Centennial history of Arkansas, Part 148

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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and he is the only male member of that organization. The sorority is now a national one and has fifty chapters, scattered from Maine to California. During his University days, the Doctor was active in campus affairs and was a member of Kappa Sigma, a national fraternity.

Since attaining his majority Dr. Richardson has given his allegiance to the democratic party, having firm belief in the principles of that party as factors in good government. He was at one time a member of the board of trustees of the State University. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and fraternally he is an Elk. In both professional and business life his course has been marked by continuous advancement and each forward step has brought him a broader outlook and wider opportunities.

THOMAS B. SYLAR, M. D.

Dr. Thomas B. Sylar, a physician of Holly Grove, who has continuously engaged in practice at this place for twenty-two years, is numbered among the natives sons of Arkansas, his birth having occurred in Phillips county, in 1874. He is a son of A. L. and Martha (Reynolds) Sylar, the former a native of Arkansas and the latter of Mississippi.

Dr. Sylar, one of a family of four children, was educated in the country schools, pursued his studies at Poplar Grove, Arkansas, and after deciding upon the practice of medicine as a life work he became a student in the College of Medicine of the University of Tennessee at Memphis, Tennessee. Since then he has taken post- graduate work in Tulane University at New Orleans and at all times has in so far as possible kept abreast with the trend of modern professional thought and scientific investigation bearing upon the practice of medicine and surgery. He first opened his office in Phillips county, in 1899, but in the following year removed to Holly Grove, where he has continued. As the years have passed he has enjoyed a large and growing practice and has long since proven his ability to cope with the intricate and involved problems that continually confront the physician. He is also one of the directors of the Bank of Holly Grove.

Dr. Sylar was united in marriage in 1906 to Miss Lucy E. Kelly and they have become parents of three children, two sons and a daughter: Oscar, Harry E. and Mary J. Fraternally Dr. Sylar is a Mason, loyally following the teachings and pur- poses of the craft and exemplifying in his life its high principles. Along professional lines his membership connection is with the Monroe County Medical Society and the Arkansas State Medical Society.

WILLIAM WALTER McCULLARS.'

Prominent in the business circles of Manila is William Walter McCullars, a director and cashier of the Bank of Manila. He was born at Brooklyn, Arkansas, on the 27th of August, 1889, a son of William Anderson and Carrie (Turner) McCullars. The father was born and reared in Craighead county, this state, his parents having been among the pioneer settlers of that county. He has been engaged in farming the greater part of his life and is now following agricultural pursuits a short distance from Bay. He is now sixty-four years of age and is one of the most public-spirited and progressive citizens in the county. At Brooklyn, Arkansas, in the year 1881, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. McCullars to Miss Carrie Turner, who is now in her sixty-fourth year. She was horn and reared in Grenada, Mississippi, and came to this state with her parents in childhood. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. McCullars four children have been born, three boys and one girl, all of whom are living. Wil- liam Walter, whose name initiates this review, was the third in order of birth.

William Walter McCullars attended the public schools of Brooklyn, this state, and subsequently took a business course at Springfield, Missouri. Upon the comple- tion of his education he became deputy clerk in the county clerk's office in Craig- head county and was active in that capacity for two years-1916 and 1917. He then made his initial step into financial circles, becoming bookkeeper for the Bank of Jonesboro, at Jonesboro, and remained in the employ of that institution until 1920. In that year he removed to Monette, this state, as assistant cashier in the First National Bank, but on the 1st of March, 1921, he resigned that position to accept his present position with the Bank of Manila. This institution was established in 1904 and is one of the most reliable banks in Mississippi county. Its success seemed

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assured from the start and it now has a capital and surplus amounting to twenty-seven thousand dollars and deposits of eighty thousand dollars. Mr. McCullars has won many friends in his position as cashier of the bank. In 1922 he became one of the directors.

At Bay on the 1st of November, 1908, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Mc- Cullars to Miss Lillian Mclendon, a daughter of E. L. Mclendon, a well known resi- dent of Rison. To their union four daughters have been horn: Willie Lee, eleven years of age; Marill, aged nine; Naomi, seven years of age; and Maxine, aged five.

For many years Mr. McCullars has given his political endorsement to the demo- cratic party and the principles for which it stands. Both Mr. and Mrs. McCullars are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, of Bay and fra- ternally Mr. McCullars is identified with Jonesboro Lodge, No. 129, F. and A. M., of Jonesboro and the local order of the Knights of Pythias. Although a resident of this community but a short time, Mr. McCullars has already won for himself a posi- tion among Manila's foremost business men and his genial and pleasing personality have won for him many true and stanch friends.

DRS. L. H. and C. B. CALLEN.

Drs. L. H. and C. B. Callen are prominently known as capable physicians and surgeons, practicing at Huntsville. Both are natives of Carroll county, Arkansas, the former born in 1878 and the latter in 1884. They are sons of J. W. and Edna (Cox) Callen, both natives of Carroll county, Arkansas. The father is a farmer and has spent his life in Carroll county. He was born in 1858 and is therefore sixty-four years of age at the present time. His father was Gus Callen, who was born in Ten- nessee and who became one of the pioneer settlers of Carroll county, Arkansas. At the time of the Civil war he organized a company for service in the Union army and went with his command to Springfield, Missouri, where they joined the Federal troops, Gus Callen serving with the Union army until the close of the war. His father, Thomas Callen, was a native of Virginia, whence he removed to Tennessee, where he departed this life. The ancestral line can he traced back to a period ante- dating the Revolutionary war. J. W. Callen was united in marriage to Miss Edna Cox, who was also born in Carroll county. Her father, Joel Alexander Cox, was born in Tennessee and when twenty-one years of age came to Arkansas, settling in Carroll county, where his remaining days were spent. His people also were from Virginia and the family was represented in the Revolutionary war. To the marriage of J. W. Callen and Edna Cox were horn five children: L. H .; Ruth, the wife of Dr. E. E. Poynor, a practicing physician of Green Forest, Arkansas; Cuthbert, a farmer, living in southern Idaho; C. B .; and Cuba, the wife of Alhert Stephens, a locomotive engineer, living at Harrison, Arkansas. The parents are members of the Baptist church and politically Mr. Callen is a republican. He served as assessor of Carroll county in 1885 and is always interested in public welfare, but gives the greater part of his time and attention to his private business interests.

The two sons pursued their early education in the public schools of Carroll county. C. B. Callen afterward attended the Normal School at Springfield, Missouri, while L. H. Callen entered the Little Rock Medical College in November, 1900, and was there graduated in 1911, having in the meantime practiced his profession to some extent in Madison county. Subsequent to his graduation he opened an office in Huntsville, where he has practiced since. In 1911 C. B. Callen matriculated in the Little Rock Medical College and completed the course by graduation in 1914. He then hegan practice with his brother and the partnership between them has con- tinued. Dr. L. H. Callen served for a time as interne in the hospital of the Rock Island Railway Company in 1913 and was similarly connected with the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company in 1920. Dr. C. B. Callen did interne work in 1911 and 1912 in the Physicians and Surgeons Hospital at Little Rock. He likewise did work in the City Hospital and the professional experience of the brothers has been broad, while their ability has constantly increased as the result of their study, investigation, research and their actual work in the profession. Dr. L. H. Callen has taken post- graduate study in the Tulane University, while Dr. C. B. Callen has had postgraduate work in St. Louis.

The latter was married in 1907 to Miss Artie J. Hudson, who was born in Marble, Arkansas, a daughter of Jacob Hudson, a pioneer farmer of Madison county, Arkan- sas. They have one son, Chris, eleven years of age. Mrs. Callen is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Both the doctors have membership in the Masonic fraternity and L. H. Callen is a Royal Arch Mason, while both he and his brother are

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identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Dr. L. H. Callen votes with the republican party, while Dr. C. B. Callen is a supporter of democratic principles and the former has served as chairman of the republican central committee of Mad- ison county. Both, however, make their professional duties their chief interest and are members of the Madison County and Arkansas State Medical Societies, also the American Medical Association. They are constantly busy with the demands made upon them in connection with the practice of medicine and surgery and they enjoy in notable measure the high regard and confidence of their professional colleagues and contemporaries.

CHARLES MERCHANT ROBERTS, M. D.

Dr. Charles Merchant Roberts, physician and surgeon of Hot Springs, was born in Franklin, Kentucky, August 24, 1866, but during his infancy was taken by his parents to Nashville, Tennessee, where he was reared and educated, pursuing his studies in the public schools. His father, mother, two brothers, a sister and a cousin died within fifty-eight hours, of cholera in 1873. Dr. Roberts was then a lad of but seven years and went to live with an older brother, who was a minister and with whom he remained until he reached the age of fourteen. He spent two years, 1885- 1886, as a cowboy on the range in Texas and this outdoor life proved of wonderful benefit to him in the development of his physical powers and strength, his splendid constitution being manifest to this day. On attaining his majority he entered the Vanderbilt University as a medical student, completing his course in 1892. He began the practice of medicine, however. April 8, 1889, at Whiteville, Tennessee, where he opened an office and remained for ten years. He afterward came to Hot Springs, where through the intervening period of twenty-three years he has enjoyed an extensive and constantly growing practice. During the first eight months of his residence in Hot Springs he was a partner of Dr. W. S. Cock, but since that time he has practiced independently and there are few homes among the older residents of the city that he has not visited professionally in the long period of his practice in this city. He is a man of strong personality and kindly disposition and his presence in the sick room is like a ray of sunshine, giving hope and courage to his patients.

In 1890 Dr. Roberts was married to Miss Lee Ola Rhodes, a native of Tennessee, and they have a very extensive acquaintance among the leading residents of Hot Springs. Dr. Roberts belongs to the Masonic fraternity, also to the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, first head council commander of the Grand Camp of Kentucky and Tennessee of the Woodmen of the World, and past dictator of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge. He is state president of the Vanderbilt Alumni Association and along strictly professional lines he is connected with the County, the Arkansas State, the Tri-State, the Southern and the American Medical Associations. Through the proceedings of these bodies he keeps in touch with the trend of modern professional thought and progress. Although many years have passed since he left college he has continued a student of his profession and there are few men of his years so thoroughly acquainted with what has been done along the line of modern investiga- tion and research into the fields of medicine and surgery.

JUDGE C. FLOYD HUFF.

Judge C. Floyd Huff, a member of one of the prominent families of Hot Springs, occupies a position of distinguished preferment as a representative of the Garland county bar and has been connected with the work of the courts hoth as jurist and attorney. He is a native of Missouri, his birth having occurred at Versailles on the 6th of December, 1870. His parents were Perry and Emma C. (Litsinger) Huff, the former a native of Kentucky, while the latter was born in Maryland. They were married at Versailles, Missouri, in 1861, having removed to that city with their re- spective parents, as children. The father followed the occupation of farming in Mis- souri until 1874, when failing health forced him to seek a change of climate and he took up his residence in Hot Springs. The curative power of the springs is indicated in the fact that his demise did not occur until forty-five years later, in 1919. He entered mercantile circles in Hot Springs and for about thirty-five years successfully conducted his interests, becoming recognized as one of the leading merchants of the city.

In the acquirement of an education Judge Huff attended the public schools of

DR. CHARLES M. ROBERTS

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Hot Springs and was graduated from the high school with the class of 1899. In the same year he entered upon preparation for a legal career, pursuing his studies in the offices of Major G. G. Latta and with the firm of Wood & Henderson, and in 1891, just sixteen months later, he was admitted to the bar, being then but twenty-one years of age. He at once opened an office in Hot Springs and has followed his pro- fession continuously in this city, covering a period of thirty years. He has always practiced independently and has been accorded a large and distinctively represent- ative clientage, connecting him with much of the important litigation tried in the courts of the state. In November, 1897, when not yet twenty-seven years of age, he was honored with election to the office of county judge of Garland county, in which he served for one term, refusing to stand for reelection. While upon the bench his decisions indicated strong mentality, careful analysis, a thorough knowledge of the law and an unbiased judgment, his ability being based on a finely balanced mind and splendid intellectual attainments.

In 1895 Judge Huff was united in marriage to Miss Octavia Herdman of Mount Vernon, Illinois, a daughter of William H. Herdman, a prominent figure in political circles of that part of the state, serving for many years as county chairman of the republican party. Four children have been born to this union: William Hamilton, Garland, C. Floyd, Jr., and Robert E. Lee.

Mrs. Huff is a Presbyterian in religious faith and Mr. Huff is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a stanch democrat in his political views and has been called upon to fill the office of city attorney, making a most creditable record in that connection. He is a valued member of the Business Men's League of Hot Springs and fraternally is identified with Hot Springs Lodge, No. 380, B. P. O. E. It seems that he entered upon the profession for which nature intended him, for in his chosen calling he has made continuous progress and has carved his name high on the keystone of the legal arch of Arkansas.

HENRY U. FUNK.

Henry U. Funk, the popular and efficient mayor of Rogers, has also become well known as an able and successful lawyer, having here engaged in practice since 1906, and his clientele is now an extensive one. He was born in Ogle county, Illinois, Feb- ruary 20, 1850, a son of Michael and Adeline (Newcomer) Funk, the former a native of Washington county, Maryland, while the latter was born in Virginia. The father accompanied his parents to Illinois in 1839 and the Newcomer family arrived in the state in the early '40s. The father of Mrs. Funk, Emanuel Newcomer, was a native of Virginia and always remained a resident of that state, following the occupation of mill- ing. Samuel Funk, the paternal grandfather, was born in Maryland and there engaged in the milling business. In 1839 he removed to Illinois and engaged in farming, contin- uing to make his home in that state until the time of his death. It was in Mount Mor- ris, Illinois, that his son, Michael, was married to Adeline Newcomer and they re- mained residents of the state until 1854, Mr. Funk devoting his attention to farming and also following the cooper's trade at Grand Detour at the time John Deere established the nucleus of what was destined to become one of the largest plow manufacturing enterprises in the country. In 1854 Mr. and Mrs. Funk crossed the plains to Iowa, traveling with team and wagon, and settled in Poweshiek county, where they resided for many years. Mr. Funk met with substantial success in the conduct of his business interests and for about ten years made his home in Louisiana, where he was connected with mercantile interests. He was a well read man, keeping thoroughly informed re- garding the questions and issues of the day, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. He gave his political allegiance to the democratic party and was called to various public offices of honor and trust in his community. He was not affiliated with any church but his people were Dunkards in religious faith, of which denomination Mrs. Funk was also an adherent. They became the parents of six children, of whom five survive, namely: Mrs. Catherine Cox, a widow, who is residing in Deep River town- ship, Poweshiek county, Iowa, being the oldest inhabitant in that section of the country; Henry U., of this review; E. M., who is associated with his son in the publication of the Democrat, a leading newspaper of Benton county, its offices being maintained at Rogers; George N., a successful chiropractor residing at Fort Worth, Texas; and Lee, a resident of Iowa, Louisiana, where he is engaged in merchandising.

In the acquirement of an education Henry U. Funk attended the schools of Powe- shiek county, Iowa, after which he entered the State University at Iowa City, from which he was graduated in 1874 on the completion of a law course. Going to Audubon, Iowa, he there opened an office and for twenty-five years successfully followed his pro-

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fession at that place. In 1904 he removed to Westplains, Missouri, where he resided for two years, and in 1906 came to Rogers. Here he has since made his home and his law business is now of a most important character. He has built up a large clientele, for he has displayed marked skill in the conduct of intricate cases, winning many verdicts favorable to the interests of those whom he represents, while he has ever conformed his practice to the highest ethics of the profession.

In 1875 Mr. Funk was united in marriage to Miss Ada M. Wilkinson, a native of Jackson county, Iowa, and a daughter of Manley Wilkinson, who was a Canadian by birth. About 1856 he crossed the border into the United States, settling in Iowa, where he spent his remaining years. Mr. and Mrs. Funk became the parents of two children: Roy C., a printer by trade and a resident of Omaha, Nebraska; and Gladys A., who was graduated from an academy and also from the State University and is now a teacher in the high school at Rogers. The wife and mother died on the 18th of September, 1919, and her demise was the occasion of deep and sincere regret to her family and to an ex- tensive circle of friends, for her life had been an exemplary one in all respects.

Mr. Funk is a member of the Congregational church and his wife was an adherent of the Presbyterian faith. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of the Golden Eagle, the Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and while residing in Iowa he served as great sachem of the Improved Order of Red Men, while for his work in behalf of the Knights of the Golden Eagle he received a sword. He is a stanch dem- ocrat in his political views and his fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, called him to the office of mayor of Rogers in 1918. That he amply justified their trust in him was indicated by his reelection in 1920 and under his administration the city is enjoying an era of prosperity. In public office he stands for development and for con- structive measures and is seeking earnestly to advance the interests and upbuilding of Rogers. He has secured many street improvements and is also doing much to beautify the town, which he has also succeeded in clearing of the criminal element, and he is proving one of the most progressive, public-spirited and capable chief executives Rogers has ever had. His ability as a lawyer is attested by his professional colleagues as well as the general public and his record is a most creditable one, characterized by devotion to duty and by integrity and honor in every relation of life.

COLONEL SAMUEL RANDOLPH CHEW.

In 1884 Colonel Samuel Randolph Chew was admitted to the bar of Arkansas. He at once entered upon practice and from the beginning has been unusually prosperous in every respect. The success which he has attained is due to his own efforts and merits. The possession of advantages is no guarantee whatever of professional success. This comes not of itself, nor can it be secured without integrity, ability and industry. Those qualities he possesses to an eminent degree and he is faithful to every interest commit- ted to his charge. Throughout his whole life whatsoever his hand has found to do, whether in his profession, in his official duties, or in any other sphere, he has done with his might and with a deep sense of conscientious obligation.

Colonel Samuel Randolph Chew was born near Lexington, Mississippi, in 1855, a son of William P. and Martha Ann Rebecca (Smith) Chew. His great-grandfather was Bishop Clegett, first bishop in the Episcopal church to be consecrated in America. He is likewise a descendant of Benjamin Chew, first chief justice of the state of Pennsyl- vania. During the days of the Revolutionary war, the Benjamin Chew home was made headquarters by General George Washington. The home was located in Germantown, Pennsylvania. William P. Chew emigrated from Maryland to Mississippi at an early day and from that state came to Union county, Arkansas, in 1858. He was a lumber- man by trade and achieved substantial success in that connection. His demise occurred in 1858 and the following year his widow moved to El Dorado. Samuel Randolph Chew was one of eight children boru to William P. Chew and his wife. The subject of this review has but one sister now living, Mrs. Fannie Gray. Three of his brothers joined the Confederate army during the Civil war. They were John H., William D. and Thomas C.

Colonel Chew was reared and received his education in El Dorado, this state. At an early age he determined upon the legal profession as his life work and as a result was admitted to the har in 1884. He at once entered into practice and won reputation as a good lawyer through earnest, honest labor. For one year he practiced in Ozark hut in 1891 came to Van Buren where he has remained. He was prosecuting attorney for the fifteenth judicial district for four years, from 1892 to 1896, and on the 17th of Octo- ber, 1907, he was admitted to practice law in the supreme court of the United States. Colonel Chew has always been actively interested in military affairs and he was com-

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missioned a colonel in the Arkansas State Militia by Gov. Dan W. Jones. Upon the en- trance of the United States into the World war he put all personal interests aside and served in various capacities, He was appointed food administrator in Crawford county, acting under Food Administrator Williams and he was appellate agent for the govern- ment in organizing the army in Crawford county, having received his appointment to that position from President Woodrow Wilson through ex-Governor Brough. He was likewise chairman of the legal advisory board. One of the things of which Colonel Chew is most proud is a monument which he caused to be erected with private funds, in memory of the first three fallen heroes in the American army in the World war. This monument stands in front of the courthouse in Van Buren and bears the following inscription : "In memory of Merle D. Hay, James B. Grisham and Thomas Enright. They were the first members of the Expeditionary Army of the United States to die that we might live. Stricken on the field of Glory, Nov. 3, 1917. 'Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori.' This simple stone was erected by one of the countless millions who have drawn inspiration from the example of the heroic three."

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Centennial history of Arkansas, Part 148

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