Centennial history of Arkansas, Part 13

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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Mr. Gill was also associated with the old Board of Trade and the old Chamber of Commerce of Little Rock and cooperated heartily in all organized movements of those bodies for the benefit of the city and the extension of its trade relations. In 1914 he was prominent in the movement for agricultural development and for diversifying crops. He greatly promoted these objects through demonstration by exhibit and through the distribution of literature on similar work in other states.

In 1916 Mr. Gill became secretary of the Business Men's Club of Fort Smith, his work being the broadening of civic spirit. This was following the discovery of natural gas, which gave great impetus to the growth and development of the city. He also instituted a factory campaign, which resulted in locating twenty-five factories in Fort Smith, including many furniture factories and glass making concerns. He also continned the campaign for agricultural extension and he was instrumental in getting rid of the cattle tick in this campaign, so that Sebastian county was placed north of the quarantine line. He likewise instituted a movement for the introduction of blooded cattle and from forty per cent of the normal milk supply there was an increase to full local supply, with six hundred to seven hundred gallons of cream per week shipped to creameries. Mr. Gill closely studies every question that has to do with the agricultural development and business progress of the state.

Mr. Gill has also organized civic and cultural clubs which work in conjunction with the organized civic council, meeting once a month, representatives of these clubs, of the school board and other organizations, meeting in a round-table discussion of civic needs. The Civic Federation under his guidance has worked on the housing problem and on the entertainment of children, and each club which is organized devotes a part of its time to social betterment.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

During the World war the Business Men's Club was the center of all war move- ments and activities. A most complete card system was kept and any movement or project that was started was immediately systematized in this way. Mr. Gill served as subchairman of the war industries board and in every possible way furthered the work done in Arkansas in connection with the various war activities which constituted the home defense for the soldiers in camp and field. Every corporation was listed with an account of the nationality of the owner and that of the superintendent, together with the record of floor space and the number of employes both skilled and unskilled, together with an account of the possibility of increased output or the conversion of a plant to other uses if necessary. The system developed by Mr. Gill was used as a model throughout the country. Another line of his activity was in connection with the bond sales campaigns and in this work every promise was an actual sale being accom- panied by cash payment. The liberty loan work, the conservation work and other campaign work was handled by Mr. Gill in a concise and accurate manner, thoroughness and system characterizing all of the work done in the office.

In connection with the social welfare work of which he has been the prime mover the old federal jail was ceded to The Fort Smith Day Nursery and a demonstration of kitchen activities and a free clinic were instituted. The building has likewise been used as a gymnasium and a place for teaching child welfare work and health improve- ment. The study of the milk situation has also claimed the attention of Mr. Gill, who aided in securing the establishment of health inspection for the school children, which disclosed a need of nourishment. Fifteen distributing stations were established, issuing a quart of milk per day to school children and the result was seen in the immediate improvement in the general health of the pupils.

In the reorganization campaign of the Chamber of Commerce sixty new members were added in spite of the general depression of the times and this is in marked con- trast to the falling off that has been shown in Chambers of Commerce in other cities.

The funds of the Chamber are distributed through three different appropriations- the industrial fund, the civic fund and the traffic fund-and the interlocking director- ates have handled in this way a total of thirty-two thousand dollars per year. Mr. Gill has also instituted a home-building movement, promoting a stimulation in home build- ing. There is now a campaign under way for securing substantial industries for the city.

Mr. Gill was married in 1894, to Miss Phoebe Hobson and they have two children: Hazel; and Mrs. Juanita Adams. Mr. Gill is a man of unfeigned cordiality, possessing a social, genial nature, while at the same time he is most alert and energetic, ready for any emergency and ready for any opportunity. He has studied closely the great sociological, political and economic problems before the country today and while con- centrating his efforts upon Fort Smith, its local needs and its advantages he has at the same time aided many other cities in finding solution for their problems through the example which he has set. The worth of his work is immeasurable and Fort Smith could ill afford to dispense with his services.

W. H. BLAND.

In the history of De Valls Bluff it is imperative that mention be made of W. H. Bland inasmuch as he was a prominent figure in commercial circles and in public life. His entire career was one which reflected credit and honor upon the people who honored him and his service was of marked value to the community which he represented. Born in Bartlett, Tennessee, on the 14th of March, 1861, he was the son of Theophilus and Adeline (Adams) Bland. His youthful days were spent in his native state, where he pursued his education and grew to manhood. Coming to Arkansas in 1884, he estab- lished his home in Biscoe, Prairie county, where he engaged in business. Later he became a planter and cotton buyer. There he remained until his removal to De Valls Bluff in 1900, where he established a general merchandise business. He developed a trade of substantial proportions, and his enterprise, diligence and determination con- stituted the broad foundation upon which he built his success. His ability brought him prominently to the front and at all times he commanded the confidence and respect of his fellowmen, not alone by reason of the success he achieved but also owing to the straightforward business policy which he ever followed.

Mr. Bland was twice married. The children of the first marriage are Harvey C. and Troy. The former is a director of a leading wholesale dry goods firm in Little Rock, and Troy also resides there and is a dealer in real estate and has oil interests in El Dorado. The children of the second marriage are two daughters, Leland and Lucille, the latter a graduate of the University of Arkansas, and the former a member of the firm that her father established.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

Mr. Bland was keenly interested in the public welfare and espoused many causes which contributed to general progress and improvement. He was elected a member of the legislature in 1915 and reelected in 1917, and his interest in vital public measures was real and forceful. He was the author of the uniform textbook law passed in 1917 and he stood loyally in defense of various other plans for the general good. He was, indeed, a useful and public-spirited citizen and wide regret was felt when he passed away in July, 1917.

STERLING WOODWARD TUCKER.

Sterling Woodward Tucker, president of the Fones Brothers Hardware Company, a large wholesale concern of Little Rock, has thus risen to prominence in business circles in his native city, for he was here born December 15, 1883. He is a son of Sterl- ing W. and Jennie (Hennegin) Tucker. The father was born in Little Rock in 1852 and was a representative of one of the old and prominent families here. He was general manager for some time of the Little Rock & Memphis Railroad, now a part of the Rock Island system. His military service covered connection with the Quapaw Guards, an organization of the state militia, of which he was a lieutenant. His wife was born March 22, 1861, and they were married in Little Rock in 1882. They became parents of two sons: Sterling W. and Henry Hennegin, who was born January 14, 1888, and is a partner of his brother in the wholesale hardware business.

In his youthful days Sterling W. Tucker became a public school pupil and passing through consecutive grades was in due time graduated from the high school as a mem- ber of the class of 1901. In the same year he initiated his business career by entering the employ of the Fones Brothers Hardware Company, a wholesale honse. He started in a minor capacity, being assigned to a position in the wareroom. He rose through successive promotions, becoming shipping clerk and superintendent of the operating department, which is practically supervisor of the whole business, on the death of D. G. Fones, the president of the company. Mr. Tucker continued in the operating depart- ment until 1916, at which time J. J. Mandelbaum, the new president retired. Mr. Tucker was then elected president and treasurer and in this dual position still con- tinues, being now the executive head of an immense business. The company is a million dollar concern. Identified with this business for twenty years Mr. Tucker is familiar with every phase thereof and by reason of his sound judgment and keen discrimination he has been able to most wisely direct the affairs of the company. He is also a director of the Bankers Trust Company of Little Rock.

On the 16th of June, 1909, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Mr. Tucker was married to Miss Brydie Baker, who was born in Chicago, Illinois, January 23, 1887, and is a graduate of the National Park Seminary at Washington, D. C. Mr. and Mrs. Tucker are members of Christ Episcopal church and their social position is an enviable one. Mr. Tucker belongs to the Little Rock Country Club and politically he is connected with the demo- cratic party. During the World war he served on all of the bond and Red Cross drives and supported many other projects having to do with the successful prosecution of the war. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished since he started out in the business world in a most humble capacity following the completion of his public school course. Since then he has gradually advanced by reason of his capability, close application, thoroughness and unimpeachable integrity. Each forward step has brought him a broader outlook and wider opportunities, and he is today one of the leading merchants of Little Rock, controlling a million dollar concern as the president of the Fones Brothers Hardware Company ..

CURRIN M. NICHOL.

On the roster of public officials in Jefferson county appears the name of Currin M. Nichol, who is filling the position of sheriff and makes his home in Pine Bluff. He has been continued in office almost uninterruptedly since 1904 and in every position which he has filled he has proven his loyalty to the trust reposed in him and his capability, through the prompt and faithful discharge of the duties that have devolved upon him. He was born in Pine Bluff on the 24th of May, 1876, his parents being Charles Alexander and Nannie (Williams) Nichol, both of whom were natives of Ten- nessee and representatives of old and prominent southern families. The father was born in the city of Nashville and was a son of William Nichol. When his textbooks were put aside he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, becoming a planter, and following

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

the outbreak of the Civil war he joined the Confederate army and served in defense of the southland with the rank of captain of a company in a Tennessee regiment, . par- ticipating in many important battles and in numerous minor engagements. He always maintained his interest in his old army comrades through his connection with the United Confederate Veterans' Association and he gave unfaltering allegiance to the democratic party, believing firmly in its principles as factors in good government. It was after the close of the Civil war that he came to Arkansas, where he conducted a plantation and during the remainder of his life he continued a prominent and influential citizen here, his place being situated a short distance below Pine Bluff on the Arkansas river. There he developed one of the valuable landed estates of the county, giving to it his active supervision until his demise, which occurred in 1891. His wife, who was a daughter of Willoughby Williams, a well known planter along the Arkansas river, departed this life the same year. They were the parents of three sons, who are living: Currin M .; William, who is now a resident of Pine Bluff; and Joe, who is the vice president of the Simmons National Bank here.

Currin M. Nichol was educated in a private school conducted by Professor Junius Jordan, now superintendent of the schools of Pine Bluff, and in the University of Arkansas, which he attended for two years. He afterward accepted a clerical position in the offices of the Cotton Belt Railroad at Pine Bluff, being at that time twenty-four years of age. He applied himself with thoroughness and diligence to the tasks assigned him with that corporation, with which he remained for a period of five years, when he was called to public office. He was first made deputy county clerk in 1904 and filled the position for four years. His capability and efficiency in that connection led to his selection for other official duties and honors. He was elected county treasurer, also serving in that office for four years and he afterward occupied the position of county and probate clerk for six years. He was next elected to the position of sheriff and his splendid record in office is indicated in the fact that he is now serving for the second term in that position. Over his official record there falls no shadow of wrong nor sus- picion of evil, for he has always been most loyal to the duties that devolve upon him and the trust that is reposed in him. He has never wavered in his allegiance to the democratic party, the principles of which he has upheld since age conferred upon him the right.of franchise and he has ever been an earnest and zealous worker in its ranks.

Mr. Nichol is a Presbyterian in religious faith and fraternally is connected with the Masons, having attained the Knights Templar degree in the York Rite, the thirty- second degree in the Scottish Rite, and with the Nohles of the Mystic Shrine he has crossed the sands of the desert. He also belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and to the Knights of Pythias and at all times is a loyal follower of the teachings and purposes of these organizations, all of which are based upon a recognition of the brotherhood of mankind and the obligations thereby imposed.

JOSEPH HENRY BROWN.

Prominent among the energetic, farsighted and successful business men of Little Rock is Joseph Henry Brown, vice president of the C. J. Lincoln Company, wholesale dealers in drugs. He has made his home in the capital city since the fall of 1890 and throughout the intervening period has been connected with the business enterprise of which he is now one of the leading officials. Mr. Brown came to the southwest from Illinois, his birth having occurred in Morris, Grundy county, December 18, 1860. He is a son of John and Ann (Brown) Brown, who, though of the same name, were not related. The father was born in the village of Trushington, Leicestershire county, England, September 1, 1825, and his life record covered the intervening years to 1906, when he was called to his final rest. He served an apprenticeship to his cousin, James Ogden, a druggist of Ashton, England, and soon after the completion of his term of indenture he purchased a pharmacy at Droylsden, near Manchester, England. In the fall of 1851 he came to the new world, crossing the country to Illinois, where lived his friend, William H. Bradbury, formerly of Ashton, England. Mr. Brown purchased land about seven miles from the present site of Morris, Illinois. He afterward returned to England, disposed of his property there and left the following spring for a life on the Illinois prairies. In the spring of 1867 he took up his abode in Morris and there engaged in the drug business, in connection with Hamilton Longworth. He continued to carry on business there almost to the time of his death. Mr. and Mrs. Brown were married August 27, 1850, and celebrated their golden wedding at Morris in 1900. Mrs. Brown was born at Barton under Nudwood, England, in 1826, and departed this life January 7, 1903. Mr. and Mrs. John Brown were the parents of ten children.

At the usual age Joseph Henry Brown became a pupil in the public schools of Vol. II-6

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

Morris continuing his studies there until graduated from the high school. He also spent a year as a student in the Chicago School of Pharmacy and was graduated in 1883 from the Philadelphia (Pa.) College of Pharmacy. Later he returned to Morris and entered his father's drug store, in which he was employed for several years. In 1890 lie went to Denver, Colorado, expecting to locate but only remained for six months, working during that period as a pharmacist. He next tcok up his abode in Little Rock in the fall of 1890 and soon afterward purchased an interest in the wholesale drug honse con- ducted under the name of the C. J. Lincoln Company. Since then he has been closely associated with the business, its development and conduct, and in 1898 he became vice president and manager, in which dual position he continues. He has thus had much to do with shaping the policy and directing the activities of the house, which is today one of the strong and potent forces in the commercial circles of Little Rock.

Mr. Brown is a republican in his political views and his religious faith is that of the Christ Episcopal church. Fraternally he is a Mason of the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and member of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the Country Club and the Quapaw Club and is highly esteemed by reason of a genial social nature.

JOHN M. MOORE.

Fiftyyears have been added to the cycle of the centuries since John M. Moore became a member of the Little Rock bar and throughout that period he has held to the highest professional standards, his course reflecting credit and honor upon the history of the Arkansas bar. Moreover, he is a native of Pulaski county and a representative of one of the honored pioneer families of the state.

In the paternal line his ancestry is traced back to Thomas Lloyd, who came from Montgomeryshire, Wales, to America and settled in Pennsylvania. He was president of the legislative council and deputy governor of the Colony in 1684, after William Penn returned to England. A daughter of Thomas Lloyd became the wife of Samuel Preston, and their daughter married Dr. Richard Moore of Maryland, from whom John M. Moore is a descendant in the fifth generation.

Israel M. Moore, the father of John M. Moore, was born in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania. December 3, 1814, and came to the southwest when a young man of twenty-two years. He was one of the promoters of the Cairo & Fulton Railroad, which was organized under acts of the legislatures of Missouri and Arkansas for the purpose of building a railroad from Cairo, Illinois, to the southern part of this state. He served on the board of directors and was largely instrumental in securing land grants from congress to the company until it passed into the hands of Thomas Allen of St. Louis and was reor- ganized as a part of the system of the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railway Company. On the maternal side, his great grandfather came from the north of Ireland to America, and served as a member of the patriot army in the Revolutionary war.

John M. Moore was reared in Searcy, Arkansas, and although but a schoolboy at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war, he joined the Third Arkansas Cavalry and was on active duty under Generals Forrest and Wheeler. He enlisted as a private but was promoted to a lieutenancy and was in command of his company at the close of hostili- ties. With his return home Mr. Moore resumed his studies under the direction of private tutors, and a year later began preparation for the bar, being admitted to prac- tice in Searcy. In 1870 he opened a law office in Augusta, Woodruff county, and the following year removed to Little Rock, where for half a century he has engaged in practice. He served for six years as reporter of the supreme court.

In 1873 Mr. Moore wedded Miss Annie C. Turner, a daughter of Blakely D. Turner, who was one of the pioneer members of the Arkansas bar. Mrs. Moore departed this life January 31, 1901. Their family numbered four children: J. Merrick, associated with his father in the practice of law, married Miss Rebecca Read of Fort Smith; Janie, now deceased, was the wife of A. C. Miller of Little Rock; Charlotte is the wife of M. K. Kassony of New York city; and Blake Turner died in 1909.

In his political views Mr. Moore has always been a supporter of democratic prin- ciples, and for eight years he was chairman of the state central committee, contributing much to the success and growth of the party during that period. He never sought nor held a political office. His ambition seems to have been centered in his profession. His high professional standing is indicated in the fact that he was honored with the presi- dency of the State Bar Association. A contemporary biographer has said of him: "There are those-and they are legion-who put at the head of the legal profession in Arkansas the name of John M. Moore. It is quite certain that no one qualified to form an opinion on the subject but regards him as one among the very few who are the lead and front of the profession. He is one of those truly great lawyers of whom it is

JOHN M. MOORE

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

in no sense flattery to say that he is deeply learned in the law. Indeed, he is, intel- lectually, more than a learned lawyer; he is a man of broad scholarship. Few men have read more widely. His private library, of works selected from time to time through a period of many years, is one of the largest and best in the state. The quality and scope of the collection, in which are missing few, if any, of the outstanding contributions to knowledge of nearly every practical sort during the last half a century, afford significant evidence of an intellectuality of ripe and varied culture. He is, moreover, a shrewd and wise observer of practical affairs. His personality is one of dignity and reserve. He has won success in his profession by dint of sheer ability."

MACK F. MONTGOMERY.

Arkansas county has on the whole heen signally favored with the class of men who have occupied her public positions, for usually they have been men faithful to duty, capable and loyal to the tasks which they undertake. Mack F. Montgomery as county treasurer is making a record equal to that of the most efficient men who have served Arkansas county. He resides in De Witt and the friendly regard in which he is held is everywhere evident. He was born on a farm near Mount Adams, Arkansas, on the 26th of November, 1876, and represents one of the old families of this state, while his forebears were originally from Virginia. Representatives of the name removed from the Old Dominion to Mississippi and it was from the latter state that the founders of the family in Arkansas came. His father was J. S. Montgomery and the latter had a brother who was killed in the Civil war. J. S. Montgomery was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Pryor, whose people came from Tennessee.

Mack F. Montgomery largely acquired his education in the public schools of Arkansas county and later attended the University of Arkansas, thus being well qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. He was first called to public office when elected county assessor of Arkansas county in 1914, and so splendidly did he serve in that connection that he was called to the position of county treasurer in 1921, in which office he is now serving. He has also been associated with the Cotton Belt Railway and his activity in business and official circles has made him a substantial citizen of the community.

On January 20, 1901, Mr. Montgomery wedded Miss Florence Price of Ashley county, Arkansas, a daughter of E. G. Price. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is serving as a steward, and he is also active in other lines of church work, filling the position of Sunday school superintendent at the present writing. He repre- sents one of the old and honored pioneer families of the state. It was his grandfather in the paternal line who named the town of De Witt. He was accorded that privilege and so called it in honor of Governor De Witt Clinton, one-time chief executive of New York and the builder of the Erie canal. From that early day to the present representa- tives of the Montgomery family have borne their share in the work of public progress and improvement and Mack F. Montgomery, still living in De Witt, has long taken active part in furthering the welfare of the town and promoting its upbuilding along many lines of general improvement and progress.

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Centennial history of Arkansas, Part 13

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