Centennial history of Arkansas, Part 163

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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Mute Institute, the School for the Blind and the Confederate Home, and associated with him in the work are George W. Donaghey and K. P. Williams as members of the board. Mr. Hall is closely studying all the problems that have to do with the man- agement of institutions of this character. He looks at all such questions not only from the standpoint of economy and efficiency, but also from the standpoint of broad humanitarianism, seeking ever the welfare and benefit of the unfortunate people who are thus under state charge. He has been instrumental in introducing a number of valuable improvements and in bringing about progressive conditions that have placed the state charitable institutions upon a high plane.

In Camden, Arkansas, on the 30th of April, 1899, Mr. Hall was joined in wedlock to Miss Hope Brummett, who was born in Columbia county, this state, in 1878, a daughter of Dan W. and Mary E. (Smith) Brummett, the former a native of Columbia county, Arkansas, while the latter, now deceased, was born in Georgia. To Mr. and Mrs. Hall have been born three children: Margaret, born in 1908; Wade Hampton, born in 1911; and John Thomas, born in 1914.

Mr. Hall has always voted with the democratic party and his opinions carry weight in its councils, for he is a believer in its principles and works earnestly for its success, but has never sought nor desired office outside of the one that he is now filling. He took part in all the bond drives during the World war and has ever stood for progress and improvement in the public life of the community. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and religiously with the Methodist Episcopal church, South. His work has been of far-reaching extent and importance and he is familiar with every phase of activity necessary in con- nection with the capable and successful management and improvement of the state charitable institutions.

HIRAM MCCAFFERTY.

Hiram McCafferty, of Hot Springs, who had officiated at the funeral of so many of the citizens here, was himself summoned to the home beyond, on November 13, 1919. He had attained the age of sixty-four years, his birth having occurred in Howard county, Missouri, June 10, 1855. He was a son of Judge James McCafferty, who was a prominent jurist of that state and who in young manhood married Miss Susan George, representative of one of the old and distinguished families of Missouri.

Hiram McCafferty was reared on a farm in his native county, with the usual experiences and interests of the farm bred boy. He came to Hot Springs in 1879, when twenty-four years of age, and entered into partnership with R. L. Williams in the conduct of a grocery store, which they carried on for about fifteen years. On the expiration of that period Mr. McCafferty sold his interest in the business and turned his attention to the conduct of an undertaking establishment at the corner of Market and Central streets, there remaining until the fire, after which he purchased lots and established the McCafferty Funeral Home at 530 Ouachita street. There he opened one of the finest undertaking establishments in the state, with a large chapel and with every convenience for patrons. He had an auto hearse, an ambulance and every equipment for the scientific care of the dead, his establishment being one of the most beautiful of the kind in the city. He was very successful in the management of his busi- ness, his patronage growing year by year. There were very few men in Hot Springs who had more warm friends than did Hiram McCafferty. He was very generous and chari- table, always supporting every cause that tended to promote the public welfare and advance the interests of the city. Again and again he extended a helping hand to those in need of assistance and his kindliness and generosity won for him the love and respect of all. His life was ever the expression of high principles. He was a consistent member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Woodmen of the World, and he loyally followed the teachings and purposes of these fraternities. He was truly a self-made man and deserved great credit for what he accomplished, as he started out in life empty-handed and by reason of industry, perseverance and honorable dealing gained a notable point of success.

On May 27, 1896, Mr. McCafferty married Miss Varah Craighead, who was reared in Hot Springs and who prior to her marriage was a successful teacher of this city. Since her husband's death Mrs. McCafferty has continued to conduct the business es- tablished by him and she has shown marked business and executive ability in so doing. She is also very prominent in social circles and in charitable work, especially in connection with the war community service. She has labored untiringly to keep open the war community rooms for sick soldiers who are in the Army and Navy

HIRAM MCCAFFERTY

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Hospital at Hot Springs. It was she who organized the War Camp Community Club. acting as chairman, and opened the rooms for the entertainment of the boys. She also organized and became president of the Others Club, doing work and raising the money for orphaned children. In 1919 she was presented with a beautiful silver loving cup by her many admirers and friends among the soldiers and her fellow members of the War Camp Community Club. Her work is worthy of all praise. There are many who feel today that the war is over and that all duty in that connec- tion has ceased. Mrs. McCafferty is one of those women of broad vision who recognizes that as long as there is a sick or disabled soldier in a hospital, the country is under moral obligations to look after not only his physical comfort but his mental condition, as well, through the avenue of social activities and entertainment, which are perhaps more needful to the sick than to the well. Time would indeed hang heavy on the hands of the World war veterans in hospitals were it not for such women as Mrs. McCaf- ferty, whose life of service must surely bring its reward.

Upon the death of Hiram McCafferty, the Sentinel Record of Hot Springs, Arkansas, printed the following editorial, under date of November 15, 1919. "It is no easy matter to put into cold type a glowing eulogy of one who will be missed. No matter how serious the written words, no matter how true the word portrait they produce, the effort is meager compared with the real and genuine worth of the one to whom tribute is paid. It is almost impossible to estimate the good that Hiram McCafferty has done. Not alone was he a devoted husband and a most honored and respected citizen, but he had a religion that was a blessing to scores of persons less fortunate than himself. No one ever made a plea to him that was worthy of consideration and went away with that plea unanswered. A heart that fairly overflowed with love for others, prompted an interest in humanity that made him go out of his way to be helpful. His death is a distinct loss to Hot Springs. No community can experience the passing of such a man without deeply realizing that an important factor in its best citizenship has been taken away. He numbered his friends by the hundreds. Towering monuments are erected to those who achieve fame in the respective spheres where they have put their best effort. They reflect the deeds of those they memorialize, but the greatest memorial any man can leave behind is the love, honor and respect of his community. The greatest tribute that can be paid a man is the remembrance that he loved others and never let pass an opportunity to be of assistance to those who needed help. The sunshine of human kindness is more bright than the most highly polished tablet. The possession of the virtue to love sincerely one's fellowman is truly rare these busy, competitive days. It is in the quiet, unassuming, but true exemplification of that virtue one achieves a glory beyond the power of words to express. Such a man was Hiram McCafferty. Peace to his ashes!"

MARSHALL L. YANTIS.

Marshall L. Yantis, president and general manager of the Fort Smith Automotive Supply Company, is at the head of one of the new business enterprises of the city and one which is meeting a public need, for theirs is the only house of the kind between Little Rock and Oklahoma City. Already the trade has reached gratifying proportions and is constantly growing. The future is bright with the promises of success, for hack of the enterprise are men of known business ability, resouce- fulness and initiative.

Mr. Yantis, president of the company, was born in Columbia, Missouri, in 1893, a son of J. A. and Lucy (Sparks) Yantis, the former an attorney who in 1904 removed with his family to Fort Smith. The son, Marshall L. Yantis, was accordingly reared in this city and supplemented his early education, acquired in his native city, by further study in Fort Smith. When his school days were over he became identified with the Lyman Real Estate Company and was afterward employed by the American National Bank of this city. He was ambitions, however, to engage in business on his own account and utilized every opportunity that enabled him to advance in that direction. It was in 1915 that he hecame a partner of S. Bernie Harper in the tire business under the firm name of the Yantis-Harper Company, in which he is still a partner. His connection with that concern naturally brought to him a considerable knowledge of conditions relative to the automobile trade. He recognized the need of a wholesale accessories company and a group of the tire distributors and accessories dealers organized and incorporated what is now known as the Fort Smith Automotive Supply Company. Owing to the fact that the stockholders are largely those who are directly connected with the automobile business, this concern was assured a sub- stantial patronage from the beginning. The business was incorporated in January, Vol. II-66

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1920, and the firm began active operations in July of the same year. Since that time a catalogue has been issued and distributed throughout Arkansas and Oklahoma and points in both Texas and Missouri. The firm is now represented by five traveling salesmen in the territory above indicated and the trade is constantly growing. Although the business is still young, a splendid start has been made and indications point to a bright future. The company meets a direct need in the trade between Little Rock and Oklahoma City, being the only house of the kind in the territory, and today a large variety of automotive accessories are distributed from the Fort Smith establishment, which has a floor space of nine thousand feet. Mr. Yantis is the active head of the undertaking and his business enterprise, forcefulness and resourcefulness are consti- tuting a strong power in the attainment of desired results.

In 1917 Mr. Yantis was united in marriage to Miss Eva Vick, a daughter of R. E. Vick, secretary and treasurer of the Speer Hardware Company of Fort Smith. They now have one child, John M., three years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Yantis are well known in Fort Smith, occupying an enviable social position, while their own home is the abode of warm hearted hospitality. Mr. Yantis belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, also to the Rotary Club and to the Ad Club. He likewise has membership in the Business Men's Club and he belongs to the Automotive Equipment Associa- tion, which is a national association, gaining its membership from accessory man- ufacturers and jobbers. Through various membership connections, therefore, he is in close touch not only with his direct hranch of trade hut with business conditions in general, and his progressive spirit has constituted a valuable asset in the improvement of commercial conditions in Fort Smith.

E. F. JOHNSON.

E. F. Johnson, filling the office of internal revenue collector at Fayetteville, was born in Madison county, Arkansas, December 1, 1868, and is a son of Noah and Charity (Drake) Johnson, both of whom were natives of Madison county, where they were reared and married. The grandfather in the paternal line was Martin Johnson, a native of Tennessee, who removed to Madison county, Arkansas, in 1829. At one time he knew personally every man in Benton, Washington and Madison counties. He took up considerable land from the government, which he secured at a dollar and a quarter per acre, and was closely associated with the pioneer development and progress of his section of the state, aiding in laying broad and deep the foundation upon which has been built the present prosperity of the commonwealth. The grandfather in the materual line was Elijah Drake, a native of Tennessee, who came to Arkansas about 1830 and took up government land in Madison county. Thus in hoth the paternal and maternal lines E. F. Johnson is descended from old pioneer families. His father remained a resident of Madison county until 1913, when he removed to Elkins. He erected the first flour mill ever built in his part of the state and he also operated a sawmill for a number of years. In fact his entire business life was devoted to the operation of flour and sawmills and he is now living retired from business, making his home in Fayetteville, Arkansas, at the age of seventy-nine. He was very suc- cessful as the years passed, his untiring industry and perseverance bringing to him a most substantial competence. He has been a lifelong member of the Baptist church and for many years has been a Mason, belonging to Washington Lodge No. 1 at Fay- etteville. In politics he has ever been an earnest republican and at the time of the Civil war he entered the Union army at Cassville, Missouri, serving in the First Arkansas Cavalry for a period of three years. Mrs. Johnson, who was also a cou- sistent member of the Baptist church, died in Huntsville in August, 1884; By her marriage she became the mother of seven children who are yet living: W. E., who is now retired in Fayetteville; Mollie, the wife of J. T. Gage, a printer of Fay- etteville; E. F., of this review; A. C., who is a mill worker in Fayetteville; Oscar, who is also employed in a mill at Fayetteville; E. M., a merchant at Elkius, Arkansas; and Dayle, who is employed by the Parker Brothers Nursery Company at Fayetteville.

E. F. Johnson, whose name introduces this review, pursued his education in the public schools of Huntsville and started out in the business world as a printer. He continued to work at his trade in connection with newspaper publication for a number of years. Later he was employed by the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Rail- road Company for five years as car accountant in an office in Oklahoma and in 1894 he removed to Drakes Creek, where he established a lumberyard in connection with his father and brothers and engaged in the manufacture of wood for wagons. He also maintained a hardwood factory at Elkins, which was later destroyed by fire. E. F. Johnson afterward purchased a farm and devoted his attention to the cutivation

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of the fields for a year. On the expiration of that period he removed to Fayetteville and was in the employ of Parker Brothers until appointed revenue commissioner on the 12th of September, 1921. He has since occupied this office and is proving most capable and efficient in the discharge of his public duties.

On the 13th of August, 1915, Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Edyth Johnson, who was born in Wesley, Arkansas, a daughter of Thomas F. Johnson, one of the early farmers of Madison county. They have two children: Jean, five years of age; and Virginia, who is in her second year. Mrs. Johnson is a member of the Christian church and fraternally Mr. Johnson is connected with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias. In politics he has always heeu a republican but has never sought or filled public office until the present. He is now devoting his entire time to his duties as internal revenue collector and the thoroughness and fidelity which have characterized him in everything that he has undertaken and in every relation of life still constitute the salient features in the discharge of his official duties.

HON. CHARLES V. TEAGUE.

Upon the history of the bench and har of Hot Springs and of the state the name of Hon. Charles V. Teague, lawyer and jurist, is indelibly written. While the last years of his life were spent in Arizona, owing to the condition of his health, he was for many years a valued and honored resident of Garland county. Those who knew him-and he had a wide acquaintance honor his memory as that of a prominent member of the har and as a citizen of sterling worth. He died at Tucson, Arizona, March 27, 1915.

Judge Teague was born in North Carolina on the 14th of July, 1859, and was one of a family of five children whose parents were John J. and Kate (Fossett) Teague. The father devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and prospered in the conduct of his farm. He, too, was a native of North Carolina and spent his entire life in that state.

Judge Teague was reared under the parental roof and an appreciation of the value of education led him to hecome a thorough student in the public and high schools near his home and to eagerly avail himself of the opportunity of pursuing a course of study in Fayette College, from which in due time he was graduated. Immediately thereafter he was admitted to the bar, receiving his license to practice about the year 1882, after having studied law in the office of the late Judge Leland Leatherman of Hot Springs. His parents had in the meantime, following his graduation from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, removed with the family to Garland county, and for an ex- tended period thereafter Judge Teague was a representative of the har of Hot Springs. He made rapid strides in the practice of his chosen profession. No dreary novitiate awaited him, as almost immediately he won recognition of his powers in coping with the intricate problems of the law. He also was early recognized as one of the political leaders of his community and was elected judge of Garland county, serving upon the bench for two terms. He enjoyed the reputation of being one of the best county judges that Garland county has ever known. His decisions were strictly fair and impartial, being based upon the law and the equity in the case, and his opinions were seldom if ever reversed. He was also elected prosecuting attorney of his district and occupied that position for four years. His prosecutions were so ahly and forcefully conducted that he became a terror to evildoers and his service was of great benefit to the law-abid- ing citizens of the community. Although throughout his life he took an active part in pol- ities, he never held other official positions, confining his attention to the practice of his profession. He soon gained the reputation of being one of the strongest, ahlest and most resourceful lawyers in the state. He had comprehensive knowledge of the prin- ciples of jurisprudence and was a notably strong advocate and a recognized power before a jury. His wit was bright and scintillating and his satire keen and piercing, while the force of his reasoning never failed to make strong impress upon the minds of those who heard him. He was always courteous to opposing counsel and strictly professional in his work in the courts. He continued in active practice in Hot Springs until ill health forced his retirement about five years prior to his demise. He had become a victim of tuberculosis and in the hope of benefiting his health removed to Tucson, Arizona, the drier climate proving helpful to him for a considerable period.

Judge Teague was married in Hot Springs to Miss Ella Archer, who lived for only a few years. On the 26th of November, 1903, he wedded Miss Florence B. Ramer, a daugh- ter of Frederick C. Ramer, representing a well known family of Kansas City, Missouri. The marriage of Judge Teague and Miss Ramer was celebrated hy the Rev. F. W. Thomp- son, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, and they had a score of friends not only in Hot Springs but also in Arizona, to which state they eventually removed.

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Judge Teague was a valued member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, belonging to Hot Springs Lodge No. 380. He had great attachment for the principles of the fraternity and for his fellow members of the lodge and one of his last requests was that the order should participate in his funeral services. He likewise had mem- bership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in politics he was always a stanch democrat. In this connection one of the local papers, commenting upon his career fol- lowing his demise, said: "In political affairs he was always a leader, and it will be remembered by many how his leadership for long years kept the party together when there were breaks in the ranks that seemed certain to divide the party here." As to his legal career the same publication said: "No lawyer in Arkansas had a future opening up to him more than Judge Teague at the time his health began to fail. He was bril- liant in all his law practice but was especially strong in the matter of the defense in criminal actions, and many believed that he had no peer in this line in the state." One of his fellow members of the Elks said of him: "He was charitable in thought, word and deed. His ear was ever attuned to the cry of distress and his feet ever fleet to go to the succor of those in want or in trouble. He believed in and practiced the cardinal tenets of Elkdom-charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity. If he had one predom. inant trait of character above another, it was that of fidelity. He was absolutely faithful to his friends. The night was never too dark or stormy, the road was never too rough or stony for him to respond to the appeal of a friend. Friendship to him meant more than a name." All who knew him-and he had a wide acquaintance-bore appreciative testimony to his worth of character as well as to his pronounced ability in his profession, and his name is found enshrined in many a memory casket, held dear by those among whom he moved when yet an active factor in the life of Hot Springs. Since his death his widow has returned to this city, where she now makes her home, and like her hus- band, she enjoys the warm friendship of all with whom she has been brought in contact.

GEORGE O. PATTERSON.

Arkansas has always been signally favored with a class of men who have occupied her public offices and in those who have maintained the legal and moral status of the state through the protection of life, property and liberty in the courts. In this latter connection George O. Patterson is well known, being today a capable, and successful attorney of Clarksville, who in his practice holds to the highest ethics of the profession. He was born in Clinton, Van Buren county, Arkansas, March 6, 1872, and is a son of John R. and Lou J. (Greeson) Patterson, who were natives of Baltimore, Maryland, and of Tennessee respectively, their marriage being celebrated, however, in Clinton, Arkansas. The father was a son of J. H. Patterson, also a native of Baltimore, Maryland, whence he removed to Tennessee and eventually became a pioneer resident of Arkansas, settling at Patterson Bluff, where he owned and conducted a large plantation. He likewise taught school at one time in con- nection with Albert Pike. He was a slave owner of the early day and became a soldier of the Confederate army at the time of the Civil war. When home on a furlough he was killed by bushwhackers and he had previously been wounded in the battle of Prairie Grove. The maternal grandfather of George O. Patterson was Mat H. Greeson, who was born in Tennessee and became a resident of Van Buren county, Arkansas, in 1856. He engaged in merchandising and also conducted a hotel. He, too, joined the Confederate army and valiantly defended the cause in which he believed.

John R. Patterson came to Arkansas about the year 1856 and it was probably in the same year that his future wife became a resident of this state. He followed merchandising at Clinton and at Heber Springs and in 1897 removed to Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. He owned mining interests in New Mexico and also followed merchandising in Oklahoma, continuing a resident of that state until his death. He was a self-made man and won a substantial measure of success through his close application to business, his unfaltering energy and thoroughly reliable methods. He, too, was numbered among the Confederate veterans of the Civil war, having enlisted in 1861 and serving nntil the close of hostilities. He participated in several important battles, was slightly wounded on one occasion and was mustered out with the rank of second lieutenant, having served as a courier during the early part of his military experience. He ever voted with the democratic party and he served as sheriff of Cleburne county, Arkansas, for a period of six years, discharging his duties without fear or favor. He was one of the early representatives of Masonry in this state and took the degrees of the Royal Arch Chapter. Both he and his wife belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and were active in the

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Centennial history of Arkansas, Part 163

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