Centennial history of Arkansas, Part 176

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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ROBERT L. ROGERS

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to the play of his fancy, the keenness of his intuition and the force of his logic. Among the lectures that he has delivered in various sections of the south are those entitled : A Lawyer's Conscience; Push Forward; Deeds We Revere; and Humans. Hon. O. C. Ludwig, former secretary of state, said of him, "In my judgment, Hon. Robert L. Rogers is one of the best public speakers on the American platform today. I have heard his lecture, 'Humans,' which is full of satire, pathos, wit and humor, at the same time being a message to the younger generation that is certainly beneficial. He was born for the platform; it is his throne. His relish for public speaking, his ready wit, his scathing sarcasm, his oratorical temperament, his knowledge of human nature, and his magnificent voice and delivery have made him a power on the rostrum." Further endorsement is given by Rev. Percy J. Robottom, dean of Trinity cathedral, Protestant Episcopal, in Little Rock, who wrote to Mr. Rogers with the following words of appreciation: "I have read with profound interest your lecture, 'Humans.' It is the work of an artist. The diction is chaste, the matter most profound, and I am sure when you inject your striking personality into it, you will arouse your audi- ence to enthusiasm. You have my best wishes for your abundant success, which you richly deserve."

On the 17th of November, 1886, Mr. Rogers was married to Miss Laura Swartz, a daughter of Albert Swartz of Little Rock, and they have become the parents of one daughter, Alice, who married Irving K. Miller of the capital city, who is deceased. After his death she became the wife of Vernon Heath of Little Rock, in 1914. Another daughter, Mary June Rogers, was born April 7, 1912, and is the life and light of the household. Mr. Rogers is a member of Christ Episcopal church and he is a Scottish Rite Mason, belonging to Ramey Lodge, No. 487, A. F. & A. M .; Mulberry Chapter, No. 63, R. A. M .; and Albert Pike Consistory, No. 1, A. A. S. R., while with the Nobles of Al-Amin Temple of the Mystic Shrine he has crossed the sands of the desert. He likewise has membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Along professional lines his membership is with the Arkansas and Little Rock Bar Associations and he has served as the president of the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Arkansas. During the World war he was on the legal advisory board of Pulaski county and he was also one of the Four-Minute speakers, helpfully using his oratorical gift for the benefit of his country. His name is high on the roll of honored citizens in Little Rock.

ELBERT C. HUNT, M. D.

Dr. Elbert C. Hunt, a physician, surgeon and optometrist of Hartford, where he is successfully engaged in professional activity, was born in Huntsville, Madison county, Arkansas, in 1862, and is a son of M. H. and Priscilla (Ogden) Hunt. The father's birth occurred near Rome, Georgia, while the mother was a native of Alabama. The former was a son of Richard Hunt, also born in Georgia, while Priscilla Ogden was a daughter of David Ogden of Mobile. M. H. Hunt served in the Confederate army during the Civil war. Both the Ogden and Hunt families became pioneer residents of Arkansas, locating in Madison county, and the maternal grandfather of Dr. Hunt afterward removed to Johnson county. With the early development and progress of the state they were closely associated. M. H. Hunt continued to reside in Madison county until his removal to Johnson county shortly after the Civil war, and is a highly respected citizen of that section of the state. To him and his wife have been born six children: Elbert C .; Charles, who is now residing in Fort Smith, Arkansas; William R., living at Shamrock, Oklahoma: John D .; Lulu, who is the wife of Joseph Burns of Fort Smith; and Mary Lucina, deceased.

The youthful days of Dr. Hunt passed without event of special importance. He obtained his early education in the public schools and then, having reviewed the broad field of business in order to determine upon a life work, he decided that he would engage in the practice of medicine. With this end in view he entered the University of Arkansas at Little Rock as a medical student and on the completion of his course, his graduation bringing him his professional degree, he located for practice at Hartman, Arkansas. At a subsequent period he removed to Hunt and later engaged for some time in professional work at Mulberry, whence he came to Hartford, where he has since made his home. He studied optometry at the National Optical College and he has a large practice in that professional line as well as in medicine and surgery. He is skilled in both fields of labor and his capability has brought to him a liberal patronage. Those who know him, and he has a very wide acquaintance, speak of him in terms of the highest regard by reason of his fidelity .

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to the duties of his profession and the splendid qualities of manhood which he has ever manifested.

Dr. Hunt has been twice married. He first wedded Miss Elizabeth Oliver. Following her demise he married Miss Cynthia. Russell. His children are three in number: Lee, Lula and Laura.

Fraternally Dr. Hunt is a Mason and is also identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His religions faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church. in which he is serving as steward. He takes an active interest in the work of the church and all that pertains thereto and his activities have always been directed in those channels through which flows the greatest good to the greatest number.

FRED CASTLING.

Fred Castling is the proprietor of the well appointed and attractive commercial establishment of Fort Smith known as Castling's Market and in all his business life he has been actuated by a spirit of determination and progressiveness that has accomplished most desirable results. Mr. Castling is a native son of Arkansas, his birth having occurred in Pulaski county, near the capital city of Little Rock, in 1879. his parents being Peyton and E. A. (Beasley) Castling. The family is of English lineage, the grandfather in the paternal line having come from England to the new world, after which he took up his abode in this state. Both the father and mother of Fred Castling were born in Arkansas and the maternal grandfather came from South Carolina to this state. Both grandfathers were veterans of the Confederate army in the Civil war. In early manhood Peyton Castling devoted his life to the occupation of farming but in later years turned to commercial pursuits, establishing a grocery store which he successfully conducted.

Fred Castling pursued his education in the schools of his native county and after his textbooks were put aside he worked upon his father's farm for a time, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. At a subsequent period he was employed in Little Rock, clerking in various grocery stores and thus gaining an intimate and practical knowledge of the business. At length he established business on his own account at Magazine, Logan county, Arkansas, and about 1909 he came to Fort Smith, opening his first grocery store in this city on North Eleventh street. There he carried on business for five years, at the expiration of which period he removed to Garrison avenue, and for the past seven years he has conducted a very successful business in groceries, meats and raw prod- ucts. He has a well appointed establishment, splendidly equipped, and carries an extensive and attractive line of goods, while his business methods insure him a liberal patronage, as he is at all times reliable, progressive and enterprising, putting forth every effort to please his customers.

Mr. Castling was united in marriage to Miss Eunice Robertson, a daughter of W. J. Robertson of Magazine, Arkansas, and they have become parents of two chil- dren: Lola May, twelve years of age; and Leon, a lad of ten summers. Mr. Castling belongs to the Knights of Pythias and is a loyal follower of its teachings and pur- poses. He is also a member of the Business Men's Club and is thus active in pro- moting the commercial development of the city and bringing about improvement in business conditions.

JOHN WILL BARNETT, D. D. S.

With twenty years of continued practice in Arkansas, Dr. Barnett has come to be known not only as one of the city's eminent dental surgeons but also one of Arkansas' most valued and esteemed residents. He is a native of Scottsboro, Jack- son county, Alabama, the date of his birth being April 30, 1880. His father, John W. Barnett, was born in the same town, and his ancestors were among the pioneer residents of Kentucky and Alabama. Dr. Barnett's mother bore the maiden name of Martha Dicus, being a daughter of Captain Jess Dicus, representative of one of the oldest and wealthiest of the pioneer families of Alabama. Mrs. Barnett was also born in Scottsboro, where both the Barnett and Dicus families have been repre- sented for generations. She died in the year 1902, while the Doctor's father is still living, now making his home in Bridgeport, Alabama.

In the common schools of Scottsboro, Dr. Barnett began his education, which he continued as a pupil in the Iuka Normal School and in the Jonesboro Training School

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before entering the Vanderbilt University at Nashville, Tennessee. He was there graduated in 1901 with the degree of D. D. S. and at once opened an office in Lonoke, later coming to Little Rock. Besides being one of the oldest dentists in point of service in the city, he is universally accorded the reputation of being one of the best. He employs the latest advanced and scientific methods in the care of the teeth and his entire record has reflected credit upon the history of dental surgery in this city.

In 1903 Dr. Barnett was married to Miss Eva Ware, a daughter of David and Ella (Spivy) Ware of Cotton Plant, Arkansas. Mrs. Barnett is a lady of culture and talent. She is a graduate of Ouachita College and was a member of the faculty of that college, occupying the chair of music when but seventeen years of age. She afterward continued her musical studies in Berlin, under the celebrated Professor Barth. Dr. and Mrs. Barnett have one child, a daughter, Martha, who was educated in the graded and high schools of Little Rock and later attended Miss Lockheart's private school and Gunston Hall in Washington, D. C. She inherits much of her mother's musical ability and was a popular member of the younger society circles prior to her marriage on the 11th of February, 1922, to J. Harper Stoddard of Memphis, Tennessee.

Both Dr. and Mrs. Barnett are prominently known through club and social rela- tions. They hold membership in the Baptist church and Dr. Barnett is a thirty- second degree Mason and a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. In politics he has always been a democrat and he belongs to the Rotary Club, being the representative of the dental profession in that order. Mrs. Barnett has membership in the Ouachita College Club, in the Federation of College Women, in the Authors and Composers Club, in the Musical Coterie and several other social and cultural organizations. She is the writer of many songs, all of which she has set to music, including the official song of Arkansas. She possesses marked vocal as well as instrumental talent in music and for a long time was organist in churches and appeared in many concerts. Thus both Dr. and Mrs. Barnett have had much to do with shaping the social activi- ties of Little Rock. Aside from his other connections Dr. Barnett is a director of the Spring Lake Club and along the line of his profession is connected with many dental societies. In his chosen life work and as a citizen Dr. Barnett occupies an exalted position.

JAMES THOMAS HAMMOND, JR.

James Thomas Hammond, Jr., cashier and secretary of the W. B. Worthen Com- pany and well known in the banking circles of Little Rock, was born in Tolu, Critten- den county, Kentucky, August 1, 1892, and was a lad of but ten years when he came to Arkansas with his parents, the family home being established at Lake Village. He is a son of James Thomas and Susan (Partain) Hammond. The father was born in Kentucky in 1859 and the mother's birth occurred in that state in 1868. They were there married in 1888 and became the parents of two sons and four daughters, of whom James T. and three daughters are yet living. The father has largely devoted his life to the timber business. He has always given his political support to the demo- cratic party and he and his wife still live at Lake Village, Arkansas, where they have made their home for almost two decades.

James T. Hammond attended the public schools of Lake Village and afterward became a student in Henderson College at Arkadelphia, Arkansas, which he attended for two years. He next spent a year at the Branham & Hughes College in Spring Hill, Tennessee, thus completing a liberal education. He dates his residence in Little Rock from 1918 and has made for himself a most creditable position in business and financial circles. Steadily he has worked his way upward as the result of the develop- ment of his powers and the improvement of his opportunities and he is now the secre- tary and cashier of the W. B. Worthen Company, bankers of Little Rock. He is today well established as a substantial factor in the business life of the capital city. Back of his connection with the Worthen Company was experience which he gained in banking at Lake Village. There on the 1st of January, 1913, he entered the employ of the Chicot Bank & Trust Company as cashier and continued to fill the office until January 1, 1918, when he became cashier of the Army National Bank at Camp Pike, near Little Rock. He entered the Second Officers' Training Camp at Leon Springs, Texas, in August, 1918, and served there for a month, after which he returned to Little Rock. He continued to act as cashier of the Army National Bank until Novem- ber 1, 1918, when he resigned and became assistant cashier of the W. B. Worthen Company Bank, of which he was made cashier on the 1st of January, 1920, and at the same time was elected secretary of the company. He is a man of sound and dis-

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criminating judgment, farsighted and sagacious, and his uniform courtesy and atten- tion to the wishes of his patrons has made him very popular with the clients of the bank.

On the 5th of May, 1915, Mr. Hammond was married to Miss Beatrice Ralph, who was born at Grand Lake, Arkansas, in 1897 and is a graduate of the Ward-Belmont College of Nashville, Tennessee. She is a daughter of Richard S. and Susan (Ford) Ralph, both of whom are natives of Arkansas and now reside at Eudora. Mr. and Mrs. Hammond have one child, James Thomas (III), who was born May 3, 1920. The parents are members of the First Methodist Episcopal church, South, and Mr. Ham- mond is well known in Masonic circles, having become a Knight Templar and Con- sistory Mason and member of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias, while his political allegiance is given to the democratic party. He is likewise popular and well known in club circles, having membership in the Country Club, the Quapaw Club and the Boat House Club, and in his social as well as in business activi- ties he manifests that progressiveness which is one of his marked characteristics.

THOMAS WELCH BLACKBURN, M. D.

Dr. Thomas Welch Blackburn, physician and surgeon, actively engaged in practice in Lincoln, was born in Morgan county, Alabama, February 12, 1859, and is a son of William B. and Martha Jane (Welch) Blackburn, the former a native of Kentucky, while the latter was also born in that state, her birth occurring in Scottsville. They were married in Triana, Alabama, to which state both removed prior to the Civil war. The father died in 1862 and the mother afterward removed to Washington county, Arkansas, where she spent the remainder of her life. The father was a wagon maker by trade and followed that business in support of his family until called to his final rest. He was a supporter of the democratic party and belonged to the Christian church, while his wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, South. They became the parents of six children, of whom two survive, Dr. Blackburn of this review and his twin sister, Sallie B. Hagood. The latter is the wife of J. C. Hagood, a con- tractor and builder of Memphis, Tennessee.

Thomas Welch Blackburn was educated in northern Alabama and in the Canehill College of Arkansas, while later he became a student in the first class of the Arkansas Medical College at Little Rock. He had previously spent one year as a medical student in St. Louis but was graduated at Little Rock in 1882 as a member of the first class, consisting of but five, his classmates being F. L. French, William Pinson, Sam Allen and E. R. Dibrell.

Dr. Blackburn located at Canehill for practice, there remaining for ten years, after which he removed to Fayetteville, where he practiced until 1898. He then returned to Canehill, where he engaged in the general practice of medicine and surgery until 1911. In that year he came to Lincoln and opened a small hospital, since which time he has devoted his entire attention to surgical work. His hospital is well equipped and his patronage has steadily grown. He has pursued advanced work in the New York Postgraduate College and has also attended the clinic held by the Mayo Brothers at Rochester, Minnesota. He devotes his entire time to the profession and is a member of the Washington County Medical Society and the Arkansas State Medical Society, thus keeping in touch with the advanced thought and knowledge of the profession.

On the 4th of March, 1885, Dr. Blackburn was united in marriage to Miss Mary V. Reynolds, who was born in Tennessee, a daughter of John T. Reynolds, who came to Washington county in the early '70s. He was an artistic painter and his work in this connection made him well known. Dr. and Mrs. Blackburn have become parents of five children: Rowena, the wife of H. G. Beckley, a civil engineer of Los Angeles, California; Julia B., the widow of Orvill Reed and a resident of Los Angeles; Ruth, the wife of Leo Hedges, a civil engineer of Saugus, California; Lieutenant T. W. Blackburn; and C. Reynolds, now a student in the University of Virginia. Lieutenant Blackburn served through the World war as a representative of the aviation department of the army and is still in the service in Virginia. He was one of the foremost American aviators and delivered planes from England to France. He also maneuvered over the North Sea and brought down three German planes.

Dr. Blackburn is a member of the Episcopal church and fraternally is con- nected with the Masons. He is a past master of the Masonic lodge of Canehill, of which he served as master for a quarter of a century, and he has also served as master of the lodge at Lincoln. In politics he is a democrat and has filled the posi-

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tion of county coroner, but the greater part of his time and attention has been given to his professional dnties and his capability along that line has brought him prominence and success as a physician and surgeon.

B. A. MCCONNELL.

B. A. McConnell, engaged in the undertaking business at Hartford, was born in Jenson, Arkansas, in 1892, and is a son of John B. and Maude (Emerson) Allen. When he was sixteen years of age he was adopted by J. A. McConnell, who was a pioneer of this section of the state and whose name he took. His paternal grand- father, Vine Allen, came to Arkansas from Alabama, while the maternal grandfather was Dr. Emerson, who resided at Mena, Arkansas. Both were Civil war veterans. The father of B. A. McConnell, John B. Allen, was a professor and well known educator of the Indian Territory, who died at Eufaula, while the demise of his wife occurred at Jenson, Arkansas.

B. A. McConnell was accorded liberal educational privileges. He supplemented his early studies by a course in Henderson College, which conferred upon him the Bachelor of Arts degree. He started out in the business world as an employe in the store of the Hartford Hardware Company, of which he early became one of the stockholders. Later he took over his present business-that of undertaking- and in addition he handles a line of antomobile accessories, In both fields he has won a liberal patronage and his success is of a substantial character.

In 1917 Mr. McConnell was married to Miss Pearl McMorrow of Sullivan, Indiana, who is an accomplished vocalist and is director of the choir in the Methodist Episcopal church. She has also been a teacher of voice in Sullivan, Indiana, and in Hartford and is recognized as one of the leading vocalists of this part of the state. She is a daughter of Michel and Mary Jacobs McMorrow. Mr. and Mrs. McConnell have one child, B. A., Jr.

In politics Mr. McConnell is a democrat, active in support of the party, and is now serving as secretary of the democratic county central committee. Fraternally he is a Royal Arch Mason and his religions faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is serving as steward. In these associations are indicated the rnles which govern his conduct and have shaped his conrse in all the relations of life, making him a man whom to know is to esteem and honor.

HOMER SCOTT, M. D.

Dr. Homer Scott, physician and surgeon of Little Rock, was born in the capital city July 16, 1881, and is a representative of one of the old Virginia families. His great-grandfather, Judge Andrew Scott, born in Virginia, came to Arkansas in 1818. The grandfather, John Rice Homer Scott, was born in Missouri and became a resident of Arkansas in 1819. He was a soldier in the Florida war and also served with the rank of captain in the Civil war. Andrew Homer Scott, the doctor's father, was born at Dover, Pope county, Arkansas, December 18, 1840, and in 1875 he became a resident of Little Rock. He was graduated from the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia in 1868 and devoted his life to the practice of medicine and surgery. For four years he served in the Civil war as a captain of cavalry forces and he always gave his political support to the democratic party. He was married May 2, 1877, in Little Rock, to Rebecca Katherine Embry, who was born in Conway county, Arkansas, and they became parents of three sons and a danghter, all of whom are living. The father died April 30, 1909, but the mother still makes her home in Little Rock.

Dr. Scott attended the public schools until graduated from the high school in 1898. He afterward spent a year as a student in the Phillips Exeter Academy of New Hampshire and then entered Princeton University, from which he was gradu- ated in 1903 with the Bachelor of Science degree. His professional course was pursued in the medical department of the University of Arkansas and he is num- bered among its alumni of 1913. Since then he has devoted his attention to pro- fessional interests and he belongs to the Pulaski County and Arkansas State Medical Societies and the American Medical Association.

On the 22d of September, 1910, Dr. Scott was married to Miss Gertrude Maria Duvall, who was born in Clarksville, Tennessee, October 4, 1883, and is a daughter of Richard Love and Caroline ( Plum) Duvall, both of whom were natives of Ohio.

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Her father died in December, 1912. Dr. and Mrs. Scott are parents of a daughter, Katherine Embry, born December 30, 1916.

Dr. Scott is a thirty-second degree Mason and member of the Mystic Shrine and he also belongs to the Little Rock Athletic Association. In politics he is a demo- crat. His military record is an interesting one. He was a member of the Arkansas National Guard with the rank of first lieutenant and in response to the call for service in the World war he enlisted in the medical corps in 1917 and was com- missioned a major. He went overseas in June, 1918, and returned to the United States in June, 1919. He organized the One Hundred and Fifty-third Field Hospital in Little Rock in June and July, 1917, and was the commanding officer for five months. He did Base Hospital work and afterward spent six months at Base Hos- pital, No. 6, at Bordeaux, France, passing through all the experiences that came in connection with the greatest and most deadly war that the world has ever known. He now belongs to the American Legion. It is characteristic of him that he is ever ready for any call of duty even to the point of sacrificing his personal interests."

ANNUNCIATION ACADEMY.

The Annunication Academy of Pine Bluff is conducted by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. This school was founded in 1880 by the Rev. Father Lucy of Pine Bluff, having petitioned the mother house of the sisters of Charity of Nazareth to establish a school here, so that five sisters were sent to Pine Bluff in 1880, Sister Sylvia O'Brien being in charge. A small school building was erected but this was destroyed in 1901 and shortly afterward a substantial brick school building of imposing appearance was built. There are now two hundred and fifty pupils in charge of eleven sisters. An advanced curriculum is maintained and music and the arts are also taught. The school has high rating and excellent work has been done for the Catholic families of this community along educational lines.

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Centennial history of Arkansas, Part 176

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