Centennial history of Arkansas, Part 139

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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Following his return to the United States, Dr. Drennen opened an office in Stutt- gart, where he has practiced since, and his ability has brought him prominently to the front as an ahle physician and surgeon, capable of coping with many intricate and involved problems of medicine and surgery.

Dr. Drennen was united in marriage to Miss Blanche Crowe of Newark, Arkansas,

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and to them was horn a daughter, Helen. For his second wife Dr. Drennen chose Miss Marguerite Owens of Yellville, Arkansas, and there is one child of the second marriage, Eileen A. Dr. Drennen belongs to the Masonic fraternity and also to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He is likewise a member of Daniel Harder Post, No. 48, of the American Legion, of which he is a past commander. He is in hearty sympathy with this organization, which is endeavoring to uphold the highest ideals of American citizenship in times of peace, as did its membership in days of war. Dr. Drennen is equally loyal to advanced professional standards and is most ethical in his practice.

ALDEN C. JONES.

A life of activity which made valuable contribution to the development and progress of the community in which he made his home gained for Alden C. Jones the respect and confidence of his fellowmen to an unsual degree. He came to the southwest from New England, his birth having occurred in Boston, Massachusetts, March 14, 1853. He was reared in that city and near Readfield, Maine, the family removing to a farm in the latter locality. In the acquirement of his education he attended the public and high schools and started out in life on his own account as a poor hoy. He left home when but nine years of age, working his way through school. His father had died when the sou was but five years of age and thus from early life he was dependent upon his own resources. He was ambitious, however, to secure a good education, realizing how valuable this is as a factor in success in life. When twenty-one years of age he went to Atlantic, Iowa, where he secured a clerkship, and later he was engaged in business on his own account at that place, owning and conducting a store.

In 1878 Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Ida M. McWaid and they hecame the parents of two children: Robert A., who succeeded his father in the ice business and in the conduct of other interests; and Lela M., who is the wife of A. J. Ortmeyer of Little Rock. The son is a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has at- tained the Knight Templar degree, and he has also crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He likewise belongs to the Independent Order' of Odd Fellows and to the Rotary Club and is most widely and favorably known in Hot Springs, where he has gained an enviable position in business, fraternal and social circles.

For several years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Jones continued to reside in Iowa and in 1884 came to Hot Springs for the benefit of his health. In 1887 Mr. Jones established an ice business and later became the founder and owner of the Jones Ice Company of Hot Springs, which owned a plant having a capacity of seventy- five tons of ice. He afterward became the organizer of the Pasteurized Milk Company in 1905 and was president thereof. His business interests as an ice and milk dealer closely connected him with the welfare and progress of the city and he lahored effectively in maintaining the highest standards in connection with the conduct of the business.

Mr. Jones figured actively in public affairs and for sixteen years was connected with the board of aldermen of Hot Springs. His political allegiance was always given to the republican party and in 1912 he was a delegate to the republican national con- vention and served on the committee on notification. He was the only man to he elected to the republican electoral college in Arkansas in 1900, the year when Theodore Roosevelt was elected. Mr. Jones served as grand master of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for the state of Arkansas and was treasurer of the Odd Fellows Orphans Home in 1909 and 1910. He also belonged to the Masonic fraternity. Death called him March 27, 1911. There were no spectacular phases in his life, hut his course was marked by the faithful performance of his daily duties and his recognition of all the obligations that devolved upon him in relation to his fellowmen and to the community at large. He sought at all times to do right, to act justly and to extend a helping hand where aid was needed and he assisted materially in the beneficent work of the fraternities with which he was identified.

T. M. MCREYNOLDS.

Since 1920 T. M. McReynolds has been engaged in the feed and grocery business in Morrillton and is numbered among the representative citizens of this community. He is a native of this county, his birth having occurred on the 5th of March, 1873. a son of Polk and Mary (Stark) McReynolds. His paternal grandfather, James

ALDEN C. JONES

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McReynolds, was born in Tennessee and came to this state at an early age. He made the trip overland, crossing the rivers on ferries and he endured the usual hardships and privations of those early days. He first located in Crawford county, where he farmed for some time and subsequently came to Conway county, where he homesteaded. He became one of the successful agriculturists in the community but upon the outbreak of the Civil war suffered the destruction of his crops hy bushwhackers and guerillas. He went to Texas and there resided until the close of the war, when he returned to his old homestead and lived thereon until his demise. The maternal grandfather Stark came to Arkansas previous to the Civil war and located in old Perry connty, now Conway. He acquired some land, on which he resided until his death. Polk McReynolds and his wife were both born in this state, he in Crawford county. In acquiring an education he attended the country schools, then primitive log structures, and after putting his textbooks aside engaged in farming. He homesteaded land which he cleared himself and won prominence as a general farmer and stock raiser. Mr. McReynolds was a highly respected citizen in the community and for some time he served his fellowmen as justice of the peace in Conway county. His demise occurred in 1902, at the age of fifty-two years. His wife died when but thirty-five years of age. Four children were born to their union, two of whom are living: T. M., whose name initiates this review; and Anna, the wife of P. P. Childress, a farmer near Morrillton. The other two children died in infancy. Both Mr. and Mrs. McReynolds were members of the Presbyterian church and the father was a well known Mason. His political allegiance was given the democratic party.

T. M. McReynolds received his education in the public schools of the county and after graduating from the Morrillton high school started farming on his own account, being then but eighteen years of age. He farmed for three years, achieving substantial success and he still owns eight hundred and fifty acres, which land is devoted to general farming. Mr. McReynolds made his initial step into the business world at Hattieville, when he purchased an interest in the store of his brother-in-law, P. P. Childress. The firm was known as Childress & McReynolds and the partnership was maintained until 1902, when Mr. McReynolds hought out the entire business. He was successful in the conduct of that establishment but in 1918 sold out to Beavers & Beason and two years later came to Morrillton. He arrived here in September, 1920, and constructing a brick building, thirty by eighty feet, he entered the feed and grocery business. He devotes his entire time and attention to his business interests and the success he has already achieved has won for him a place among the enterprising and reliable business men of the county.

In 1903 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. McReynolds and Miss Lela Martin, a native of Conway county and a daughter of George Martin, a well known farmer here. To their union two children have been born: Thelma and Nevene, both at home.

The family is affiliated with the Baptist church and Mr. McReynolds is a generous contributor towards its support. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise he has been a stanch supporter of the democratic party and although he has taken an active interest in its affairs he has never sought nor desired public office, pre- ferring to devote his time and energies to the furtherance of his business.

JAMES H. A. BAKER.

James H. A. Baker, veteran of the World war and member of the Russellville bar, chose this city as a place of residence after traveling for ten years throughout the state, so that he became thoroughly familiar with Arkansas and her opportunities during that period. He was born in Galena, Kansas, November 26, 1878, and is a representative of one of the pioneer families of that state. His grandfather was John Baker, a native of Columbus, Ohio, who throughout much of his life engaged in public auctioneering. After the Civil war he removed to Kansas and the first lead and zinc discovered in that state were found on his farm. As the result of this discovery which greatly enhanced the value of his property, he hecame very wealthy. His son, John P. Baker, was also a native of Ohio but accompanied his parents to Kansas and was reared and married in that state. He wedded Jane A. Parker, who was born in North Carolina, a daughter of Jesse Parker, who was likewise a native of North Carolina, in which state he was reared. In company with seven other families he came from that state across the country to Kansas. He had suffered serious financial losses during the Civil war but after taking up his abode in the Sunflower state success again attended his efforts.

Following his marriage John P. Baker purchased land and devoted a number of years to farming in Kansas, winning a creditable measure of prosperity as the

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result of the enterprise, diligence and determination which he displayed in conducting his farming operations. He is now living retired in the enjoyment of a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserved, he and his wife making their home at Galena. They are consistent members of the Christian church and Mr. Baker also belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen, while his political support is given to the democratic party. To him and his wife have been horn fifteen children, seven of whom are living: Mrs. H. B. Clonse, whose husband is a carpenter of Baxter Springs, Kansas: James H. A., of this review; Mrs. Frank P. Turner, whose hushand is a shoe merchant of Wichita, Kansas; Walter W., who is an oil well driller, living at Commerce, Oklahoma; John C., who is with the Empire District Power Company at Joplin, Mis- sonri; Ralph, also connected with the same company; and Edward, at home with his parents.

James H. A. Baker was largely educated in Galena, Kansas, where he completed a high school course, but later he attended a private law school at Fort Smith, Arkansas. and was admitted to the bar in 1910. He entered upon the practice of his chosen profession at Russellville the same year, after having previously traveled through Arkansas for ten years, so that he was satisfied that Russellville offered excellent opportunities for one who desired to engage in the practice of law. He devotes his attention assiduously to the interests of his clients and puts forth every effort to win verdicts favorable to their cause, yet he never forgets that he owes a still higher allegiance to the majesty of the law and the justice of which the work of the court stands as a stern conservator.

In 1899 Mr. Baker was married to Miss May Harville, a native of Joplin, Missouri, and they became parents of two children: Mabel, who is a teacher in the schools of Arkansas City, Arkansas; and Mary, a teacher in Russellville. The wife and mother departed this life December 19, 1906, in the faith of the Christian church, of which she was a consistent follower. On the 26th of December, 1913, Mr. Baker was married to Miss Selma Brooks, who was born in Pope county, Arkansas, a daughter of W. M. Brooks, a native of North Carolina, who settled in Pope county prior to the Civil war and there followed the occupation of farming. By the second marriage there has been horn one child, Rebecca Jane, now seven years of age.

Mrs. Baker is a member of the Presbyterian church, while Mr. Baker belongs to the Baptist church and he is also well known in fraternal circles, being connected with the Masons and the Elks. He votes with the democratic party and is unfaltering in his allegiance to the cause. He also has an interesting military chapter in his life record, for he entered the National Guard in 1907 and was on the Mexican border from June, 1916, until April, 1917, commanding Company G of the Second Arkansas Infantry. He then returned home and was called again to active service in August, 1917. He was with the One Hundred and Forty-second Field Artillery of the Thirty- ninth Division and was afterward transferred to the Seventeenth Division, while later he was assigned as instructor in the army training school at Camp McArthur. He is now a major of the Third Battalion, One Hundred and Fifty-third Infantry of the National Guard. His military training and experience are evidenced in his bearing.

ISAAC A. RYAN, M. D.

Dr. Isaac A. Ryan, engaged in the medical and surgical practice at Fort Smith, with office at 91712 Garrison avenue, was born in Dardanelle, Arkansas, in 1861, his parents being Samuel and Mary (McCann) Ryan. The father was a native of Georgia and belonged to one of the old southern families, being a son of Aaron Ryan, who was a native of Ireland, but in early life crossed the Atlantic to the new world and took up his abode in Georgia. Samuel Ryan was reared to manhood in his native state and became an extensive and successful live stock dealer of Walker county, Georgia. At the time of the Civil war he espoused the cause of his loved southland, joining the Confederate army, was captured, and died in a Federal prison. To him and his wife were born five children, Isaac A. being the only son, while four sisters completed the family.

Dr. Ryan was educated in the common schools until he had mastered the branches of learning therein taught, after which he became a medical student in the State University and eventually won his professional degree. He came to Fort Smith in 1903 and through the intervening period of eighteen years has been a successful medical practitioner of this city. He never lightly regards the duties that devolve upon him in this connection. He is most careful in the diagnosis of his cases and is seldom, if ever, at fault in foretelling the outcome of disease. His professional interests are always first with him and his course is most ethical at all times.

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Dr. Ryan was united in marriage to Miss Ova Hopkins and they have become the parents of three sons and two daughters: Porter, a civil engineer, who served as a naval aviator during the World war; Edward, who is employed on the railroad government survey, also a civil engineer; Rose, who was formerly a teacher in Okla- homa and is a graduate of the University of Arkansas; Marshall, a student in the University of Arkansas, who served in the World war, being stationed at Camp Pike; and Ruth, who is a high school pupil.

In his political views Dr. Ryan has always been a stalwart democrat and while never an office seeker in the usually accepted sense of the term he served as coroner of Sebastian county several years ago. He is always loyal to those interests which feature in good government and public progress and those who know him attest the sterling worth of his character in every relation of life.

W. H. L. WOODYARD, M. D.

Dr. W. H. L. Woodyard, devoting his attention to the practice of medicine and surgery in Judsonia, while his labors have proven his capability to cope with many intricate and involved professional problems, was born in North Carolina, January 28, 1866, and comes of English ancestry. His grandfather, Stanford Woodyard, was a native of England and on crossing the Atlantic settled in North Carolina, where he spent his remaining days. His son, Stanford Woodyard, was horn in that state and after reaching adult age wedded Nancy Montgomery, who was likewise born in North Carolina, while her father was a native of Scotland. He took up his abode in the Old North state when he came to the new world and there his remaining days were passed. Stanford Woodyard, the Doctor's father, conducted a shoe and harness shop at Greensboro, North Carolina, for a considerable period, employing several negroes in his shop, for he was a slave owner of that period. He acquired his education in the common schools and afterward learned the trades of making shoes and harness and also became a millwright, constructing a number of mills in his native state. At the beginning of the Civil war he enlisted in the Coufederate army and served throughout the entire period. He was with a company that preceded the cavalry troops to engage in the construction of bridges over which the cavalry forces could pass. He was thus on active duty in South and North Carolina, Virginia and eastern Ten- nessee, serving throughout the entire period of the war. While he was at the front he lost almost everything that he had previously acquired, but at the close of hostilities he returned home and resumed work at his trade, remaining in North Carolina until 1873, when he removed to Independence county, Arkansas, making the trip overland with wagon, horses and mules. It required several weeks to make the trip and he crossed the Mississippi river on a ferry below St. Louis. After reaching his destina- tion Mr. Woodyard entered the milling business, following his trade in Independence. He built water mills in Independence county and operated these on his own account. Subsequently he removed to Ravenden Springs, in Randolph county, where he erected a water power mill, which he operated until he bought land in Randolph county and began the task of clearing and cultivating a farm. He died in 1893, at the age of sixty-six years, while his wife departed this life in 1889, at the age of fifty-four years. In their family were thirteen children, of whom six are yet living: Ella, now the wife of W. F. Gray, a truck farmer at Cushman, Arkansas; Hattie, who is the widow of W. D. Horn of Brownwood, Texas; Charles, a farmer of Portia, Arkansas; P. W .. a merchant of Hoxie, Arkansas; W. H. L., of this review; and Allie, of the state of Washington. Those who have departed this life are: Cyrus, who was engaged in the milling business with his father and died at the age of thirty-five; B. R., a physician who was educated in the Memphis Hospital Medical College at Memphis, Tennessee, and was engaged in the practice of medicine in Little Rock at the time of his death, which occurred when he was forty-nine years of age; Gib, who was also graduated from the Memphis Hospital Medical College, and practiced his profession in Independence county. Arkansas, to the time of his death at the age of twenty-seven years; Margie, who was the wife of W. D. Hankin whose death occurred at the age of forty-six years, in Birmingham; and three who died in infancy. The parents were consistent members of the Presbyterian church and Mr. Woodyard was also identified with the Masonic lodge. He gave his political endorsement to the democratic party.

Dr. Woodyard was educated in the La Crosse Academy at La Crosse, Arkansas, and attended high school at Westplains, Missouri. He afterward entered the Missouri College of St. Louis and following the completion of his course of study there practiced at Ravenden Springs, Arkansas, where he maintained an office until 1892. He then removed to Pleasant Plains, where he lived until 1893, when he entered the Memphis

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Hospital Medical College and won his M. D. degree in 1894. In that year he returned to Pleasant Plains, where he continued until 1903 and in the meantime did post- graduate work in the Chicago Clinical School. He afterward removed to Judsonia, where he opened an office and through the intervening period has continued in general medical practice. He is now associated with W. R. Felts, of whom he has been a partner since 1913, and he has long been accorded a prominent position in the ranks of the medical fraternity in his section of the state. He has membership in the White County Medical Society, the Arkansas State Medical Society, the Southern Medical Association and the American Medical Association and devotes the major part of his time and attention to his practice, which is not only extensive but of a most important character.

Dr. Woodyard was married to Miss Aurelia Wood, a native of Arkansas, and they have become parents of four children: Jessie, at home; Gladys, the wife of J. H. Graves, station agent at Judsonia; Gypsy, at home; and Billie, who is attending the Tennessee Military Institute at Sweetwater, Tennessee. Mrs. Woodyard belongs to the Baptist church.

Dr. Woodyard is a Mason, having membership in Anchor Lodge No. 384, A. F. & A. M., and also in Albert Pike Consistory, in which he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, being identified therewith since 1905. He has passed through all of the chairs in the blue lodge and is a worthy follower and exemplar of the teachings of the craft. He likewise has membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His political views are in accord with the teachings and purposes of the democratic party, but he has never sought office. He has interests, however, outside the strict path of his profession, for he was one of the organizers of the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Judsonia, of which he has since been vice president, and he also has farming and stock raising interests, deriving a considerable revenue from his rented farm land.

GEORGE R. BELDING.

Since 1828 representatives of the Belding family have resided in Hot Springs and the name is inseparably associated with development and upbuilding of this sec- tion of the state from pioneer times to the present. George R. Belding, secretary of the Business Men's League of Hot Springs, represents the third generation of the family in Arkansas, and while conditions are radically different from those which confronted the earlier members of the family, he manifests an equally helpful interest in the projects which are established and promoted in order that the city's growth and improvement may be further augmented. He was born in Hot Springs on the 7th of August, 1866, a son of George and Amanda (Irons) Belding, the former also a native of this city, while the latter was born in Missouri. They were married in Hot Springs in 1858 and became the parents of twelve children, of whom six survive: Elizabeth, George R., Augustus G., Almon B., Gertrude and Selma. The father died in December, 1905, and the mother, surviving him for a number of years, died on the 14th of March, 1921. The paternal grandfather, Ludovicus Belding, a native of England, emigrated to the United States and in 1828 established his home at Hot Springs, becoming its first permanent white settler. Previous to his arrival a few cabins had been erected by visitors to the springs and trappers and the buildings were in a very dilapidated condition. He repaired the cabins, also built new ones and opened a small store, likewise becoming the proprietor of the first hotel here. The now famous resort owes its inception to his constructive efforts and his name will ever be an honored one in the annals of the state.

George R. Belding was reared and educated in Hot Springs and after completing the work of the public schools he attended Transylvania College at Lexington, Ken- tucky. After finishing his course he returned to Hot Springs and has devoted the greater part of his life to public service, having been chosen to fill many important positions of honor and trust. For eight years he was mayor of Hot Springs and for three years was city manager under the commission form of government, rendering effective service in both connections. A natural leader of men and possessing notable powers as an organizer, he was chosen a member of the board of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition held at St. Louis, Missouri, in 1904, receiving his appointment from Governor Davis, while later he was named by Governor Hays as a member of the Arkansas state commission for the Panama Pacific International Exposition, held in San Fran- cisco in 1915, being awarded a bronze medal and a diploma of honor for distinguished services in those connections. In 1907 he was made secretary of the Business Men's League of Hot Springs, in which capacity he has since served, and his initiative spirit

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Centennial history of Arkansas, Part 139

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