Centennial history of Arkansas, Part 25

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 the meantime Dr. Roscoe Green Jennings had established a large private practice and had rendered valuable aid to the families of absent Confederate soldiers.

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He figured prominently in connection with the public life of the community and in 1874, during the Brooks-Baxter difficulties, Dr. Roscoe Green Jennings gave his sup- port to the latter and was commissioned surgeon general of the Arkansas troops. During the period of early development in Little Rock there was built on the block bounded by Broadway, Arch, Sixth and Seventh streets a beautiful southern home containing many spacious rooms and surrounded by attractive shrubbery. It soon became the property of Orville Jennings, the circuit attorney of the state and a brother of Dr. Roscoe Green Jennings. The former was a warm friend of Colonel Robert G. Ingersoll, who was at one time his law partner and for whom he stumped the state of Illinois during one of the colonel's political campaigns. Subsequent to the demise of Orville Jennings, which occurred in his handsome home in Little Rock, the property came into the possession of Dr. Roscoe Green Jennings, who leased it for several years as the Arkansas governor's mansion and as such it is still known to the older residents of the city. During the time of the Civil war it was used as a hospital for wounded soldiers. The property is still in possession of the Jennings family, heing now owned by Mrs. James Arthur Bowman, the only daughter of Dr. Roscoe Green Jennings.

On the 10th of April, 1869, only a few years after his return from the army, Dr. Roscoe Green Jennings was married to Miss Gertrude Elizabeth Elliott, a native of Camden, Arkansas, and a representative of a pioneer family of that locality. Her father, William A. Elliott, belonged to a prominent Georgia family, while her mother was a lineal descendant of Daniel Boone, the famous hunter and pioneer who carried civilization into the wilds of Kentucky when it was known as "the dark and bloody ground." Dr. and Mrs. Jennings had three children: Octavia, the wife of James Arthur Bowman; Orville; and Elliott Crews. The family circle was broken by the hand of death when in 1899 Dr. Jennings departed this life. A review of his life shows that he was the possessor of many splendid qualities and that he was a sub- stantial contributing factor to the upbuilding and progress of the state. He held to the highest standards in his profession and was a prominent member of the City, County and State Medical Societies, all of which honored him with the presidency. He became one of the founders of the medical department of the State University and served as secretary and executive officer thereof for thirteen years and was long one of the lecturers of the department. In 1869 he became a member of the American Medical Association and retained his connection therewith to the time of his death. For thirteen years he served as examining surgeon for the United States pension bureau and he was also a member of the state hoard of health, acting during a part of the time as its secretary. He ever stood for progress and improvement in all that had to do with the welfare and upbuilding of city and state. He was active in con- nection with bridge building and pile driving for fifty miles along the Texas Pacific Railroad from Dallas to Wills' Point, Texas, in 1870-71, being one of the contractors in connection with this important project.

Nor did Dr. Jennings neglect the higher and holier duties of life. He was a consistent member of the Protestant Episcopal church and belonged to the Royal Arcanum. In politics he voted with the democratic party but was never an aggressive partisan. He continued in the practice of his profession at Little Rock for many years and as time passed he gave more and more of his attention to charity work in connection with professional duties. No one sought his aid in vain, his hroad humanitarianism prompting him to put forth a helping hand wherever he believed he could he of real assistance to a fellow traveler on life's journey. Thus it was that he became closely endeared to the community and few men have passed on so deeply and widely regretted as Dr. Jennings, whose memory is enshrined in the hearts of many who knew him, while the story of his good deeds is cherished by all who came within the intimate circle of his friendship.

RUDOLPH NEY.

Rudolph Ney, manager and part owner of the Boston Store at Fort Smith, Arkansas, has been identified with the commercial interests of this city for a period of twenty- eight years, or since 1893, and in this interval he has made steady progress, contribut- ing not only to his own success but also to the commercial advancement and npbuilding of the city. He dates his residence in America from about 1880, having come to this country from the Palatinate, where his birth occurred. He located first in New York city, where he resided for a time and then crossed the continent to Colorado, where he remained until he came to Fort Smith in the year 1893. His previous experience along commercial lines and his recognized ability led to his appointment to the position

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of department manager in the Boston Store when he came to Fort Smith. In the intervening years he has steadily advanced as the result of the capability and efficiency which he has displayed and is now general manager and part owner of this store, which was founded in 1879 by the firm of Baer Brothers & Fuller, the partners in the undertaking being Julius Baer, Sigmund Baer and Aaron Fuller. At a later period the business was incorporated with Aaron Fuller as the president, H. Kaufman as vice president, G. E. Berson as treasurer and Rudolph Ney as secretary. The store has been gradually enlarged until it has become one of the leading mercantile enter- prises of the state and is the largest in Fort Smith. In fact it would be a credit to a city of many times the size of Fort Smith, owing to the attractive line of goods carried, the beauty of the display, the honorable methods of the house and the earnest effort put forth to please the customers. The company has always maintained the highest standards in the line of goods carried, in the personnel of the establishment and in the treatment rendered to its patrons and thus its success has constantly grown. The efficiency, farsightedness and enterprise of Mr. Ney have led to his being made general manager, and as the years have passed he has acquired stock in the enter- prise. Moreover, he is one of the stockholders in the Goldman Hotel Company and whatever he undertakes he carries forward to success, allowing no obstacles or diffi- culties to bar his progress if they can be overcome by persistent, earnest and honor. able effort.

Mr. Ney was united in marriage to Miss Marie Baer and they have become parents of a son, Lester, who is a veteran of the World war. While America was at war with Germany, Mr. Ney took a prominent part in the sale of Liberty honds and in support of all the activities which arose out of war conditions necessary for the suc- cessful prosecution of hostilities. He has made a most creditable record in business circles and is prominent as a man whose constantly expanding powers have taken him from humble surroundings to the field of large enterprises and continually broaden- ing opportunities. To the solution of complex problems he brings a clear understanding and his powers of coordination have enabled him to unite unrelated and even diverse elements into a harmonious whole.

WILLIAM V. HIGGINS.

At eighty years of age William V. Higgins is a hale and hearty man, and although he is now retired from business he remains a factor in the world's work, inasmuch as he gives out of the rich stores of his wisdom and experience for the benefit of others. For many years he was active in agricultural circles, likewise in the conduct of a mercantile business and in ginning, and won success that can be attributed to his energy and diligence and, above all, to his honesty and integrity. The years marked his advancement and at length he reached a position where he felt that his success and his age justified his retirement. The most envious could not grudge him his prosperity, so well has it been won and so worthily used.

William V. Higgins was born in Gibson county, Tennessee, on the 18th of August, 1841, a son of Michael M. and Mary L. (Partee) Higgins, hoth natives of the South- land. They came to Yell county, this state, in 1846, making the trip by boat, and the father purchased some land in the county. He cleared it himself and resided thereon until his removal to Perry county, where he farmed until his demise in 1855, when forty-six years of age. Mrs. Higgins died at the age of seventy-four years. Seven children were born to their union: Marcia, J. M. M., Pollyann, Mary Jane, Mathias P., and Arkansas, all deceased; and William V., whose name initiales this review. The family was reared in the faith of the Baptist church and Mr. Higgins was a stanch supporter of the democratic party, in the interests of which he took an active part.

In the acquirement of an education William V. Higgins attended the old log schoolhouses of Perry county, walking a distance of three miles each day. At the age of twenty years he enlisted in the Confederate army and served under Colonel Merrett and General Bowen, participating in many of the important battles of the war, among them those of Shiloh and Port Hudson. He was captured at Port Hudson but was soon paroled and then went into a hospital at Helena. He was in active service four years. At the close of hostilities he returned to Conway county, without a dollar to his name, and securing some land he engaged in farming, achieving such success as soon enabled him to buy a tract of land. He carried on general farming and stock raising and was known throughout the county as one of the most pro- gressive farmers. For five years Mr. Higgins conducted a mercantile business in Oppelo and he ran a steam gin there for three years. In every undertaking with which he was connected he won prosperity and in 1900 he retired from active business life. He

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is still interested in farming and owns six hundred and eighty acres of well improved land, from the rental of which he receives a substantial income. He is now residing in Ola with Thomas Howell.

Mr. Higgins was twice married. His first wife was Miss Isabelle Hallett, a native of Conway county, and her demise occurred in January, 1876. To their union two children were born, both of whom are deceased: One, whose demise occurred in infancy and Anna, who lived to the age of twenty-two years. Mr. Higgins' second marriage was to Miss Mary Pierce, a native of this state, and her death occurred on the 7th of January, 1916.

Since age conferred upon Mr. Higgins the right of franchise he was always a stanch supporter of the democratic party, although he neither sought nor desired public office, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his business interests. His re- ligious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church and he is a regular attendant at the church in Oppelo. Mr. Higgins has many friends throughout the county and there is no man more justly entitled to the proud American title of self-made man than he.

LOUIS C. DEWOODY, M. D.

Dr. Louis C. DeWoody, physician and surgeon of Hot Springs, was born in what is now Nevada county, Arkansas, near the city of Prescott, June 25. 1868, his parents being Mr. and Mrs. John A. DeWoody. The father was a planter, who served in the Confed- erate army during the Civil war, as did two of his brothers. He died when his son. Dr. DeWoody, was but three years of age, and the mother died when the Doctor was but two years old. The boy was then reared hy his uncle, Philip G. DeWoody, who was also an ex-Confederate soldier and who in times of peace followed the occupation of farming. Louis C. DeWoody acquired a common and high school education at Bluff City, Arkansas. He took up the study of medicine under the direction of his father-in- law, who was a physician. He continued his reading in this way for a time, and in 1894-1895 attended lectures at the State University at Little Rock. In the spring of 1895 he began the practice of his profession at Norphlet, Arkansas, where he remained for four months, and then returned to a point near his own home locality in Nevada county. He continued there for three years and next went to Stamps, Lafayette county, Arkansas, where he resided for six years. In 1908 he came to Hot Springs, where he has since specialized in genito-urinary diseases, having developed a high degree of efficiency in this particular branch of practice. He has studied thoroughly along that line, keeping in touch with the latest scientific researches and discoveries and as a genito-urological surgeon he has gained a notable position.

Dr. DeWoody is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and his life is ever guided by its teachings. Dr. DeWoody also belongs to the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, but has comparatively little time for lodge work, as his efforts and energies are demanded by his professional duties. He belongs to the County, Arkansas State and Southern Medical Associations. His ability is constantly augmented and promoted by his thorough study and research, and he is familiar with all that scientific research has brought to light concerning the profession, especially in the line to which he is mainly devoting his attention.

FREDERICK J. SCHMUTZ.

Frederick J. Schmutz, trust officer of the American Bank of Commerce & Trust Company of Little Rock, came to Arkansas from the land of the Alps, his birth having occurred in the beautiful city of Bern, Switzerland, March 5, 1871. He is a son of Gottlieb and Elizabeth (Schmied) Schmutz, who were likewise natives of Switzerland, the former born in 1840 and the latter in 1842. They were married in Canton Bern and became parents of two sons and five daughters, all of whom are living with the exception of one daughter. Crossing the Atlantic to the new world they made their way to Arkansas and took up their abode in the vicinity of Little Rock, where Gottlieb Schmutz followed the occupation of farming. He gave his political support to the republican party but was not an aspirant for public office. Both he and his wife died in the year 1881.

Frederick J. Schmutz was but ten years of age when left an orphan. He acquired his education in the public schools of Little Rock and in a business college and was thus qualified for lite's practical and responsible duties. Throughout his business career

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opportunity has ever been with him a call to action. He has utilized his chances for advancement wisely and well and step by step has progressed until he has reached the responsible position of trust officer in the American Bank of Commerce & Trust Company. He is likewise the vice president and one of the directors of the Lonoke Rice Milling Company. In business affairs his judgment is sound and sagacity keen, and by reason of these qualities and his well known spirit of fidelity he is proving most competent in the responsible position which he now fills in connection with one of the strongest financial institutions of the state.

On the 14th of February, 1914, Mr. Schmutz was united in marriage to Miss Lassie Shoffner, who was born in Cabot, Arkansas, in 1887. They have one child, a son, Frederick H., whose birth occurred March 20 1915. During the World war period Mr. Schmutz took active part in promoting all bond drives and otherwise holding the home lines which constituted the support of the great American Expeditionary Force on the western front. His political endorsement has always been given to the men and measures of the republican party at national elections since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He is a Master Mason and a member of the First Presbyterian church and in these associations are indicated the rules which govern his life and direct his conduct in relation to his fellowmen.

WILLIAM FRANCIS BARRETT.

William Francis Barrett, well known in newspaper circles in his section of the state as the owner of the Gillett Reporter, comes to Arkansas from Indiana, his birth having occurred at Fort Wayne, that state, while his natal day was June 23, 1884. His father, J. E. Barrett, was a farmer hy occupation and after following that pursuit in Indiana for some time removed to Sumner county, Kansas, while later he became a resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He married Elizabeth May.

Their son, William F. Barrett, spent his youthful days under the parental roof and acquired a public school education. He then turned his attention to newspaper publication and as a reporter on the Record and he not only wrote the editorials and supervised the composition but also learned the mechanical end of the business and did considerable work as a job printer. At length he determined to try his fortune in Arkansas and here worked on the Marianna Courier and later on the Daily World at Helena. He afterward removed to Clarksdale, Mississippi, where he became associated with the job department of the Daily Register. During all these years he was acquaint- ing himself thoroughly with every phase of the newspaper business and acquiring knowledge that has been of the utmost value to him since he started out in business on his own account. After severing his connection with the Daily Register at Clarksdale, Mississippi, he came to Gillett and purchased the Gillett Reporter. This paper was established in 1914 by Frank N. Henderson and was first printed in England, Arkansas, the papers being then shipped to Gillett. The next owner was W. Charles Hopper, who was later city editor of a paper published at Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Mr. Hopper sold the Reporter to Mr. Barrett on the 13th of October, 1919, and the latter has since developed this into a popular sheet, with a growing circulation in Gillett and vicinity. It has been placed on a safe basis, has become a good advertising medium by reason of its increased circulation and in connection with the publication of the paper Mr. Barrett does a good job printing business.

On November 15, 1915, Mr. Barrett was united in marriage to Miss May Dillingham of De Witt, Arkansas, and they have become the parents of a son, William Francis, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Barrett have made many friends during the period of their residence in Gillett. His social, genial nature makes for popularity wherever he goes and his fellow townsmen recognize in him an alert, energetic and progressive business man.

WILLIAM G. OWNBEY.

William G. Ownbey, a druggist of Springdale, in which city he was born November S, 1877, is a son of Julius F. and Elizabeth ( Eidson) Ownbey, both natives of Washington county, Arkansas. The father was a son of Porter M. and Martha ( Martin) Ownhey. who settled in Washington county during the period of the Civil war and the grand- father remained a resident of this section of the state until his death. His widow survives at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. They came to the state from Georgia and Porter M. Ownbey always followed the occupation of farming. His son, Julius F. Ownbey, was reared in Washington county and he, too, followed the occupa-

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tion of farming and also dealt in stock. He was one of the pioneers in the development of orchards in this county and contributed much to the upbuilding of the fortunes of others as well as to his own, through his successful introduction of fruit raising into this part of the state. He was a democrat in his political views and his religious faith was that of the Methodist Episcopal church. In early manhood he wedded Elizabeth Eidson, also a native of this county. She survives her husband and now makes her home in Springdale. They were the parents of three children, of whom two are living: William G. and Carl, the latter connected with the Farmers & Merchants Bank at Springdale.

William G. Ownbey was educated in the public and high schools of his native city and in the State University of Arkansas. In early life he began learning the drug business, with which he has since been identified, devoting his entire time to commercial activity of this character. He is owner of a large store in Springdale and also another at Fayetteville. His capable management, indefatigable energy and persistency of purpose have been dominant factors in the attainment of his present-day success.

In 1900 Mr. Ownbey was united in marriage to Miss Bertie Parker, a native of Illinois and a daughter of Theodore and Jane (Prater) Parker, who were likewise natives of that state. They came to Springdale about 1887 and Mr. Parker here engaged in the produce business, but he and his wife are now residents of the state of Washington. Mr. and Mrs. Ownbey have become parents of two children: Julian and Margaret, both in schcol. Mr. Ownbey belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, South, while his wife is a member of the Christian church. He is identified also with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and with the Masons and is a loyal follower of the teachings and purposes of these societies. His political endorsement is given to the democratic party and for five years he filled the office of alderman, taking active interest in all that pertained to the progress and development of the community He likewise filled the office of city recorder for two years and as mayor during a two years' term he gave to Springdale a businesslike and progressive administration that was thoroughly beneficial. He also has an interesting military record, for he was a National Guardsman when America became engaged in war with Spain. He saw his first service in 1898 as private in the First Arkansas Infantry and was stationed at Chickamauga Park. Again his military spirit was aroused when Mexico showed decided hostility to the United States in 1916 and he became a captain of the Second Arkansas Infantry, with which he went to the border, being there stationed through 1916 and 1917. In the latter year he was promoted to the rauk of major. He was graduated from the School of Musketry at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in 1917 and from the School of Fire for Field Artillery at Fort Sill in the same year. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel and was commissioned colonel by the Federal government in May, 1918, and placed in command of the One Hundred and Forty-second Field Artillery. He served with that unit in France from August, 1918, until June, 1919, when he returned home and received his discharge. He and his command did the firing for the artillery schools at Valdahon, France, and he is still holding his commission of colonel of the Field Artillery Reserve Corps, United States army.

Colonel Ownbey has spent his life in Springdale and his many sterling traits of character have gained for him the high esteem in which he is held. He has carefully directed and managed his business affairs and has made steady progress, well qualified for the work by reason of the fact that he is a graduate of the Ohio Institute of Pharmacy at Columbus and had thorough practical training. He has most wisely directed his activities along mercantile lines and has built up a large business at both Springdale and Fayetteville. What he has accomplished in the business world represents the fit utilization of his time and opportunities, while in matters of citizenship he has always stood for the highest and best, proving his loyalty to community and common- wealth in days of peace just as he has demonstrated his loyalty to the country in times of war.

FINIS E. STOCKTON.

Finis E. Stockton, identified with banking interests of Ozark, was born on a farm ten miles from this city, July 17, 1883. His grandfather, William Stockton, was a Confederate soldier, who was killed in the battle of Peach Tree Creek. The father, William G. Stockton, was born in Alabama and came to Franklin county, Arkansas, in 1880. He was a farmer and school teacher, being well educated for his day, in the schools of Alabama. The greater part of his life has been devoted to educational work and he is now principal of the school at Hodgen, Oklahoma. He is a thirty-second degree Mason and a past master of the blue lodge. His political allegiance is given to

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the democratic party and while residing in Franklin county, Arkansas, he served for two terms as county judge. In early manhood he married Hannah Ford, a native of Alabama and a daughter of George Ford, who also served as a soldier of the Confederate army, having participated in the battle of Shiloh, during which time one of his arms was shot off. He was a resident of Franklin county at the time of his demise. They were married in that county and became the parents of seven children, six of whom are living: Finis E .; 1nez, who married Joe Mantooth, a farmer, residing at Newport, Arkansas; Winnie, who is the wife of Bradley Cotton of Cowlington, Oklahoma, where he follows farming; William, a school teacher of Oklahoma; George, a farmer and school teacher, living at Rogers, Arkansas; Una, the wife of DeWitt Durham, a machinist of Allen, Oklahoma; and Sam, who is in the post office at Tulsa, Oklahoma. The wife and mother departed this life in 1905. In religious faith Mr. Stockton is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

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Centennial history of Arkansas, Part 25

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