organ, violin, guitar and mandolin. Difference of religion is not regarded in admission to the academy, and stu- dents of all denominations and creeds are alike welcome. This academy can boast of patronage ever since its opening, from pupils far and near, which is an ample proof of its merit and worth. Five missions have been instituted by the Ven. Mother Superior, where her Sisters are engaged in unceasing labor to the benefit of mankind. With the greatest zeal and fervor they teach and labor to the greater honor and glory of God. These mis- sions are located at St. Scholastica, St. Benedict, Fort Smith, Paris and Dixie, and are patronized by American as well as German students. Many openings for ,missions can not be supplied for
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there are too few Sisters to supply the call for teachers.
In 1887 the Mother Superior was unanimously elected prioress for the term of four years, and by this act the convent of St. Scholastica became an independent institution, whereas, up to this time it was under the direct control of the convent of the "Immaculate Conception," being a branch house of the same. This step was found to be necessary, as nothing of any importance could take place with- out the permission of the Mother Superior of the mother-house. It is plain enough to perceive that communication between the two houses was very frequent, but as the distance was great. it caused much inconvenience, and often occasioned disadvan- tages to the convent. In the same year the newly elected prioress returned to the convent of "Immac- ulate Conception " and took the solemn vows, thus having the pleasure of enjoying the long-craved- for happiness of once more seeing the home and its beloved inmates so dear to her heart. After a short but happy stay she returned to the home Di- vine Providence had destined for her future place of usefulness, and where she was received with re- joicing hearts by her spiritual daughters, who were only too well aware of the treasure they possessed in her. With renewed zeal and energy she now devoted herself to the spiritual and corporeal welfare of those entrusted to her care, as well as the pru- dent and skillful management of the affairs of the convent in general. Her community now numbers fifteen professed Sisters, all of whom entered there and have taken the simple vows. Nine of them are on missions, while the remainder are in the mother convent, and nearly all are natives of the United States, but some few were born in different countries of Europe. There are sixteen postulants in the convent, three being natives of Arkansas, one of Kentucky, and twelve from Europe. The majori- ty of the latter are of high birth and station, show excellent talent, and give promise of future reliance and support to the convent. The Superior hopes to soon be enabled to found missions where they will have occasion to complete the utter sacrifice of all earthly ties and pleasures, and devote them- selves to the sole cause of glorifying God, and la-
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boring for the general welfare of mankind. They manifest great zeal and fervor in the divine service and worship of their heavenly Spouse, and often give utterance to their great desire of bringing any sacrifice which may be required of them in any future ordinance of Divine Providence, which will be made known to them through the medium of their Ven. Superior, to whom they are all warmly attached. How could it be otherwise, after bid- ding farewell to their native land, and tearing themselves from beloved ones, some of whom were far more dear to them than themselves, for the purpose of glorifying God in a foreign land! May Divine Providence ever bless and prosper all their work and undertakings with bounteous success! The Venerable Mother Prioress will soon enlarge the buildings to double their present size, the new building to be made on the west side of the last enlargement, which is 60x20 feet, is beautifully furnished and is used as a chapel. The intended addition will be built and arranged as an academy, no cost, time or trouble being spared to make the same all that skill in architecture can furnish. It will undoubtedly present a beautiful aspect, the steeple towering in the center. This is already erected, and from its heights there chimes a sweet- toned bell, sending its enticing call over the neigh- boring valleys and heights at frequent intervals during the day, to announce the recitation of the praises of God by the good Mother Superior and her community. It is hoped that Divine Provi- dence will long spare the lives of the founders of this convent to the comfort and welfare of those trusted to her jurisdiction, and may the institute ever continue to exist and prosper to the greater honor and glory of God, and to the benefit of all mankind.
Ver. Rev. P. Wolfgang Schlumpf, the present very worthy prior of St. Benedict Monastery, was originally from Canton Zug, Switzerland, where his birth occurred on January 20, 1831, and is the son of Philip and Christina (Hotz) Schlumpf, the father dying when Father Wolfgang was but a boy. The latter was sent to Schwitz College, thence to France Rufach, still higher college, and afterward returned to Zug, where he attended school for some
time. From there he went to Einsiedelen, entered the monastery at the age of twenty-two, completed his studies for the priesthood, and was ordained at the age of twenty-six years. After his ordination he was made professor of the gymnasium of the mon- astery. In 1862 he emigrated to America and stopped at the monastery at St. Meinrad, Spencer County, Ind., where he assumed the duties of a parish near St. Meinrad for two or three years. In March, 1878, he, with two lay Brothers, came to Arkansas, and for the first time set foot on the soil of Logan County. This pioneer Father imme- diately took possession of Section 11, Township 7, Range 25, for the use and purpose of the new monastery. A dilapidated log-cabin was the only building on the apportioned lands; there was no vis- able being around to cheer and encourage the Fa- ther and his two companions. All was bleak enough, and certainly, judging from a mere human point of view, the outlook was not very encourag- ing. But this valiant man, had back for a thousand years or more, the history and acts of his Order before his mind's eye, and was not the one to be discouraged. Sturdy monks know not the word fail, and in the wilderness, amid strange surround- ings, was founded what is now known as the Mon- astery of St. Benedict. Around that old log cabin has grown the above-mentioned institution, and numerous churches and schools, among the most prominent of which is the convent of St. Scholas- tica, at Shoal Creek. After St. Scholastica, congregations were formed at Morrison Bluff, St. Anthony's Church, at Caulksville; the Church of the Sacred Heart, at Charleston, Frank- lin County; St. Joseph's Church at Paris was founded in 1880, and other churches founded by this Father were St. Edward's Church at Lit- tle Rock; St. Boniface Church at Fort Smith; another St. Boniface at Dixie, Perry County, and St. Elizabeth in the same county, which are at- tended by Benedictine Fathers from the monastery of St. Benedict. Later four more congregations were placed under the jurisdiction of the Benedic- tine Fathers by the Bishop: Altus, Hartman, Coal Hill and Clarksville. These congregations are ministered to by the Benedictine Fathers, mission-
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aries sent from St. Meinrad and Einsiedelen, there being now ten Fathers, fourteen fraters, nine lay brothers and three novices. The College of St. Benedict, founded by our subject, was organized and held its first session in 1887. At that session there were eight students, and this number has been increased each succeeding year. Many of these students enter the college with the object of becoming priests, and are so educated. The course of study as laid down here is very comprehensive. In the elementary course are reading, writing, spelling, arithmetic, grammar, geography, physi- ology, drawing, United States history and the Christian doctrine. In the commercial course stu- dents are instructed in book-keeping in addition to continuing their studies in the common branches, higher mathematics, physics, rhetoric and ancient history. Students desiring to enter the priesthood are required to take Latin in the commercial course. In the classical course students continue English, higher mathematics, world's history, church his- tory, Hebrew, Greek, Latin, theology and all the branches accompanying a thorough theological course. Since acquiring the 640 acres of the mon- astery grounds, they have purchased 160 acres near Paris in the southwest quarter of Section 5, Township 7, Range 25. The college building is 25x50 feet, two stories high, and is situated about 100 yards from the monastery. It was re- modeled in 1888 for a college, and now forms a very important part of the buildings of St. Benedict. In 1888 was laid the foundation for a stone chapel, on the heights, back of the monastery, 21x42 feet, with a 16-foot ceiling and a 40-foot spire. The present monastery being too small for the requirements, it is the intention of these Fathers to build in their new home a monastrey of solid stone which, like their own old faith, will be lasting and enduring; a college, too, worthy of the name and fame of a distinguished order, will surely follow. There is also upon the grounds a parish school conducted by Sisters of Charity.
birth occurring in 1842. His father, Milas T. Scott, was born in Illinois, and his grandparents, John and Catherine (Anderson) Scott, were both born in North Carolina, the grandfather in 1780. John Scott died in Logan County in 1848 and his wife, Catherine Scott, preceded him to the grave, dying in 1844. The father was born in 1805 and was married in 1830 to Miss Celia Garner, a native of Tennessee, born in 1808. Her father, Thomas Garner, passed his entire life in Tennes- see, where his death occurred at the age of eighty- nine years. Shortly after their marriage the par- ents of our subject immigrated to the Territory of Arkansas and settled on a farm near Roseville, Johnson County, a place now known as the old Scott farm. After remaining there for two years they removed to what is now Logan County and embarked in merchandising near the present resi- dence of our subject. In 1837 and 1838 Milas T. Scott represented his county in the Legislature and returned a second time. Milas T. Scott was a member of the Legislature at the time Scott County was set off, and it was named in honor of him at that time. He afterward removed his store to Booneville and erected a gin at Caulk's Creek. To his marriage were born eight children, only one besides our subject now living, Robert C. (whose birth occurred on August 28, 1836.) Upon the outburst of the war cloud that had been hovering over the country for so long a period, M. C. Scott (our subject) volunteered his services for the Confederacy and enlisted in Company A, Second Arkansas Mounted Riflemen, serving in Benjamin McCulloch's division until after the bat- tle at Corinth, when he was united with Johnston's army. He participated in the battles of Oak Hill (Mo.), Elk Horn, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Franklin, Nashville, Richmond, Atlanta, Resaca, Bentonville, Jonesboro and numerous minor en- gagements. Taking all of them Mr. Scott was in twenty-six hard-fought battles. After the war he began tilling the soil on land received from his father's estate (forty acres), to which he has since
Hon. M. C. Scott, farmer, Sugar Grove, Ark. Prominent among the wide-awake, industrious till- : added over 300 acres of unimproved land. He ers of the soil in Logan County stands the name :now has 125 acres under cultivation, bas erected a of M. C. Scott, who is a native of Arkansas, his , good house and other buildings and has made
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many other improvements. His principal pro- ductions are corn, cotton and oats. He raises on his uplands thirty bushels of corn to the acre and on the bottom lands fifty bushels on an average, although by actual measure he raised eighty bush- els to the acre one season. Of cotton he raises over half a bale on the uplands and occasionally a bale to the acre. In 1867 Mr. Scott was married to Miss Mary Henderson, a native of Tennessee, born in 1845, and the daughter of A. H. and Martha J. Henderson. Of the five children born to this marriage three are now living: Charley (born in 1875), Early (born in 1880), and Lester (born in 1882). Mr. Scott represented Logan County in the Legislature in 1885 and 1886, and although no office seeker he consented to become a candidate at the request of his neighbors. He declined renomination. Mrs. Scott is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
Samuel I. Shelton, a prosperous farmer of the , farming, and has met with the best of results. county whose advanced ideas and progressive views have resulted very substantially, was born in Dallas County, Ala., on November 21, 1835, and is a son of Samuel I., Sr., and Martha (Tatum) Shel- ton. The parents were married in Alabama, and to them were born five children -- three sons and two daughters: Jonathan. Sarah, Samuel I., Jr., and two others who died in infancy. Jonathan died in Alabama when but seventeen years of age, and Sarah and our subject are the only ones of the family now living. The parents died about 1842 or 1843. Samuel I. Shelton, Jr., and his sister removed from Alabama to West Tennessee, where he left Sarah and went to Missouri, remaining there about a year. From there he went to Logan County, Ark. His sister was married in Alabama to Joseph Musgrove, and she and her husband came with our subject to Arkansas in 1858. Sarah died near Pine Bluff, Ark., in 1870, but her hus- band had died twelve years before. After his death she married Mr. Cazort, and he also died before her, leaving her four children by Mr. Musgrove and one by himself. Mr. Shelton was married in Tennessee in 1856 to Miss Susan Brown, daughter of James Brown, and the fruits of this union were two children: The eldest one died when an infant
and the second one, John R. Shelton, also died when young. Mrs. Shelton received her final summons in 1862. Subsequently Mr. Shelton married Mrs. Amanda Lee, widow of Lovett Lee, her maiden name being James, and the daughter of Joseph James of Johnson County. Three chil- dren have been born to this union: L. H., J. H. and A. A., all single and at home. Mr. Shelton is the owner of 270 acres of land, has 120 acres under cultivation, and is a prosperous farmer. He is a member of the Farmers' Alliance and also a member of the G. A. R., having been a soldier in the United States Army. He enlisted in Com- pany H, First Arkansas Infantry, under Col. John- son, March 10, 1863, and was engaged mostly in State duty. . He was with Gen. Steele on the Cam- den raid, and was discharged on August 10, 1865, at Fort Smith. Since the war he has been en- gaged actively in the pursuit of his chosen calling, He and wife are both church members.
Isaac Smith, farmer, Corley, Ark. Among the successful agriculturists of Logan County whose merits are such as to entitle him to representation in the present work is Mr. Smith, the subject of this sketch. He was born in the Buckeye State in 1822, and was the son of Peter and Mary (Car- son) Smith, the father a native of Virginia and the mother of Pennsylvania. The educational attain- ments of Isaac Smith were of rather a meager order, and he was early initiated into the duties of farm life, which occupation has continued to be his chosen calling up to the present time. He has closely applied himself to the same and with what success may be inferred from a glance over his fine farm of 160 acres in Mountain Township, Logan County, Ark. In 1861 Mr. Smith enlisted in the army, and remained in service until 1864, when he was discharged for disability, having received a severe wound in March of that year. He was wounded by the explosion of a boiler, and lay on a bed of suffering from March, 1864, until October of the same year. He lost the sight of his right eye by the hot water, and came very near losing the sight of the other eye. His left knee was dis- located at the same time, and he was disabled for
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life. Mr. Smith was married to Miss Annie Mc- Kinney in 1840, and the fruits of this union were four children: John (deceased), Mary, Isaac D. and Catherine (deceased). Mr. Smith was married, the second time, to Hester A., daughter of James and Katie Cummins, and to this union were born three children: Ellen, Peter and James (deceased). Mr. Smith is a Republican in politics. Mrs. Smith is a devout member of the Baptist Church.
D. Speer, planter, Booneville, Ark. D. Speer, a well-known resident and planter of Logan Coun- ty, was born in Kentucky, June 7, 1818, and is a son of James and Penelope (Jacks) Speer, both also from the blue-grass soil of Kentucky. The parents were married in their native State, but received their final summons in the Lone Star State, whither they had removed at an early day. Of fourteen children born to this union, only three are now living. D. Speer passed his boyhood days on the farm, and received an average education in the common schools. He was married in Tennes- see, and the result of this union was the birth of nine children, six of whom are now living: D. G., Lee A., G. C., P. M., Martha F. (wife of George Keys) and William. Those deceased were John H., Ella A. and James. In 1863 Mr. Speer en- listed in the Confederate Cavalry and served until the close of the war. He was paroled at Tyler, Smith County, Tex. In 1866 he emigrated from Texas to Arkansas and settled in Hempstead Coun- ty, where he resided one year. He then moved to this county, bought his present property, which consists of 270 acres of land, with 100 acres under cultivation, and he is one of the substantial men of the township. His wife, who was a worthy and consistent member of the Baptist Church, died in 1872. Mr. Speer is a member of the same church. His son, P. M., was born September 6, 1854, and was married in this county in 1874 to Miss Anna M. Terwilliger, a native of Pennsylvania, born in the year 1851. Four children were born to this union, three of whom are now living: Minnie E., Nellie M., Dew and Viola (deceased). Mrs. Speer is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
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