Centennial history of Arkansas, Part 12

Author: Herndon, Dallas T. (Dallas Tabor), b. 1878
Publication date: 1922
Publisher: Chicago, Little Rock, The S. J. Clarke publishing company
Number of Pages: 1172

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On the 9th of August, 1871, Colonel Roots was married to Miss Emily M. Blakeslee, daughter of Lyman C. Blakeslee and a native of western New York, born in 1844. She represented one of the old families of the Empire state, several generations of the name having there resided. Her father became the superintendent of the largest oil produc- ing company in the oil regions of Pennsylvania, with headquarters at Bradford. Her mother was a sister of C. D. Angell, the originator of Angell's Belt Theory, in the oil regions. In young womanhood Mrs. Roots taught school in southern Illinois from 1864 until 1866 inclusive. She always adhered to the faith of the Episcopal church, with which her ancestors were connected through several generations, and she became the president of the Ladies' Aid Society of the Episcopal church in Little Rock, thus insti- tuting much splendid work.

Colonel and Mrs. Roots became the parents of seven children, but four sons are deceased. Those living are: Frances Emily, born March 23, 1874; Miriam, born June 11, 1879; and Lois Helen, born October 18, 1884.

Like his wife, Colonel Roots belonged to the Episcopal church and was a generous contributor to its work. Politically he was a republican and he was identified with several fraternal and social organizations. He had been a resident of Arkansas for only a brief period when he was appointed collector of internal revenue without his solicita- tion and held the office until elected to represent Arkansas in congress, serving as the youngest member of both the fortieth and forty-first congresses. He was most loyal to the interests of his adopted state and stanchly and effectively championed plans and measures of great benefit to the commonwealth. While at all times he kept in close touch with the trend of political thought and progress, he was never a politician in the sense of office seeking and the positions which he filled came to him as a tribute to his ability and to his loyalty in all matters of citizenship. He inherited the sterling traits of his character and he developed these traits through a life of great activity and usefulness. His prominence is shown through the fact that the military post located just outside of Little Rock, and which he was largely instrumental in securing, was named in his honor. His last journey to Washington and Chicago was made in

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

the interests of the military post. There are, indeed, many evidences of his loyalty to his adopted city and state and of his devotion to those causes which contributed most to its upbuilding and progress. He continued a resident of Little Rock until his demise. which occurred May 30, 1893, when he was fifty-two years of age. With his forcefulness and resourcefulness he combined high standards that made his labor of great benefit and, looking beyond the exigencies of the moment, he worked for the future with its boundless opportunities. Colonel Roots was a gentleman of most obliging disposition and genial nature and it has been said that he never spoke an unkind word of anyone. Life with him was real and earnest and he left the world better for his having lived.

O. P. MAXWELL.

O. P. Maxwell, a native son of Arkansas and a member of one of the old and prominent families of the state, is well known in financial circles of Benton county as cashier of the State Bank of Siloam Springs and is well fitted by training and experience for the duties which devolve upon him in this connection. He was born in DeWitt, Arkansas, February 11, 1877, a son of Albert and Emma (Pringle) Maxwell, the former a native of Orange county, Indiana, while the latter was horn in Arkansas. They were married in the Bear state and the father engaged in the occupation of black- smithing throughout practically his entire life, also following the trade of a millwright to some extent. He was a veteran of the Civil war, serving for four years in the Confederate army, which he left at the siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi, never returning to his command. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and fraternally was connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was a democrat in his political views and took a prominent part in public affairs, serving as county commissioner and also aiding in reconstruction work in the state. To Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell were born six children: Alice, who is the widow of M. A. Miller and resides in Pueblo, Colorado; Jennie, who married Charles O'Dowd, a leading tailor of San Antonio, Texas; James R., a machinist, of whom the family have had no word for fifteen years; O. P., of this review; R. L., a prominent physician of Pueblo, Colorado: and Sarah, the wife of Henry Tillitt, who is connected with railroad interests and resides at San Antonio, Texas. The paternal grandfather, Nimrod Maxwell, hecame a resident of Arkansas county, Arkansas, and there spent his remaining years. His father and seven sons of the family fought in the Indian wars, serving under General Harrison at the Battle of Tippecanoe. The maternal grandfather, James Pringle, also settled in Arkansas county in an early day and there died during the childhood of Mrs. Maxwell.

O. P. Maxwell acquired his education in the schools of Arkansas county, Arkansas, afterward taking up the profession of teaching, which he followed for a time. He was called to public office, serving from 1899 until 1901 as surveyor of Arkansas county, after which he engaged in merchandising, devoting his leisure hours to the study of law. In 1909 he was admitted to the bar and for some time followed his profession, also continuing active in financial affairs. In 1905 he hecame identified with the Bank of Gillett, Arkansas, with which he continued for six years, and in 1911 he removed to Siloam Springs, Benton county, where he practiced law for a year. In 1912 he became cashier of the State Bank of Siloam Springs and has since served in that capacity, making a most creditable record in the office by the prompt and faithful manner in which he is discharging his duties. He thoroughly understands the principles of his occupation and the details of modern finance and is doing able and systematic work. He also has other interests, owning land in Benton county, Arkansas, and in Oklahoma, and his investments have been judiciously placed, for he is a keen, farsighted business man.

In 1898 Mr. Maxwell was united in marriage to Miss Lettie Beck, a native of Morrillton, Arkansas, and a daughter of C. J. Beck, who was reared in this state, devoting his attention to the operation of a farm. Three children have been horn of this union: Ralph E., who is a student in the State University of Arkansas, where he is pursuing a course in chemical engineering; Willa May, at home; and Alfred, a high school pupil.

Mr. Maxwell is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and an active worker in its behalf. For sixteen years he has heen superintendent of the Sunday school and was chairman of the building committee which had charge of the erection of the beautiful new church edifice, representing a cost of fifty thousand dollars. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons and is a past master of the lodge at Gillett. He is a democrat in his political views and has taken a prominent part in public affairs, serving as mayor of Gillett, as councilman of Siloam Springs, and for nine years has been a member of its school board, the cause of education finding in him a strong advocate.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

Mr. Maxwell is a self-educated and self-made man. He was obliged to aid in the sup- port of the family after his father's death and his early youth was a period of hard and unremitting toil. He has worked his way upward, placing his dependence upon the substantial qualities of industry, perseverance and integrity, and well deserved success has crowued his efforts. His record is a most commendable one and he enjoys the unqualified respect and esteem of a large circle of friends.

HON. ROBERT W. BAXTER.

Hon. Robert W. Baxter, prominently identified with the lumber industry at Dermott, is a representative of a family whose members have gained positions of leadership in connection with the legal profession and also along business lines, while in public affairs they have likewise been active, rendering effective service for the general good. Mr. Baxter was born in Drew county, Arkansas, four miles south of Monticello, on the 22d of June, 1885, of the marriage of Robert M. and Virginia (Sunderlin) Baxter, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Georgia. The father is connected with the lumber industry at Winnsboro, Louisiana. The mother died in November, 1887.

After completing a course in the Hinemon University School at Monticello, Arkansas, Mr. Baxter entered the law department of the University of Michigan and was admitted to practice in the circuit and supreme courts in 1912. He began his professional career at Warren, Arkansas, and while there residing was elected city attorney, in which capacity he served for six years, discharging the duties of that office conscientiously and efficiently. In 1917 he decided to devote his attention to business pursuits and on the 11th of June of that year he organized the Baxter Lumber Company at Dermott, being sole owner of the undertaking. From the beginning the enterprise proved a success and under the capable direction of Mr. Baxter, the scope of the business has been greatly extended, a branch yard having been established at Arkansas City in 1921. He has made a close study of the lumber industry and in the management of his interests dis- plays foresight, determination and marked executive ability.

In 1918 Mr. Baxter was united in marriage to Miss Sallie Murphy of Warren, and they have become the parents of a son, Robert Patrick. They are members of the Baptist church, actively interested in its work, and Mr. Baxter is chairman of the board of deacons. He gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and his fellow citizens have shown their appreciation of his worth and ability by calling him to public office. In 1916 he was chosen to represent his district in the Arkansas state legislature, in which he served for one term, and as a member of the common council of Dermott, he is doing all in his power to promote the interests of his city. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Concord Lodge, No. 23, F. & A. M., at Eudora, Arkansas, and he is also conuected with the Woodmen of the World. He is a self- made man, who has constructed his own success, working his way upward through merit and ability. While pursuing his studies he engaged in teaching during the winter season and in the summer months attended the university. He became an instructor when nineteen years of age and devoted six years to teaching, thus securing the funds necessary for the acquirement of an education and giving proof of the elemental strength of his character. He has always stood for progress and improvement in affairs relating to the upbuilding of town, county and commonwealth and ranks with the public- spirited citizens and progressive business men of Dermott.

JOHN S. LAKE.

John S. Lake was born in Tipton county Tennessee, on the 1st day of April, 1861, and was reared on a farm in that county. His education was such as could be derived from the common schools of that time. In 1880 he came to Arkansas and located in Perry County, where he married Miss Fanny White, who survived their marriage only a few months. He then began the study of law in the office of Colonel J. F. Sellers, of Perryville, and was admitted to the bar in 1886. In 1887 he became a resident of Sevier county, opening an office at Lockesburg in partnership with W. H. Collins. This association was maintained until 1901, when the partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Lake was connected with Judge Oscar Scott and J. D. Head in a partnership relation until the death of Judge Scott. Mr. Lake was then joined by Judge Steel and J. D. Head under the firm name of Steel, Lake & Head and the association was continued until 1917. Mr. Lake was then appointed by Governor Brough as judge of the ninth judicial circuit to fill a vacancy in the office caused by the death of Judge Cowling. After the

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

expiration of the term, Mr. Lake practiced alone until his son was graduated from law college and the present firm of Lake & Lake was formed. He filled the office of prosecut- ing attorney from 1904 to 1908 and served as a member of the legislature during the sessions of 1895 and 1897.

In 1891 Mr. Lake married Miss Lou Williamson, and to them have been born five children: Edward C., who is now his father's law partner in the firm of Lake & Lake, was graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1914 and was attending the law department of Columbia University when America entered the World war. He enlisted, was commissioned captain in 1917 and went overseas as a member of the Eighty-seventh Division. He served until February 12, 1919, when he received his discharge. After his return he reentered Columbia University, was graduated and then joined his father in the practice. The second son of the family, John P. Lake, graduated from the Uni- versity of Arkansas in 1915 and was a student in the law department of the University of Michigan when the war was entered by his country. He immediately enlisted and served as a lieutenant throughout the war and was severely wounded ou the last day of the fighting. Later he was made captain and is now one of the military instructors in Missouri University. Winford, the third son, graduates from Missouri University in 1922 and expects to become a lawyer. Mary, the elder daughter, died in Washington, where she was attending college, in 1918, at the age of eighteen. Johnny Lou, the baby girl, is finishing the high school course in 1922. These children all give promise of a brilliant future and Mr. Lake is justly proud of them.

THOMAS SAMUEL OSBORNE.

Thomas Samuel Osborne, member of the Fort Smith bar, who entered upon the active practice of law here at an early day and has since become known by reason of his ability in handling cases entrusted to his care, was born in Independence county, Arkansas, in 1858 and is a son of Enoch Morgan and Emeline (Howell) Osborne. He received liberal educational opportunities at Asheville, North Carolina, and later was a student in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he graduated with the Bachelor of Arts degree. His identification with Fort Smith dates from 1886 and through the intervening period of thirty-six years he has remained an active factor in the practice of law. From 1889 until 1893 he was in partnership with George A. Grace. In 1887 he was elected city attorney and has been closely associated with pro- fessional interests here from the pioneer border days when Fort Smith was the seat of justice for Indian Territory, now Oklahoma. He defended the notorious bandit, Henry Starr, on a minor charge. He was attorney in the federal court in many important cases during those stirring early days before law and order had fully taken root and sup- pressed lawlessness in this frontier district. He has constantly been inspired by an innate love of justice and fidelity to the interests of his clients, yet he never forgets that he owes a higher allegiance to the majesty of the law. The tenacity and courage with which he defends the right as he understands it challenges the admiration of his associates. Moreover, he invariably seeks to present his argument in the strong, clear light of common reason and sound logical principle and he displays notable diligence in the preparation of his cases. Mr. Osborne is well known as a lawmaker as well as a lawyer, for in 1913 and 1917 he served as a member of the state legislature and while in the general assembly introduced and had passed a measure to create a commission form of government in Fort Smith.

Mr. Osborne's mother is still living at the advanced age of ninety years. His father died in 1876 at the age of sixty-one years. They were of well known families in North Carolina, and came to this state in 1854, locating in Independence county. His father owned a large plantation on White river, and was a successful and ideal farmer. He was a gentleman of the old school and of fine stalwart character and highly respected in his county; his mother, a woman of more than two generations back, was noted for her knowledge of the Bible, beautiful Christian life and charity to others; and both were known for their example and parental training of their five sons and two daughters.

Thomas S. Osborne was married in 1892 to Miss Jessie Collier and their children are Virginia E. and Howell C. The former, who was born in 1896, is a graduate of the University of Arkansas and also attended the University of Chicago. She engaged in the profession of teaching prior to her marriage to John S. Toney of Pine Bluff. For a time she was teacher of English in a high school at Fort Smith and also taught at Palm Beach, Florida. During the World war Howell C. Osborne was a student in the army training corps at Fayetteville, Arkansas. Five years ago he entered the grain business and has since conducted his interests as a grain broker and as a dealer in

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

flour and feed at Fort Smith, where he has gained an enviable position in business circles. He married Miss Nell Wright of Fort Smith on the 1st of October, 1921.

Mr. Osborne has long been prominent in politics as a supporter of the democratic party and has ever heen most loyal to any cause which he has espoused. He is every- where recognized as a man of integrity and honesty of purpose, despising all unworthy or questionable methods in securing success in any direction, political or otherwise. He has wrought along the lines of largest good for the community and the common- wealth and is today one of the honored pioneer practitioners of the Fort Smith bar.

FRED DUKE.

Fred Duke, a successful dry goods merchant of Mena, owning and conducting a well appointed store and huilding up a substantial trade by reason of his progressive methods and fair dealing, was born in Laneburg, Nevada county, Arkansas, near Prescott, on the 15th of January, 1893. Mention of the family to which he belongs is found in the sketch of S. W. Duke on another page of this work. In the acquirement of his education lie attended the Prescott high school and then started out in the business world as clerk in a dry goods store in that city, remaining in that connection for more than two years. On the 14th of June, 1914, he arrived in Mena, where he began working for the Lockridge Dry Goods Company and was thus engaged until with a partner he purchased the business of his employer, organizing the firm of Duke & Magruder on the 1st of January, 1917. Later they changed the firm name to the Duke Magruder Dry Goods Company, which is capitalized for twenty-five thousand dollars and of which Mr. Duke is the president and general manager, with J. T. Magruder as the vice president and S. W. Duke as the secretary and treasurer. They carry a large line of dry goods, Jadies' ready-to-wear garments, millinery and shoes and occupy two floors in one of the substantial business structures of the city. Their trade is steadily growing and the success of the enterprise has long since been assured. Mr. Duke devotes his entire time and attention to the store, which is the largest and most thoroughly progressive mer- cantile establishment in Mena.

On the 10th of March, 1921, Mr. Duke was married to Miss Nettie Acruman, of Fordyce, Arkansas, a daughter of E. A. Acruman, who was a merchant and planter of Fordyce. Mrs. Duke belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Duke is a Mason, who has taken the degrees of the York Rite and has also become a member of the Mystic Shrine at Little Rock. He is now senior warden in the commandery and is a worthy follower and exemplar of the teachings and purposes of the craft. He likewise belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Politically he is a democrat but has never aspired to office, preferring to concentrate his energies and attention upon his business affairs, which wisely and carefully directed, have brought him to a credit- able and enviable position among the successful merchants of this part of the state.

HON. I. N. MOORE.

Hon. I. N. Moore, a native son of Arkansas and a member of one of its pioneer families, is a leading attorney of Dumas, where he has practiced his profession since 1912, and he has also taken a prominent part in public affairs, having represented his district in the state legislature. His birth occurred in Garland county, Arkansas, September 3, 1876, and his parents were Miles S. and Mary E. (Aikens) Moore, the latter a native of Union county, Arkansas. When sixteen years of age his father removed from Georgia to Arkansas with his parents, who settled in Bradley county. There his marriage occurred and immediately following that event he joined the Confederate army as a private, serving throughout the Civil war, and after his discharge he removed to Garland county, Arkansas, where he engaged in the practice of medicine. Later he went to Pine Bluff, where he remained for a time and then located at Red Fork, in Desha county, but shortly afterward sought the medicinal qualities of the famous waters of Hot Springs, owing to failing health, and there he died on the 16th of August, 1908.

In the public schools of Fordyce, Arkansas, Mr. Moore pursued his education and after laying aside his textbooks he was variously employed until about 1905, when he took up the study of law, and while reading Blackstone he worked as a clerk in mer- cantile establishments of Dumas. In 1911 he was called to public office, being chosen to represent his district in the state legislature, and in the following year he was admitted to the bar, entering upon his professional activities at Dumas, where he has since maintained an office. In 1919 he was joined by George D. Hester under the firm

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

style of Moore & Hester and they are conducting a large law business, being numbered among the most successful attorneys of Dumas. Mr. Moore has a thorough knowledge of statute and precedent, is careful in the preparation of cases, convincing in argument and is well qualified to handle important litigated interests.

In 1901 Mr. Moore was united in marriage to Miss Ophelia Puntney, of Florence, Drew county, and they became the parents of eleven children, eight of whom survive, namely: Norman, Viola, Robert, Ralph, Madge, Lloyd, Charles Edward and Carr Lamoin. They are all at home. Mr. and Mrs. Moore are members of the Baptist church and Mr. Moore is serving as one of its deacons. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Masons, belonging to Omega Lodge, No. 547, F. & A. M., and to Victory Chapter, R. A. M., in the latter organization. Through merit and ability he has worked his way upward in his profession and his fellow practitioners unite in bearing testimony as to his high character and superior mind. He is ever ready to give his support to measures for the promotion of the public welfare and is a stalwart champion of everything pertaining to the interests and upbuilding of his community, county and state.

RAY GILL.

The outstanding characteristic of Ray Gill, secretary of the Business Men's Club of Fort Smith, is probably initiative. With a keenness that is born of energy and diligence he seems to see the possibilities of every situation and utilizes his opportu- nities and advantages in the attainment of results extremely desirable in the upbuilding of various interests and communities.

Mr. Gill was born in Paola, Kansas, in 1876. He completed his education in the University of Kansas and subsequently engaged in newspaper work and in teaching school. Both proved of worth and value to him in preparation for his activities at a later date. In 1900 he came to Arkansas and was first engaged in the hotel business at Hot Springs. While there residing, he founded the criminal identification bureau, employing the Bertillon and finger print systems. He also organized the Arkansas State Fair Association, offering prizes for mineral and agricultural exhibits, which resulted in a widespread interest and development along both agricultural and mineral lines.

From 1908 to 1916 Mr. Gill was associated with the state department of education. While thus engaged he instituted the first agricultural club work in Arkansas and organized Boys Corn Clubs throughout the state. He prepared and issued pamphlets on these movements and their value, resulting largely in production of a greater and better yield of corn. As deputy state superintendent of public instruction he was in charge of publicity and propaganda, thus serving until 1916 with the result that there was a decided increase in the school tax in order that the schools of the state might be advanced to higher standards.

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Centennial history of Arkansas, Part 12

Author: Herndon, Dallas T. (Dallas Tabor), b. 1878 Publication date: 1922 Publisher: Chicago, Little Rock, The S. J. Clarke publishing company Number of Pages: 1172

Author: Herndon, Dallas T. (Dallas Tabor), b. 1878
Publication date: 1922
Publisher: Chicago, Little Rock, The S. J. Clarke publishing company
Number of Pages: 1172