Centennial history of Arkansas, Part 174

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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In 1921 Mr. Park was married to Miss Hazel Huntington of Enid, Oklahoma, and they have gained many friends during the period of their residence in Hartford, the hospitality of the best homes being freely accorded them. Mr. Park is a Mason of high rank. He has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in the consistory at Tulsa and he has also crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. The fraternity has ever found in him a faithful follower, loyal to its teachings and its high ideals. In manner he is pleasant and genial and his unfeigned cordiality has been one of the forceful elements in winning for him popularity in social and in banking circles.

WILLIAM D. WINGFIELD.

William D. Wingfield, one of the pioneer oil men of Columbia county and a well known merchant of Emerson, was born near this city on the 2d of November, 1880. His parents, John M. and Nanna A. (Ballard) Wingfield, are both residing here, where the father is engaged in the mercantile business. Extended mention of John M. Wingfield is made in the sketch of him appearing on another page of this work.

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William D. Wingfield is the oldest child in the Wingfield family and received lis education in the rural schools around Emerson. For two or three years after putting his textbooks aside he engaged in teaching school and then for two years engaged in farming. At the termination of that time he moved into Emerson and went into partnership with W. M. Gibson in the conduct of a drug business. He was active in that association from 1901 to 1905, when he bought out his partner's interest. Mr. Wingfield was given a partnership with Dr. Gibson in return for his management of the store, and in that connection he became thoroughly familiar with every phase of the business. After taking over the complete control of the business he enlarged upon it and it is now one of the leading mercantile stores in Emerson, with a business amounting to over one hundred and fifty thousand dollars per year. Mr. Wingfield's entire time and attention are not devoted to that business alone, however, for he is a director in the Farmer's Bank here and is president of the Emerson Warehouse Company. He is one of the pioneer oil men of this county and state and is president of the South Arkansas Oil & Gas Company, which he organ- ized in 1919, and he is chief executive of the East Side Oil & Gas Company, operating at El Dorado, Union county. He is likewise president of the Haynesville Oil & Gas Company, a Little Rock organization. Mr. Wingfield's name has traveled far and wide as the discoverer of El Dorado's second oil pool, and he is widely recognized as a man of fortitude and vision. For several years he has acted as justice of the peace of Emerson and as a stanch advocate of education he is one of the directors of the Emerson school board.

Near Emerson, on the 27th of July, 1901, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Wingfield to Miss Dora Jones, a daughter of V. J. and Carrie ( Catchings) Jones, well known residents of Emerson. To their union twelve children have been born, seven boys and five girls, all living but one boy whose death occurred in infancy. The children are: Ray, Ilie, Cecil, Ollie, Arlis, Alvern, Glenn, Delma, Ina, Lenell and Daymon.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Methodist church and Mr. Wing- field is a teacher in the Sunday school. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, holding membership in Emerson Lodge, No. 626, A. F. & A. M., of which he is wor- shipful master; Magnolia Chapter, No. 82, Royal Arch Masons; Woodmen of the World; Modern Woodmen of America; Woodmen's Circle; and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Wingfield is rightly entitled to the proud American title of self-made man and is enjoying his present success as the result of his own intelli- gently directed efforts. He owns extensive business property here-lodge halls and other public-meeting places, and a number of fine residences. Mr. Wingfield is con- ceded one of Emerson's representative and public-spirited citizens and his aid may always be counted upon in the furtherance of any movement for the development and upbuilding of the general welfare.

W. R. ALEXANDER.

W. R. Alexander, practicing attorney of Mansfield, is a very successful lawyer, having early manifested ability in solving intricate legal problems, and he has re- mained a close student of the principles of jurisprudence. He was born in Loudon county, Tennessee, on the 19th of April, 1860, a son of Samuel L. and Elizabeth (Lock- hart) Alexander. The father was a minister. He was born in Tennessee and resided in that state until 1870 when he came to Arkansas and located in Sebastian county, near Hackett. He held various charges throughout the state and was active in the ministry at the time of his death on the 3d of July, 1911. He was likewise a veteran of the Civil war, having served throughout that conflict in the Confederate army. W. R. Alexander was one of six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Alexander, one beside him- self still living. His brother, Samuel B. Alexander, is conducting a tire shop in Mans- field.

In the acquirement of an education W. R. Alexander attended the common schools of Arkansas and later enrolled in Trinity University at Tehuacana, Texas. By that time Mr. Alexander had decided to take up the legal profession as his life work and as a result he entered the law department of the Cumberland University at Lebanon, Tennessee, receiving his LL. B. degree in 1890. In 1890 he located in Mansfield, this state, where he commenced practice and he has met with great success. He has built up an extensive and lucrative clientage and his present prominence has come to him as the reward of earnest endeavor, fidelity to trust and recognized ability. The ability and training which qualify one to practice law, also qualify him in many respects for duties which lie outside the strict path of his profession and which touch the general

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interests of society. Mr. Alexander was elected to the mayoralty of Mansfield and although offered that position five times, declined to serve more than three terms. Dur- ing his administration in that office much was done for the development and improve- ment of the community and he will be remembered as one of the most representative executives the town has ever had.

In 1890 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Alexander to Miss Ella Lippard, a daugh- ter of Aaron Lippard of Mansfield and to their union three children have been horn, two of whom are living, Ruth U. and Lois A. Fraternally Mr. Alexander belongs to the Masons and he endeavors in every way to live up to the teachings of that craft. In the line of his profession he belongs to the State Bar Association and takes an active part in the interests of that body. Mr. Alexander is distinctively a man of affairs and one who has wielded a wide influence. A strong mentality, an invincible courage, and a most determined individuality have so entered into his makeup as to render him a natural leader of men and a director of opinion.

GEORGE WARMACK.

George Warmack is a partner in the firm of Warmack Brothers, conducting an ex- tensive and profitable wholesale, flour and feed business in Fort Smith, the firm acting also as sole representatives in this district for the Majestic Milling Company of Aurora, Missouri, which they represent in the states of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. George Warmack was born in Whitfield, Georgia, in 1875, his parents being Jesse and Winnie (James) Warmack. The father successfully operated a cotton gin, corn mill and plan- ing mill in Georgia and in connection therewith he cultivated two hundred and eighty acres of land. His business interests were thus extensive and important and contrib- uted to the progress and development of the community in which he lived as well as to the upbuilding of his individual fortunes. At the time of the Civil war, however, he put aside all business and personal considerations and joined the Confederate army in defense of his loved southland, serving with the cavalry forces throughout the period of hostilities. Wherever he was known he was highly esteemed by reason of his busi- ness ability and his sterling worth of character. To Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Warmack there were born three sons and two daughters, of whom one son, Elbert, is now deceased.

The surviving sons, George and John, are associated in business under the firm style of Warmack Brothers. George Warmack was reared and educated iu Georgia and twenty years ago, or in 1901, he left his native state and removed to Arkansas, settling in Huntington, where he became associated with the Central Coal & Coke Company, continuing in the employ of that concern for five years. On the expiration of that pe- riod he began selling flour for the Rea-Reed Milling Company of Tulsa, Oklahoma, with which he was connected for two years. In 1908 he joined forces with the Majestic Mill- ing Company of Aurora, Missouri, and has since been a representative of that cor- poration. He and his brother John are the sole representatives of the company in the states of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas and together they have built up a very large business, handling flour and all mill products. Their trade is now very extensive and constitutes a gratifying source of income to the partners.

George Warmack was married in September, 1905, to Miss Grace Davis of Hunt- ington, Arkansas, and they have become the parents of two children: Edward, seven years of age; and Ruth, a little maiden of four summers.

Mr. Warmack is a Mason, belonging to the lodge at Huntington, and is a loyal fol- lower of the teachings and purposes of the craft. His entire course has been marked by fidelity to duty, by loyalty in friendship and by faithfulness in citizenship and his many sterling qualities have established him high in public regard.

NICHOLAS W. RIEGLER, M. D.

Dr. Nicholas W. Riegler, engaged in medical practice in Little Rock, was born February 7, 1888, in the capital city, a son of John and Mrs. K. B. Riegler, mentioned at length on another page of this work. He obtained his education in public and private schools and deciding upon the practice of medicine as a life work he then entered the medical department of the University of Arkansas, from which he was graduated with the class of 1915. In the intervening years he has continuously fol- lowed his profession, save for the period of his service in the World war. He became a first lieutenant of the Medical Corps, having responded to the call of his country, and on the Ist of August, 1917, he received his commission. He was with the army

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until honorably discharged at Houston, Texas, December 18, 1918. On receiving his commission he was sent to Fort Riley, Kansas, where he remained for two months and then was transferred to the Ellington Aviation Field near Houston, Texas. While there he designed improvements on aeroplanes, permitting the carrying of badly in- jured soldiers from the front to the rear and his improvement was adopted. It provided for careful handling of the injured who might thus be expeditiously removed to a hospital or a place where needed medical and surgical aid could be secured. With his retirement from the army Dr. Riegler resumed the practice of his profession in Little Rock, where he has made steady progress, his practice being now one of sub- stantial proportions.

On the 14th of July, 1920, Dr. Riegler was married to Miss Tennie Elizabeth French, who was born in Lonoke county, Arkansas, August 31, 1898, and is a graduate nurse. Dr. Riegler belongs to the Chi Zeta Chi, a college fraternity, and also to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, while his religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. His political support is given to the democratic party. Along strictly professional lines he belongs to the Pulaski County and Arkansas State Med- ical Societies and the American Medical Association. In the capital city where his life has been passed he is well known and his friends are legion. He is a worthy representative of a very old and prominent family and his course has ever reflected credit upon an untarnished family name.

GEORGE W. DROKE.

There is no doubt that the teacher is one of the most important forces in the progress of the world and the successful teacher deserves the respect and honor of all friends of humanity. George W. Droke, dean of the college of arts and sciences in the Uni- versity of Arkansas, is a conscientious and progressive educator and deserves prom- inent mention in a work relating to Arkansas and the men who have contributed most to its development. He has attained his present success through his own intelli- gently directed efforts for his father was much opposed to higher education for his son. Mr. Droke was, however, determined to secure the best education possible and he worked his way through the various institutions of learning. Although during all his college days he was financially embarrassed, yet he overcame all obstacles and he now justly ranks among the leaders in educational circles in Arkansas.

George W. Droke was born in Morgan county, Indiana, on the 26th of September, 1854, a son of George and Diana (Etter) Droke, both natives of Virginia. Both paternal and maternal grandfathers were born in Virginia. Grandfather John Droke removed to Arkansas in later life and died here. The maternal grandfather, Daniel Etter, removed from his native state to Indiana, where his demise occurred. Both Mr. and Mrs. George Droke went to Indiana in early life and there they met and were married. For twenty years they resided in that state, the father serving charges as a minister of the Methodist Protestant church and also engaging in farming. In 1856 they came to Arkansas, locating about three miles south of Bentonville and there they resided until death. Five children were born to their union, three of whom are living: Mrs. Sarah Ann Britt, a. widow residing near Bentonville; John D., engaged in the grocery business in Texico, New Mexico; and George W., whose name initiates this review. Throughout his life Mr. George Droke gave his political allegiance to the democratic party and fraternally he was identified with the Masons.

In the acquirement of an education George W. Droke attended the common schools of Benton county and later the high school in Bentonville. He entered the junior class of the State University in 1877 and was graduated from that institution in 1880. In the latter part of the same year he was elected to a place in the preparatory department of the University of Arkansas, teaching various subjects. Subsequently, in 1891, he was made associate professor of mathematics and in 1897 was elected to the chair of mathematics. In 1915 Mr. Droke became dean of arts and sciences in the university and he is still active in that connection. He has taken postgraduate work in the University of Chicago and the University of Michigan and he also attended courses at Johns Hopkins University.

In September, 1879, Mr. Droke was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Campbell, a native of Washington county, this state, and a daugliter of J. M. Campbell, a pioneer of that county. To their union three children were born, two of whom are living: George P., who is residing in Plainview, Texas, where he is a traveling salesman for and partner in a successful monumental business; and Josephine, the wife of W. T. Waugh, manager of the bottling works in Fayetteville. In 1886 Mrs. Droke died and in 1887 Mr. Droke was again wedded, taking Miss Inez James, a native of Georgia, for his

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wife. They have three children: Albert Hill, who died the 18th of August, 1921; Mary Inez; and Louise. Albert Hill graduated from the civil engineering department of the University of Arkansas, and he was consulting civil engineer in Duluth, Minnesota at the time of his death. Mary Inez graduated from the University of Arkansas with the degree of A. B. and she later received her master's degree from the University of Chicago. She was a student at the Sorbonne in Paris, France. She is now head of romance languages in the School of Mines, South Dakota.

Since age conferred upon Mr. Droke the right of franchise he has been a stanch supporter of the democratic party, having firm belief in the principles of that party as factors in good government. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, while his wife is a Christian Scientist. Mr. Droke is tireless in his devotion to his educational work and in 1919 he received the honorary degree of LL. D. from Hendrix College.

WELLS FERRIN SMITH, M. D.

Dr. Wells Ferrin Smith, district surgeon for the Missouri Pacific Railroad and one of the ablest representatives of the medical profession in Little Rock, has through- out his life made wise use of his time, talents and opportunities and his developing powers have brought him to a commanding position in professional ranks. Dr. Smith is a native son of Illinois, his birth having occurred in Atkinson, Henry county, Sep- temher 10, 1871. His parents are William McCullough and Viola Maria (Ferrin) Smith, the former horn in Barnesville, Ohio, June 7, 1849, while the latter was horn in Grand Detour, Ogle county, Illinois, in 1846. Having determined upon the practice of medicine as a life work, William McCullough Smith attended the Rush Medical Col- lege of Chicago, from which he was graduated in 1870. In 1861, when a young man in the early twenties, he had enlisted as a private, becoming a member of the Forty- second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, while later he was with the Tenth Illinois Volunteer Cavalry. He served for nearly four years in the Civil war, was severely wounded and was captured at the battle of Chickamauga. Soon afterward, however, he was ex- changed and remained on active duty until after the close of hostilities. It was subse- quent to this time that he entered upon preparation for the medical profession. Ill the year in which he was graduated he was married in Atkinson, Illinois, to Miss Viola Maria Ferrin, the wedding being celebrated on the 15th of December, 1870. A little later they removed to Springfield, Missouri, where they still make their home and throughout all the intervening years Dr. Smith has continuously and successfully engaged in practice. His political allegiance is given to the republican party. To him and his wife have been born the following named: Dr. Wells F. Smith of this review; Dr. Wilbur Smith, living at Springfield, Missouri; Jessie A., the wife of A. H. Mans- field of St. Louis, Missouri; and Winifred E., the wife of O. J. Mccutcheon of Spring- field, Missouri.

While spending his early youth in his native city Wells F. Smith began his edu- cation, and later studied in the public schools of South Dakota and of Springfield, Mis- souri, following the removal of his parents to those states. When his public school course was completed he became a student in Drury College at Springfield and was there graduated with the Bachelor of Science degree in 1895, while in 1901 his Alma Mater conferred upon him the Master of Science degree. Whether environment, in- herited tendency or natural predilection had most to do with his choice of a profession it is perhaps impossible to determine. Perhaps all three entered therein. At all events the choice was a wise one as indicated by the success which has come to him. Interested in his father's professional labors, he at length began qualifying for medical practice and matriculated in what was then Beaumont Medical College, but is now the medical department of the St. Louis University, being graduated therefrom with the M. D. degree in 1898. Dr. Smith began practice in 1898 and since 1912 has been a resident of Little Rock. His entire professional course has been marked by steady progress that has brought him prominently to the fore. He is connected with many of the leading medical societies of the country and through their proceedings keeps in touch with the latest scientific researches and discoveries. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, helongs to the Southern Medical Association, to the Southern States Association of Railway Surgeons, to the Arkansas State Medical So- ciety, to the Pulaski County Medical Society and is president of the state medical board of the Arkansas Medical Society and secretary of the Arkansas Association of the Missouri Pacific Railway Surgeons. He is also district surgeon of the Missouri Pacific Railroad Hospital Association and he is the president of the staff of the Baptist State Hospital at Little Rock. His high professional standing is recognized by all and his opinions are constantly sought by fellow members of the profession who recognize the soundness of his judgment and his wide learning.

DR. WELLS F. SMITH

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On the 17th of June, 1903, at Clarksville, Arkansas, Dr. Smith was married to Miss Sarah Robinson Blythe, who was born in Clarksville, Johnson county, March 12, 1882, a daughter of Edwin D. W. and Elizabeth (Robinson) Blythe. The father, a native of Mississippi, is deceased. The mother, who was born in Arkansas, still makes her home at Clarksville. Mrs. Smith is a graduate of Cumberland College of Clarksville, Arkansas, having taken a course in music there. Dr. and Mrs. Smith have become parents of five children: Mabel Blythe, born June 26, 1904; John McCullough, born October 3, 1905; Elsie, born October 6, 1908; Elizabeth, born June 29, 1913; and Jane Joyce, born Febru- ary 17, 1921.

Dr. Smith and his wife are members of the Second Presbyterian church, in the work of which they take an active and helpful interest, Dr. Smith serving as one of the deacons. He was a member of the district exemption hoard for the eastern district of Arkansas during the World war and was state president of the medical section of the council of relief. He is also a member of the Medical Relief Corps. In politics he is a democrat and is well versed on the questions and issues of the day, although he has never been an office seeker. He belongs to the Young Men's Christian Association and is a member of its state executive committee for Arkansas and is also serving as one of the trustees of the association. Fraternally he is a Knight Templar and Scot- tish Rite Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine. He also has membership with the Sons of the American Revolution. His life has been guided by high and honorable principles that have made him worthy of the highest respect. He has accomplished great good along professional lines, yet has never allowed his practice fully to monopo- lize his time and attention to the exclusion of service to his fellowmen in other direc- tions. On the contrary, he has ever stood for those interests which are factors in moral development and no call made upon him for public service has met with rejection.

E. B. WILBOURN.

E. B. Wilbourn occupies the position of cashier in the First National Bank at Hartford, his native city. He was born in the year 1893, his parents being M. A. and Lou (Teague) Wilbourn. The father is a farmer, having devoted his life to agri- cultural pursuits.

E. B. Wilbourn spent his boyhood and youth in the usual manner of the farm bred boy who works in the fields in summer, dividing his time between the labors of the farm, the acquirement of an education and the pleasures of the playground. He took up bookkeeping in early life and following America's entrance into the World war he became identified with military service on the 26th of May, 1918, at Little Rock. He was stationed at Camp Pike and became a supply sergeant. He was also a candidate in the Officers Training School when discharged. Following his return home he took up banking and has since been identified with the First National Bank of Hartford. He is making good in his present position, having rapidly gained a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of banking, and he proves a most courteous and obliging official, while at the same time he wisely and carefully safeguards the interests of the institution which he represents.

CHARLES A. GEORGE, M. D.

Dr. Charles A. George, actively engaged in medical practice at Berryville, his native city, was born April 30, 1881, and is a son of W. P. George, who is mentioned more at length in connection with the sketch of B. O. George on another page of this work. In the pursuit of his education he attended Clarke's Academy in this city and received thorough training. He afterward hecame a student in the medical de- partment of Washington University at St. Louis and was graduated with the class of 1903. He then entered upon active practice in Berryville, where he has since re- mained, and through the intervening period of nineteen years he has steadily built up a successful practice which has constantly grown in volume and importance.

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Centennial history of Arkansas, Part 174

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