Centennial history of Arkansas, Part 32

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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all times claimed his entire attention. He owns oil interests in and near El Dorado and the outlook for oil development in Arkansas is so favorable that undoubtedly he will win large results through that channel.

Mr. Alphin was married first to Miss Amy Pinson and they became parents of a son, Hendrick J. For his second wife Mr. Alphin chose Mary Armstrong and they have two children: Samuel David, who is four and a half years of age; and Jim Armstrong, a little lad of two summers.

Mr. Alphin and his family are widely known and their circle of friends is almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintance. Mr. Alphin has always been too busy with his various commercial and financial interests to take active part in politics, but his cooperation in support of public welfare in his home town is never sought in vain.

CHARLES N. ROCKAFELLOW.

While Hot Springs has within its midst almost every known enterprise and line of business that is found in every great cosmopolitan center the city largely stands to the outside world as a place famous for its wonderful medicinal bathing facilities obtained from the hot springs from which the city derives its name. It was in this connection that Charles N. Rockafellow had reached a place of notable prominence in the business world as proprietor of the Rockafellow Bathhouse and also of the Rockafellow Hotel and Apart- ments, for with the steady and growing influx of visitors to the city the question of hotel accommodation came steadily to the front and there is perhaps no city of equal size in the country which can offer such advantages and opportunities in the way of hotel service as Hot Springs. In this connection Charles N. Rockafellow manifested a most progressive spirit and the extent and importance of his business affairs and his activities along other lines made him one of the most distinguished residents of the city. He was one of a family of seven children, two sons and five daughters, whose parents were Mr. and Mrs. Abraham J. Rockafellow. The mother's maiden name was Newcomb. The father was a prosperous farmer of the state of Illinois, devoting many years to agricultural pursuits but ultimately living retired. He settled in Galva, Henry county, Illinois, where for many years the family residence was maintained.

Charles N. Rockafellow was born in Illinois, September 25, 1842, and pursued his edu- cation in the public schools of Galva until he had completed his high school work. In ycung manhood he turned to mercantile pursuits, accepting a clerkship but following the outbreak of the Civil war he answered the call of the Union and followed the stars and stripes into southern battle fields. He served as a private, was for a time a member of a band and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, serving with distinction for four years and eight months, manifesting the utmost valor and loyalty during the entire period.

Immediately after the close of the war Mr. Rockafellow went to New Orleans and later became a resident of Chicago, where he engaged in the drug business. On remov- ing from that city he took up his abode in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he became bag- gage master for the Rock Island Railroad, continuing with that corporation until he removed to Hot Springs in the year 1868. Here he established a drug store, which he conducted with marked success for some time and then turned his attention to the busi- ness that occupied his time throughout his remaining days. He established one of the finest bathhouses of the city, also the Rockafellow Hotel and Apartments, and, moreover, he built a beautiful residence, in which his widow now resides at No. 212 Whittington avenne. In the construction of the bathhouse he maintained the highest scientific and sanitary principles, with due regard also to the comfort and convenience of the patrons and the most advanced standards were also employed in the erection and conduct of the hotel and the apartments which he built. He closely studied the modern-day conditions and demands and even anticipated modern needs, giving to the public almost unpre- cedented service in both lincs of his business.

Mr. Rockafellow was united in marriage to Miss Mahala J. Golding, a daughter of James Golding, of a well known Virginia family, the wedding being celebrated on the 10th of December, 1868. They became the parents of two sons: Charles A., who was born No- vember 20, 1870, and who succeeded his father in business; and William B., who was born at Hot Springs, January 1, 1874.

Mr. Rockafellow gave his political allegiance to the republican party, being a firm advocate of its principles. On several occasions he served as alderman of Hot Springs, exercising his official prerogatives in support of many progressive plans and movements for the public good. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity and was a loyal follower of the teachings and purposes of the craft. In every relation of life he measured up to high standards and in his business career his position was one of leadership, for he displayed

CHARLES N. ROCKAFELLOW

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not only the sterling qualities of enterprize and progressiveness but also a creative genius. By reason of his splendidly conducted affairs he left to his family a handsome estate. His wife and sons occupy a very prominent position in the social circles of the city and the name of Rockafellow continues to figure most notably in connection with events which are leaving a lasting impression on the business development and social life of Hot Springs,

THE NEAL FAMILY.

From early pioneer times the Neal family have resided in Arkansas and its rep- resentatives have borne an important and helpful part in the upbuilding and development of the state. The family was established in Pope county by Samuel and Elizabeth Neal and it was on their farm in the old Piney community that their youngest child, Thomas McFadden Neal, was born on the 6th of May, 1848. He was reared and educated in that locality and was a man of initiative spirit and marked executive ability whose business affairs were most capably conducted. In 1896 he established the Bank of Russellville, of which he was made president, and continued to act in that capacity until his demise. He also owned valuable real estate in Russellville, Morrillton and Dover, Arkansas, and likewise had made judicious investments in property in Oklahoma, accumulating a sub- stantial competence through his intelligently directed efforts and unwearied industry. He was a veteran of the Civil war, enlisting in the Confederate army when but a boy, and fraternally he was identified with the Masonic order, in which he attained high rank. He was a devout Christian, joining the Methodist Episcopal church, South, when twenty years of age, and for forty years he was a member of its board of stewards. A man of powerful physique, his was a personality that would attract attention in any crowd. On the 18th of February, 1875, Mr. Neal was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Gunn, who is a native of Dover. Pope county, and has reached the age of sixty-eight years. They became the parents of four children: Thomas Carroll, W. G., Sarah and George S. Mr. Neal died at Russellville on the 7th of November, 1921, and a touching and beautiful tribute to his life and character was read at the funeral by his pastor, who had known him for many years, the following being a brief extract therefrom: "We bury today one of our oldest and most prominent citizens. He was one of the outstanding men of our community life, a gentleman of the old school, a man of integrity and conviction."

The eldest son, Thomas Carroll Neal, left home when a young man, going to West Virginia, and for thirteen years he was identified with oil and banking in that state. He then went to Chicago and for the past twelve years has made his home in that city, occupying a foremost position in its financial circles as vice president of the Central Trust Company of Illinois. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and is identified with the Masonic fraternity, having held several offices in his lodge.

W. G. Neal, the second son, was born March 26, 1878, and was graduated from the Russellville high school with the class of 1896. Soon afterward he entered his father's store at Dover, assisting in its operation for two years, and following the establishment of the Bank of Russellville by Mr. Neal, Sr., he became identified with the institution, first acting as collection boy. His connection with the bank dates from December 27, 1897, and through merit and ability he has gradually worked his way upward from one position to another of greater importance and responsibility until he is now filling the office of president, succeeding his father. Under the able instruction of his father he acquired a comprehensive understanding of the principles of modern finance and much of the prestige which the institution now enjoys is attributable to his conscientious and efficient work. His standing in business circles is of the highest and he ranks with the leading financiers of this part of the state. On the 29th of January, 1901, Mr. Neal married Miss Lucy Youngblood, a native of Russellville and a daughter of T. F. Young- blood, who was here engaged in the commission business for a number of years, but is now a resident of San Antonio, Texas. To this union has been born a daughter, Gladys Carroll. She specialized in expression at the Henderson & Brown College of Arkadelphia. Arkansas, in the State University, and in the Harnor Institute at Kansas City and is now teaching in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. Mr. Neal is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and is identified with the Masonic fraternity. He devotes his entire time to the management of the bank and his work sustains the enterprising spirit that has long been synonymous with the family name in Russellville.

Sarah, the third member of the family, married Brown Rogers, a leading attorney of Russellville, who is now capably filling the office of mayor, retiring from the practice of law to engage in the mercantile business.

George S. Neal, the youngest son, was born at Dover in December, 1888, and acquired

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his education in the local schools and also at Lehanon, Tennessee. When but seventeen years of age he entered the Bank of Russellville, with which he has since been con- nected, and is now filling the position of cashier. He is faithful to the interests in his charge and is recognized as a progressive and capable young business man. He is also affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and is likewise a member of the Masonic fraternity.

SAMUEL C. VAN LEER, M. D.

There is no city which can claim so many ahle and prominent physicians as Hot Springs and among those who are successfully following the profession in this city is Dr. Samuel C, Van Leer, who comes to Arkansas from Texas, his birth having occurred in Bonham, on the 4th of April, 1861. He there resided to the age of seventeen years and laid the foundation of his education in attendance at the public schools. He then entered the Milwaukee Medical School, at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, wherein he was a student for a year and on the expiration of that period he went to New York, where he remained for three years. He had been reared on a ranch, so that his early ex- periences made him familiar with various phases of outdoor life. The old home property is located in the great oil districts of Texas. He was seventeen years of age when his parents died and it was then that he became a student in a boarding school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, while later he spent three years in a boarding school in New York city. He is a postgraduate of the Post Graduate Hospital Medical College and has taken post- graduate work in other hospitals in New York. Having qualified for the practice of medicine he came to Hot Springs iu 1895, opened an office and has since given his atten- tion to his professional duties, which have constantly grown in volume and importance. He specializes in skin and blood diseases and has splendidly qualified for work of this character by reason of his post-graduate studies in the polyclinic of Chicago and in the hospitals of the east. He did postgraduate work on skin and cancer in New York.

Dr. Van Leer married Nora Paxton and they have two daughters: Ava, the wife of Dr. William H. Deaderick of Hot Springs; and Gladys, the wife of Cecil Parker of Hot Springs.

Twenty-six years have been added to the cycle of the centuries since Dr. Van Leer came to Hot Springs and throughout the intervening period he has made steady progress in his profession, ranking extremely high as a specialist in skin and cancer diseases. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and all who know him appreciate the social qualities of his nature, which make for popularity among his many acquaintances.

WILLIAM FRAZER.

William Frazer, an enterprising and successful business man of Gravette, conducting extensive real estate interests, has been a resident of the town since its establishment and in the work of development and improvement here he has played an important part. He was born in Fulton county, Illinois, October 12, 1852, a son of Rev. James A. and Sarah J. (Stevenson) Frazer, the former a native of Kentucky, while the latter was born in Ohio. They were married in Illinois, having removed to that state as young people, and subsequently they became residents of Iowa, locating in the Hawkeye state in 1855. The father was a minister of the United Brethren church and devoted his life to spreading the gospel, his lahors proving effective forces for good in the communities which he served. From Iowa he went to northern Missouri and thence to McPherson county, Kansas, where he became the owner of a well improved farm. There the mother died and following her demise he made his home with his children, departing this life at Shawnee, Oklahoma, about 1914. He was at first a republican in his political views but on removing to Kansas joined the populist party. In the family were twelve children, of whom ten are living, the subject of this review being the second in order of birth.

In the schools of northern Missouri, William Frazer acquired his education and early in life took up the occupation of farming, heginning the purchase of stock when eighteen years of age. He later went to Kansas and in 1881 came to Arkansas, settling on a farm in Benton county, and took up his residence in Gravette the year in which the town was founded. He at first engaged in the drug business but at the end of a year sold the enterprise and turned his attention to real estate, becoming associated with a Mr. A. C. Veach. He has since been connected with real estate activities here and has negotiated many important property transfers, also handling insurance at one

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time, but has disposed of his interests along that line. He likewise engages in loaning money and has built up an extensive business in both real estate and loans, displaying foresight, energy and marked executive ability in the management of his affairs. In addition, he owns two valuable farms in Benton county and is also a stockholder in the First National Bank, formerly serving as one of its directors and also on the directorate of. the Bank of Gravette.

In Missouri, on the 12th of August, 1879, Mr. Frazer was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Bales, a native of Tennessee. Her father was a soldier in the Confederate army during the Civil war and was killed in service and following his demise she made her home with a sister, Mrs. Calvin Robinson. Mrs. Frazer is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and endeavors to guide her life by its teachings. Mr. Frazer is a stanch republican in his political views and his fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to public office. He was justice of the peace for one term and for eight terms served as mayor of Gravette, his long continuance in the office being indisputable proof of his trustworthiness and ability. Diligence and determination have constituted the foundation upon which he has reared the superstructure of success and as the architect of his own fortunes he has builded wisely and well, while at the same time he has contributed in large measure to the improvement and development of the community in which he resides.

ANDY F. WARD.

Andy F. Ward, a coal operator of Clarksville, watchful of the signs of the times and taking advantage of the business opportunities offered, thereby making his way to success, is regarded as one of the representative residents of Johnson county. He was born in Clarksville, April 14, 1869, and is a son of David and Mary (Collins) Ward. The father was a native of Tazewell county, Virginia, born in 1815 and his life record covers the intervening years to 1889. He was a son of David Ward, who was also born in Tazewell county, Virginia, and who came to Arkansas in 1827, settling on a farm which he obtained from the government. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made upon the land but he transformed it into a richly productive tract and as the years passed became the owner of a large amount of land in this section of the state. In fact he was the wealthiest man of his day in this section, owning not only an extensive plantation but also a number of slaves. He left a will that is recorded in the courthouse and is a somewhat unique and most interesting paper. He married Ellen Cravens, representative of one of the prominent families of Virginia and Arkansas. Their son, David Ward, father of A. F. Ward, was one of those who went to California through the attraction of gold discoveries on the Pacific coast. There he went through all of the experiences of life on the far western frontier. He did not marry until he reached the age of fifty-four years and until after his return to Arkansas. In Johnson county he wedded Mary Collins, who was married three times, Mr. Ward being her third husband. She was born in Johnson county and is still living at the notable age of ninety-eight years. Her father was a native of Tennessee and hecame one of the pioneers of Arkansas. Like his father, David Ward owned a large amount of land in Johnson county and was quite successful in his business affairs. He voted with the democratic party and his religious faith was that of the Presbyterian church. To him and his wife were born two children, the eldest being a daughter, now Mrs. Effie Dunlap of Clarks- ville, who was born in 1867.

The son, Andy F. Ward was educated in the public schools of Clarksville and started out in life on a farm. As the years passed he acquired a large amount of land and in 1906 he became identified with the coal industry. He has handled coal since that time and is now one of the well known and successful operators in this part of the state. In 1901 he organized the Arkansas Fruit & Farm Company and set out three hundred acres of fruit trees, being the first man to engage in horticultural pursuits in Johnson county. Prior to this time he was extensively engaged in breeding and feeding cattle. As his orchard began to bear fruit he shipped a large amount of fruit from the county and made considerable money on that venture. He managed the business for the com- pany, but sold his fruit interests about 1914 and is now concentrating his efforts and attention upon the handling of coal. In business affairs he has ever displayed sound judgment and unfaltering enterprise and steadily has his success increased as the result of his close application and earnest purpose.

In 1895 Mr. Ward was united in marriage to Miss Kittie King, who was born in Johnson county, Arkansas, a daughter of Jasper King, a pioneer farmer of the county. Mrs. Ward pursued her education in the Presbyterian College of Clarksville and by her marriage she has become the mother of five children: Andy F., Jr., who is engaged in

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the manufacture of fruit baskets and has developed a large plant at Clarkesville; Allene, the wife of Pat McWilliams, assistant cashier of the First National Bank at Clarksville and also engaged in the coal business; Lucile, at home; J. D., who is a student in the Virginia Military Institute at Lexington, Virginia; and King, who is attending the College of the Ozarks in Clarksville. The parents are members of the Presbyterian church and are interested in the moral progress and development of the city. Mr. Ward also belongs to the Masonic fraternity and has taken the degrees of hoth the York and Scottish Rites. He has membership with the Knights of Pythias and the Woodmen of the World and his political allegiance is given to the democratic party, but he has never sought nor desired office, preferring to devote his attention to his business affairs. His entire time is given to his individual interests along the line of mining and other business. He is connected with the Clark McWillams Coal Company and the McWilliams Ward Coal Company and in addition he is a director of the First National Bank and the May Marlar Wholesale Company, the Clarksville Mercantile Company and the Clarksville Basket & Manufacturing Company. His varied business interests indicate the prominent part which he plays in connection with the development and upbuilding of the city. He certainly deserves much credit for what he has accom- plished. In the early days he chopped wood, hauled it to town and in this way gained his start. He represents one of the old pioneer families of the county. His grandfather in the paternal line owned the land where Clarksville now stands and from that day to the present the Ward family has taken active part in the progress and upbuilding of this section of the state. Mr. Ward has served on the school board and has always been a friend of education and of every progressive measure having to do with public welfare, but most of all his attention has been directed in the field of business and his activities have ever been of a character which have contributed to public progress and prosperity as well as to individual success.

DANIEL HON.

In professional circles Daniel Hon has made a creditable name and place for himself, being now engaged in the practice of law in Fort Smith with a large clientage that is indicative of the confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen, who recognize his professional ability and have employed his service in connection with important litigated interests. Mr. Hon was born in Scott county, Arkansas, in 1860, a son of Jackson Hon, one of the pioneer settlers of this state, who came to the southwest from White county, Illinois, in 1836. He was a son of Jonas Hon, who had formerly resided in Kentucky. Desirous of enjoying the opportunities furnished in the southwest, Jackson Hon came to this state and contributed to the development and upbuilding of Arkansas during the long years of his residence here. He wedded Lucy Huie, and they continued to reside in Arkansas throughout their remaining days, the former passing away in the village of Hon, which was named in his honor. In their family were eleven children, three of whom are living.

Liberal educational opportunities were accorded Daniel Hon, who after mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools continued his studies in the University of Arkansas, from which he won the Bachelor of Arts degree upon graduation with the class of 1882. In early manhood he taught school in Scott county but regarded this merely as an initial step to other professional activity, for it was his desire to become a member of the bar and he took up the task of reading law when in Scott county and later became a law student in Cumberland University. Having qualified for admission to the har, he then located for practice at Waldron. Arkansas, and was not long in demonstrating his ability in the field of his chosen profession. His fellow towns- men, appreciating his worth and his fidelity to high standards of the legal profession, elected him to the office of county probate judge and continued him in the position through reelection for two terms. He was afterward elected circuit judge of the twelfth judicial circuit and in order to be near the seat of justice he removed to Fort Smith, where the court was held. He is now filling the position of referee in bankruptcy in the federal court and he is also the vice president of the Arkansas Refining Company of Fort Smith. As a lawyer he is clear, sound-minded and well trained. His legal learning, his analytical mind, the readiness with which he grasps the points in an argument, all combine to make him one of the capable judges of the circuit court of the state and the public and the profession acknowledge his ability, manifest in his service on the bench.

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Centennial history of Arkansas, Part 32

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