Centennial history of Arkansas, Part 144

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

USA > Arkansas > Centennial history of Arkansas > Part 144

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In October, 1899, Mr. Lochridge came to Mena, Arkansas, where he established a mercantile store under the name of the Lochridge Dry Goods Company, conducting the store until January 1, 1917, when on account of failing health he sold his interest. He died six months later. He was also president of the First National Bank of Mena for a number of years but disposed of his stock and retired from the bank in 1916. He had very little capital when he came to Mena, as his business had not pros- pered to any great extent in the previous years. Success, however, rewarded his labors in Mena and his store became one of the leading mercantile establishments in Polk county, bringing him a most desirable measure of success, so that he was able to leave his wife in comfortable financial circumstances. She received from him valuable business as well as resident property and a most attractive home in Mena.

In 1887 Mr. Lochridge was married to Miss Ida Lee Acruman, a daughter of E. A. and Mary Acruman, representatives of one of the prominent families in Fordyce. Mr. Acruman came from Alabama to Arkansas in early manhood and won a place among the prosperous business men in the southern part of the state. Mrs. Lochridge was born in Chambersville, Arkansas, and by her marriage hecame the mother of one child, a daughter, Anna Elizabeth, who became the wife of Edwin B. Cox, one of the leading business men of Mena and now associated in business with his brother, Eugene Cox, mentioned elsewhere in this work. They have a little son, Edwin Lochridge Cox, in his first year.

Mr. Lochridge supported the democratic party from the time when he cast his first presidential vote for W. S. Hancock in 1880. He loyally espoused the cause of Masonry and took the degrees of both lodge and chapter. His widow is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Such in brief is the history of George L. Loch- ridge, a man whom to know was to esteem and to honor, by reason of what he accom- plished and the sterling qualities which he manifested throughout his entire career. He held to high principles of manhood and citizenship, and wherever he was known he enjoyed the confidence and respect of all. His wife and daughter are very active and prominent members in the Methodist Episcopal church, South, taking a helpful part in the work of the various church societies. His death occurred on the 1st of June, 1917, when he was fifty-eight years of age.

JOSHUA KEMP SHEPHERD.

Joshua Kemp Shepherd, state agent for the Aetna (fire) Insurance Company, stimulated by laudable ambition and characterized by an indefatigable energy in all that he undertakes, was born in Greenwood, Louisiana, August 29, 1886. He is a son of William Roland and Mary T. (Jones) Shepherd. The father was born in Georgia, in 1846, but removed to Greenwood, Louisiana, and it was there that he wedded Mary T. Jones, whose birth occurred in that place in 1851. He devoted his life to the occupation of farming, save for the period of his service during the last two years of the Civil war, when he was with Johnson's army, the representative of the Confederate forces, serving as a private. His political endorsement was always given to the democratic party and he continued to support its principles until his

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demise in December, 1898, at Greenwood. He had for several years survived his wife, who died in 1892. They were the parents of ten sons and a daughter, of which family six sons and the daughter survive. The latter is Mary Byrd Shepherd, now the wife of John C. Abel. She was one of triplets, the other two heing sons.

Joshna Kemp Shepherd was the eighth in order of birth in this family. He spent his youthful days in his native city and there pursned his early education in the Greenwood schools, while later he devoted his evening hours to study and thus mani- fested the thoroughness which has characterized his entire life. He early turned his attention to the insurance business, to which he has since devoted his energies and gradually he has worked his way upward, winning promotion atter promotion until- he is now state agent for the Aetna Insurance Company and is one of the best known fire insurance men of the state. He has built np a large business for the corporation which he represents and what he has accomplished proves the good utilization of his innate powers and talents.

At Shreveport, Louisiana, April 8, 1908, Mr. Shepherd was married to Miss Mary Lee Thurmond, who was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, in February, 1888, and is a daughter of Tritos Huios Thurmond, also a native of Louisiana. Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd have two children: Marion, a daughter, born in 1910; and Howard Thurmond, born in 1918.

Politically Mr. Shepherd has always been a democrat since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He took part in all the Liberty Loan and War Savings Stamps drives and was likewise active in promoting conservation for the government during the World war period. He is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church, South, in which he is serving on the board of stewards and he is likewise a Scottish Rite Mason of the thirty-second and the K. C. C. H. degrees. His life has ever been actnated by high and honorable principles and worthy motives. His integrity none has questioned and the force of his industry and persistency of purpose are recognized by all who know aught of his career.

FRANK G. BRIDGES.

Frank G. Bridges, an able attorney of Pine Bluff, was born at New Middleton, Tennessee, in 1866, his parents being Dr. J. G. and Harriet ( Bell) Bridges. The father was born at Rome, Tennessee, and was a son of Joseph Bridges, a native of Virginia, who removed from that state to Tennessee. Joseph Bridges was united in marriage to Elizabeth Gill, who was a native of North Carolina. Their son. Dr. J. G. Bridges, wedded Harriet Bell, a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Roane) Bell. Her father was a native of Wilson county, Tennessee, and was a son of John Bell, who was born in South Carolina in 1777, the year following the signing of the Declaration of Independence. John Bell was united in marriage to Miss Esther Davis of South Carolina and removing to Tennessee, took up his ahode in Wilson county. In the family of Dr. J. G. and Harriet (Bell) Bridges were eight children, two of whom are living: Frank G., and Joseph G. The father's namesake followed in his professional footsteps, becoming a physician.

Frank G. Bridges pursued his collegiate course in Cumberland University at Lebanon, Tennessee, winning the Bachelor of Arts degree at his gradnation with the class of 1885. He came to Pine Bluff in 1886 and having been admitted to the Arkansas bar, was a partner of Colonel M. L. Bell, his uncle, until the latter's death in 1893, when Mr. Bridges formed a partnership with W. T. Wooldridge and the association still maintains, the firm enjoying an extensive practice of an important character.

Mr. Bridges was married to Miss Vive Walker, a daughter of John K. and Myra (Mann) Walker. The children of this marriage are: Frank G., Jr., John W. and Myra Bell. The religious faith of the family is that of the Presbyterian church and they are well known in Pine Bluff, where their many substantial and attractive qualities have gained for them a large circle of friends.

CAPTAIN JAMES A. WARD, JR.

Captain James A. Ward, Jr., a veteran of the World war who saw service overseas, is now prominently identified with the business interests of Fort Smith as the vice president and treasurer of the Ward Furniture Manufacturing Company, an enter- prise which figures largely in connection with the productive industries of this section of the state. Captain Ward is a native of Sonth Dakota, his birth having occurred

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at Yankton on the 8th of September, 1879, his parents being James A. and Emma Ward. The father was a soldier of the Civil war, serving as a member of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry of the Union army. He afterward removed to Huntsville, Alabama, where he established a furniture manufactory and carried on business for a number of years. He was a representative of one of the old New England families, being descended from William Ward, who settled at Sudbury, Massachusetts, in the year 1639.

Taken to Alabama during his youthful days by his parents, Captain James A. Ward of this review was educated in the Alabama Polytechnic Institute, from which he received his Bachelor of Science degree. He then started in the business world as the associate of his father in furniture manufacturing at Huntsville, Alabama. and in that connection thoroughly acquainted himself with the various features. principles and details of the business. In July, 1903, he removed to Fort Smith and is now the vice president and treasurer of the Ward Furniture Manufacturing Com- pany, one of the leading productive industries of the city. For eighteen years the business has been successfully carried on and the company has a splendidly equipped plant and turns out a fine line of furniture, which finds a ready sale on the market because of the excellence of the product and the reliable business methods of the company.

In 1917 Mr. Ward entered the First Officers Training Camp at Fort Logan H. Roots and won the commission of captain, being assigned to the Eighty-seventh Divi- sion, with which he went overseas. He is now a past commander of the Fort Smith Post of the American Legion and is in thorough sympathy with the purposes of that organization to uphold the principles of Americanization with the same loyalty with which they detended the interests of democracy on the western front in Europe.

Captain Ward was united in marriage to Miss Cornelia Rand and they have become the parents of three children, namely: James A. Ward (111), Evelyn Carlock Ward, and Miriam Chambless Ward. Captain and Mrs. Ward are well known in Fort Smith, where they have a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of their ac- quaintance. Captain Ward is recognized as a man of well balanced capacities and powers and one who has occupied a central place on the stage of action almost from the time when his initial effort was made in the field of business here. He has never allowed personal interest or ambition to dwarf his public spirit or activities and his lofty patriotism has prompted him to utilize the opportunities for the city's develop- ment as quickly and as effectively as he has utilized the possibilities for the promo- tion of his business interests.

ASA CREED GRACIE.

It has been said that death loves a shining mark, a statement which found verifica- tion in the passing of Asa Creed Gracie, who when hardly in the prime of life had won a position of distinction as a representative of the bar of Little Rock. Devotedly attached to his profession, systematic and methodical in habit, sober and discreet in judgment, calm in temper, diligent in research and conscientious in the discharge of every duty, he made steady advancement from the time that he took his place as one of the attorneys of the capital city and at his death ranked with the leading members of the Little Rock bar. He belonged to one of the old and honored pioneer families of the state, his birth having occurred October 2, 1881, at New Gascony. Jefferson county, Arkansas, at the family residence on the old home plantation. He came of a family of Irish ancestry, his grandfather, Pierce B. Gracie, having been born and reared on the Emerald isle. Thinking to find better business opportunities 'in the new world, he came to the United States in the '40s, landing in New York city, whence he made his way to New Orleans. While there he met Ann Elizabeth Taylor, a daughter of Creed Taylor, one of the first residents of Arkansas, and they were later married in Little Rock. It was in the early '40s that Pierce B. Gracie came to Arkansas and settled in Little Rock, establishing his home on Second street, opposite the post office. He opened a dry goods store in Little Rock but subsequently removed to Napoleon, Arkansas, where he continued in the merchandise business and also conducted a hotel and livery stable. On leaving Napoleon he took up his abode in New Gascony, Arkansas.

His son, J. M. Gracie, father of Asa Creed Gracie, was born in New Gascony. this state, September 25, 1856, and is now a resident of Little Rock. For many years he has figured as one of the most prominent cotton planters of the state, owning and cultivating three different plantations, his landed possessions comprising twenty-one thousand acres. A forceful and resourceful man, capable of handling large interests, he has continually developed his business affairs until he stands today as one of the

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notable figures in commercial and financial circles in Arkansas. In 1892 he established his home in Little Rock, although continuing to make his business headquarters in New Gascony. On the 16th of January, 1878, Mr. Gracie was united in marriage at New Gascony to Miss Sallie Elizabeth Mckenzie, a daughter of Asa Mckenzie, who became a resident of Arkansas during the period of its pioneer development, removing to Jefferson county from Virginia. Mrs. Gracie died at her beautiful home in Little Rock on the 21st of December, 1910, and Mr. Gracie, surviving her, still resides in the capital city, from which point he directs his important and extensive business interests. He is one of the best known men of the state and his record has at all times reflected credit and honor upon the commonwealth with which he has ever been identified. In politics he is a democrat and while living in Jefferson county filled a number of county offices. The Gracie family has always been identified with the Roman Catholic church, Creed Taylor, the great-grandfather of Asa Creed Gracie, having been one of the builders of one of the first Catholic churches in the state at New Gascony. This church is still maintained by the Gracie family. Creed Taylor was a very extensive planter who figured prominently in connection with the early history of the state in territorial days. Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Gracie were parents of four children: Asa Creed; John Pierce, who is living in Rob Roy, Arkansas; and Sallie and Mrs. Will French, both of Little Rock.

Asa Creed Gracie spent the first nine years of his life in his native county and then accompanied his parents to Little Rock, where he continued his education in the public schools for a time. Subsequently he entered the Little Rock Academy, where he completed his more specifically literary course. He afterward studied law in Georgetown College at Washington, D. C., there winning the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1901 and that of Master of Arts in 1902, while in 1904 the degree of Bachelor of Laws was conferred upon him. He had thus carefully and thoroughly qualified for the bar and, returning to his native state, was admitted to practice, having in the meantime been admitted to practice in the supreme court of the District of Columbia. It was two years after this that he returned to Little Rock, where he opened an office and through the intervening period to the time of his death made steady progress until he reached a most creditable position as a representative of the bar of the capital city. He formed a partnership with James A. Gray and the law firm was recognized as one of the strongest and most capable in the state.

Mr. Gracie was for many years an official at nearly all the football games of interest in Arkansas. Like his family he adhered to the Catholic faith and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and also of the Delta Chi, a college fraternity. Death came to him almost unheralded. With the members of his family he held a swimming party at Willow Beach and twice swam across the river. That night he complained of a pain in his chest and sought the aid of a physician the following morning, being advised to return home and rest. Scarcely ten minutes after he had reached his home the end came, bringing with it a sense of keen sorrow to all who knew him and he had a host of friends. His family connection and his sterling personal worth placed him in an enviable social position and his circle of friends in Little Rock was a very extensive one.

ROBERT E. HOLT.

Arkansas has always been distinguished by the high rank of her bench and bar, and in every county and city of the state are found men of ability who are devoting their energies to law practice and winning notable success. In this connection Robert E. Holt deserves more than passing mention, being accounted one of the foremost members of the Arkansas county bar. A native son of the state, he was born in De Witt on the 7th of November, 1887, and is a son of Robert P. and Ella (Thomas) Holt. His father was a native of Missouri, born in the southwestern part of that state, and was a son of Michael Holt, who served as a soldier of the Civil war. The mother of Robert E. Holt was a native of Indiana and belonged to one of the old families that was established in Arkansas in 1872. Robert P. Holt devoted his life to law practice and for many years was an able and successful attorney of De Witt, his name figuring in connection with the court records in an unusual degree, by reason of his extensive clientage and the many favorable verdicts which he won. He was not only a lawyer but also a lawmaker, for he served his district in the Arkansas house of representatives and gave thoughtful and earnest consideration to all the vital questions which came up for settlement in regard to the welfare of the commonwealth. As a lawyer he practiced in partnership with the well known Colonel Gibson, whom he rivaled in ability and in public regard. To him and his wife were born two children: Robert E ..

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of this review; and Ivan Lee, who is now pastor of St. John's Methodist church in St. Louis. The latter was graduated from Vanderbilt University at Nashville, Ten- nessee, and from the University of Chicago, and won the degrees of D. D. and Ph. D.

Robert E. Holt, like his brother, was accorded excellent educational opportunities and pursued his studies in the University of Arkansas, which conferred upon him the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1908. He afterward entered the University of Virginia, completing his law studies there, and his Alma Mater has conferred upon him the degree of Bachelor of Laws. Ten years ago he came to Stuttgart, where he has since fol- lowed his profession and here he enjoys a good law practice. He is now attorney for the Northern Road Improvement District and is a most stanch and stalwart advocate ot good roads, doing everything in his power to advance the work in connection with the improvement of the public highways of Arkansas.

It was in the year 1911 that Mr. Holt was united in marriage to Miss Edith Sutton of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and they have two children: Robert E., Jr., and Edith Roberta. Mr. Holt is well known in Masonic circles, belonging to the lodge, chapter, council, consistory and the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal church, South, is serving as steward and as treasurer of the board in his local church and also as superintendent of the Sunday school. His church work vies with his professional activities in the demands made upon his time and energy, his course has been actuated by the most advanced principles and he is today one of the hon- ored men of Arkansas county, well meriting the respect and unqualified confidence tendered him by all with whom he has been brought into contact.

JOHN LACY BEAN, M. D.

Dr. John Lacy Bean, physician and surgeon of Lincoln, was born November 23, 1873, at Canehill, Arkansas, and is a son of Richard Henderson and Mary Lou (Lacy) Bean. The former was a son of Mark Bean, who was born at Bean Station, Tennessee, and hecame a resident of Arkansas in 1820. He was married at Batesville, this state, to Fata Stewart and soon afterward they took up their abode in Franklin county, which Mr. Bean subsequently represented in the state legislature for several terms. He became a resident of Washington county in 1834 and died at Canehill in 1862. Some years before his first wife had died and he afterward married Nancy J. Parks, who following the death of her husband went to California, where her remaining days were passed. Richard Henderson Bean was horu at Canehill and was there married in 1868 to Mary Lou Lacy, who was horn in Huntsville, Alabama, a daughter of Thomas Lacy, who was also a native of Huntsville and in an early day brought his family to Arkansas, settling first at Van Buren. He was killed by the hushwhackers during the Civil war. Richard H. Bean was a member of Shelby's brigade during the con- flict between the north and the south and served with the Confederate forces until the close of hostilities. He was a farmer and stock raiser and carefully directed his business affairs, being one of the pioneer stockmen of the county and winning sub- stantial success in the conduct of his interests. At one time he owned one thousand acres of land. His political endorsement was always given to the democratic party. Fraternally he was a Royal Arch Mason and his religious faith was that of the Cumber- land Presbyterian church. To Mr. and Mrs. Richard H. Bean were born seven children: Elizabeth, the widow of T. W. Harrell and a resident of Summers, Arkansas; Ola, the wife of J. D. Johnson, a retired capitalist of Canehill; William H., who is engaged in the oil refinery business and makes his home at Cushing, Oklahoma; John Lacy, of this review; Mary, the wife of L. T. Jackson, a physician and surgeon now prac- ticing at Tulsa, Oklahoma; Nancy, the wife of D. E. Pharr, a wholesale and retail dealer in feed, living at Malden, Missouri; and Ruth, the wife of John D. Thomason, a merchant of Westville, Oklahoma.

John Lacy Bean was educated at Canehill. College and in the University of Arkansas, which he attended for two years, while later he became a student in the St. Louis College of Physicians and Surgeons, from which he was graduated in April, 1899. He then located for practice at Clarksville, Texas, where he remained for a year. after which he returned to Canehill, where he practiced until 1920, removing in that year to Lincoln. Here he remains and already has gained a good practice, his entire time and attention being devoted to the responsible duties that devolve upon him in this connection.

In 1898 Dr. Bean was married to Miss Annie McColloch, who was born in the Indian Territory, and they had one child, Genevieve, who died in infancy. The demise of the wife and mother occurred in October, 1904. In November, 1906, Dr. Bean

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was again married, his second union being with Ozella Jackson, who was born in Cleburne, Texas. They are rearing an adopted daughter, Edna Frances Bean.

Dr. Bean belongs to the Presbyterian church, while his wife is a member of the Baptist church. Fraternally he is a Mason and is a past master of his lodge. In the Independent Order of Odd Fellows he is a' past noble grand and has ever been a loyal follower of the teachings and purposes of these societies. Politically he is a democrat, but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him. Along professional lines he is connected with the Washington County Medical Society, the Arkansas State Medical Society and the American Medical Association and through the proceedings of these bodies keeps informed concerning the vital questions and problems of the hour.

R. B. ANDREWS.

R. B. Andrews, representative of the Arkansas har, practicing at Beehe, was born in Richland county, Ohio, March 15, 1871. His ancestral record is one of long con- nection with America's. His grandfather, Colonel John Andrews, won his title by service in the War of 1812.

R. B. Andrews came to Beebe in 1900 and here he opened an office and was ad- mitted to practice in all the courts of Arkansas. He has since become well known as a corporation lawyer and at the same time has continued in general practice, trying all kinds of cases and trying them well. He is likewise manager of the Beebe Handle factory, which he assisted in organizing and which was incorporated in 1921, the business being that of manufacturing tool handles.

Mr. Andrews was a major in the National Guard and went to the Mexican border in 1916, returning in 1917. Soon after he was called to active service in the World war with the First Arkansas Regiment and was stationed at Camp Beauregard. On arriving in France he was on duty with the Fifty-fourth Infantry in the Sixth Division and remained overseas for seventeen months, receiving his discharge at Camp Pike. He still has the rank of major in the One Hundred and Fifty-third Infantry. He is a broad-minded man of scholarly attaiuments, well versed in the principles of law and measuring up to the highest standards of manhood, citizenship and chivalry at all times.

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Centennial history of Arkansas, Part 144

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