Centennial history of Arkansas, Part 33

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 1888 Judge Hon was united in marriage to Miss Maggie P. Gaines, a daughter of F. C. Gaines, and they became the parents of four children: Lucy, who is a graduate of the University of Arkansas and taught school both in this state and in Alaska, became

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the wife of W. M. Cuddy in the far northwest, where they still make their home; Mahel is the wife of P. Woods and she, too, was liberally educated, having graduated from Clarendon College and from the University of Arkansas, while for a time she engaged in teaching in Texas; Mildred, a graduate of the University of Arkansas, taught schoot at Shelbyville, Kentucky, and later became the wife of Dr. H. E. Murray of Texarkana. who was a lieutenant of the Medical Corps during the World war; Gaines, a graduate of the University of Arkansas, completes the family. Judge and Mrs. Hon are well known in Fort Smith and other sections of the state, and along the line of his profession the Judge has won distinction, success and prominence. His decisions always indicated strong mentality, careful analysis, a thorough knowledge of the law and an unbiased judgment. The judge on the bench fails more frequently perhaps from a deficiency in that broad-mindedness which not only comprehends the details of a situation quickly and insures a complete self-control under even the most exasperating conditions, than from any other cause; and the judge who makes a success in the discharge of his multitudinous delicate duties is a man of well-rounded character, finely balanced mind and splendid intellectual attainments. That Judge Hon was regarded as such a jurist is a uniformly accepted fact and he is enjoying an extensive practice as a representative of the bar.

REV. PATRICK FRANCIS HORAN.

Rev. Patrick Francis Horan, a representative of the Catholic priesthood, now in charge of the Church of the Immaculate Conception of Fort Smith, was born in Ireland, in the year 1866. Liberal educational training prepared him for the life work which he entered upon. He was educated in the American College at Rome, Italy, and was ordained to the priesthood in 1892 by Cardinal Parrochi in the city of Rome. Coming to America, his first pastorate was at Little Rock, Arkansas, where he was placed in charge of the Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel. There he continued his labors successfully for about twelve years. On the expiration of that period he came to Fort Smith, where he has remained pastor of the Church of the Immaculate Conception for about fifteen years and under his guidance the church has made steady progress. Its work is well organized and the labors of Rev. Father Horan are productive of good results in the upbuilding of the cause.

Rev. Father Horan is a forceful man and an eloquent speaker, who is often called upon to address public meetings. He is interested in the general welfare aud throws the weight of his aid and influence on the side of public progress and improvement. He is popular with all classes and is greatly loved by the people of his parish.

SAM ROREX.

Sam Rorex, member of the Yell county bar, residing at Dardanelle and filling the office of prosecuting attorney, was born near Russellville, Arkansas, October 11, 1886. He represents one of the old southern families, his grandfather being J. W. Rorex, a native of Alabama, who came to Arkansas soon after the Civil war, in which he had served for four years as a member of the Confederate army. He was wounded and captured at Vicksburg, Mississippi. His last days were spent in Pope county, where he departed this life at the age of sixty-five years. His son, George Rorex, who was born in Alabama, is now living at the age of fifty-six years. In Pope county, Arkansas, he was married to Miss Ida Aston, a native of Mississippi, as was her father, who spent his life in that state. He, too, was a Confederate soldier, whose service covered the four-year period of the Civil war. It was in 1871 that George Rorex came to Arkansas, while his wife arrived in Pope county in 1884. He has always followed the occupation of farming and is also a merchant at Fowler, Arkansas. His political allegiance has ever been given to the democratic party and fraternally he is connected with the Masons, the Odd Fellows and the Woodmen. He and his wife belong to the Baptist church and their loyal support of the church and close adherence to its teachings have made them most highly respected people of the community. They became parents of five children, four of whom are living: Sam, of this review; Albert, who is assistant cashier of the Farmers Bank at Dardanelle and who was at Camp Pike during the World war; and Viola and Robert E., who are living with their parents.

Sam Rorex pursued his education in Ouachita College and in the University of Arkansas, becoming a student in the law department at Little Rock. He was admitted to the bar in 1913 and entered upon the active practice of his profession in Danville,

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where he remained until 1916, when he came to Dardanelle, and has here since made his home. He engaged in general practice here until 1920, when he was elected prosecut- ing attorney of the fifth judicial circuit and has since filled the office. There are four counties in his district, Yell, Pope, Johnson and Conway. His professional and official duties make heavy demand upon his time and energies and he has proven most capable in meeting official requirement. He prepares his cases with great thoroughness and care and his ability is manifest in the many favorable verdicts which he has won.

In 1917 Mr. Rorex was married to Miss Floy Pierce Leming, who was born in Yell county and is a daughter of Dr. E. Leming, who practiced medicine at Danville to the time of his death. Mr. and Mrs. Rorex have two children: Edna, three years of age; and Sam, who is in his first year.

Mr. Rorex served in the United States army at Camp Pike during the World war for a period of eleven months. He has figured quite prominently in public affairs as an active supporter of the democratic party and in 1913, and again in 1915, was a member of the state legislature. During his connection with the general assembly he gave thoughtful and earnest consideration to all vital questions which came up for settlement and served as chairman of the house judiciary committee. He is a Scottish Rite Mason and member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and his religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, South. His life has been guided by high and honorable principles in every relation and he holds to advanced standards in matters of citizenship and of public service.

JAMES W. STEPHENS, D. D. S.

Dr. James W. Stephens, a representative of the dental profession practicing in Pine Bluff, was born in Sheridan, Arkansas, in April, 1885, and is a son of J. G. and S. E. (Sudduth) Stephens. The grandfather in the paternal line served in the Confederate army and on removing westward from Georgia took up his abode in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Dr. J. E. Stephens, a brother of Dr. James W. Stephens, is a successful dentist practicing at Benton, this state.

Dr. James W. Stephens was educated in the Vanderbilt University and entered upon the practice of his profession at Sheridan, Arkansas, after having completed a thorough and comprehensive course of study well qualifying him for the onerous and difficult duties of the profession. He has an office well supplied with the latest equipments and the multitudinous delicate little instruments that are used in dental practice and he is regarded as a most capable dental surgeon. He served as a member of the state board of dental examiners from 1913 until 1918 and he is a prominent and valued member of the Arkansas State Dental Society, of which he was treasurer from 1909 until 1911. It was in the latter year that he came to Pine Bluff, where he has since practiced, and his patronage has grown year by year.

In 1907 Dr. Stephens was united in marriage to Miss Janie Hayes, a daughter of W. F. Hayes of Nashville, Tennessee, and they are parents of two children: Louise and Wilma Jean. In his fraternal relations Dr. Stephens is a Mason and also an Odd Fellow, loyally following the teachings and purposes of these orders, while his religious faith is that of the Baptist church. The sterling traits of his character and the prin- ciples of his manhood have insured him a creditable and enviable position in the regard of his fellow townsmen.

JUSTIN MATTHEWS.

Justin Matthews, a Little Rock capitalist, is one of the most enterprising and success- ful business men of Arkansas. His birth occurred at Monticello, Drew county, this state, December 23, 1875, his parents being Samuel James and Anna (Wilson) Matthews, whose family numbered six daughters and three sons, of whom three daughters and all of the sons are yet living. The father was both an attorney and horticulturist and was prominent in connection with many events which have left their impress upon the history of the state. In 1874 he was a delegate to the constitutional convention and during an active life he did not a little to shape public thought and opinion.

Justin Matthews acquired his early education in the public schools of Monticello, Arkansas, and afterward continued his studies in the Hindman University School at Monticello. His life has been one of intense and well directed activity. Throughout his entire career his industry has been untiring, and he has quickly recognized and utilized opportunities for advancing his business affairs and has just as quickly put forth equally

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effective effort for the welfare and progress of the state. He has demonstrated his faith in Little Rock and her future by large investment in property in this city until his holdings are now very extensive. "His father, Samuel James Matthews, was a man of substance, of high integrity and strong character and was particularly notable as a man of intellectual independence. Justin Matthews has inherited many of these sterling traits and has the same intellectual independence, which enables him to pursue a course which he believes to be right without considering public opinion or swerving from his position because of the criticism of others. He thinks out individually and he has achieved his purpose through determined effort wisely directed. He has been the champion of many public improvements in the state and particularly in connection with the development of good roads. It has been said of him that none has done more to put through the present good roads program of Arkansas and that he is an enthusiast in his faith in the larger future of Little Rock and the state." One of the most prominent public improvements with which he has been actively identified is the Broadway bridge and he is accredited with being the father of the scheme. In 1913 he commenced single handed to work for the construction of this bridge and his efforts have been crowned with success for now it is well under way and before long it will be completed.

On the 16th of January, 1900, in the capital city, Mr. Matthews was married to Miss Agnes Somers, who was born in Pulaski county, Arkansas, in 1880. They have become parents of six children, four living, namely: Justin, born in 1901; John Pope; Henrietta Ann; and Somers.

Politically Mr. Matthews is a democrat, having given unswerving allegiance to the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He belongs to the Country Club and those who meet him socially as well as those with whom he comes in contact in a business way regard him as a forceful, capable and representative citizen, one whose well formulated plans are carried steadily forward to success-plans which have not only been of great individnal benefit but have also constituted a potent element in the growth and progress of community and commonwealth.

O. M. YOUNG.

O. M. Young, president of O. M. Young & Company, engaged in the abstract insurance and real estate loan business in Stuttgart, and also a member of the law firm of Young & Elms, is actuated in all that he does by a spirit of laudable ambition that has enabled him to forge steadily to the front in both business and professional connections. A native of Missouri, he was born in Shelby county, May 5, 1890, and is a son of Robert P. and Fannie (Highland) Young. The father, a native of Shelby county, Missouri, is a son of S. and Joan (Forsythe) Young, the former a native of Kentucky, whence he removed to Missouri. S. Young was called to fill the office of county judge in Shelby county and made an excellent record on the bench. He afterward removed to Arkansas in company with his family, save his son, Robert P. Young. He settled at Stuttgart, taking up his abode here many years ago, so that through an extended period the Young family has been represented in this part of the state, becoming actively identified with its development and progress. Judge Young was a Civil war veteran, aiding in the defense of the Confederacy, while in times of peace his labors were a potent force in connection with the public life and material welfare of the community. The mother of O. M. Young was a daughter of John and Jane (Crawford) Highland, and her father, a native of Scotland, settled near Bowling Green, Kentucky, following his emigration to the new world. Robert P. and Fannie (Highland) Young, parents of O. M. Young, re- sided for many years in Shelby county, Missouri, there continuing to make their home until 1898, when they removed to Stuttgart, Arkansas. They had a family of two sons, the younger being James E., who is engaged in the hardware business in Stuttgart, where he succeeded his father, who had been the founder of the store and had success- fully carried on the business for a number of years.

O. M. Young was a lad of but eight years when the family home was established in Stuttgart, so that he pursued much of his early education in the public schools of this city, passing through consecutive grades to the high school. After he attended the Arkansas Military Academy and subsequently became a law student in the University of Arkansas. Having qualified for law practice, he opened an office in Little Rock but afterward removed to Stuttgart, where he has continued as an active and resourceful member of the Arkansas county bar. In 1912 he organized an abstract company but later disposed of his interest in that business and formed a new company, which was incorporated under the name of O. M. Young & Company, of which Mr. Young is the president, with M. K. Boutwell as vice president and J. W. Boutwell as secretary. This company is now conducting a large and growing abstract and real estate loan business

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and Mr. Young is largely directing the affairs of the company, making it one of the profitable business concerns of the city. He also continues in the practice of law and has been connected with much important litigation.

In 1911 Mr. Young was united in marriage to Miss Zula Patrick of Little Rock, a daughter of Z. W. and Lena (Slemmons) Patrick. Mr. Young and his wife are members of the Christian church and their interest always centers in those channels through which flow the greatest and most permanent good to the greatest number. He is identified with several fraternal organizations, being a Knights Templar and Scottish Rite Mason and Mystic Shriner, a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Modern Woodmen of America. During the World war he was chairman of the Red Cross for Arkansas county and a director of the Liberty Loan drives. He stands at all times for those interests which feature most largely in connection with public progress and welfare and while at all times upholding the legal and moral status of the community, he is, through his abstract and real estate loan business, also promoting the material progress of this section of the state.

OBIE R. KELLY, M. D.

One of the prominent physicians and surgeons of Grant county is Dr. Obie R. Kelly, a resident of Sheridan. His birth occurred on the 10th of June, 1885, in Belfast, Grant county, a son of Miles and Lydia ( Wells) Kelly, both natives of Georgia. They were married in that state and came to Arkansas in the early '80s, locating on a farm in Grant county. The demise of Mrs. Kelly occurred in 1893. Mr. Kelly is now living retired in the village of Prattsville, Grant county, and is a highly respected and beloved citizen of that community.

In the acquirement of an education Obie R. Kelly attended the common schools of Grant county and the Prattsville high school. His earliest ambition was to become a doctor and subsequently he enrolled in the medical department of the University of Arkansas, remaining there during 1905. He then spent two years in the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Little Rock and in 1909 received his M. D. degree from the medical department of the University of Kentucky at Louisville. Immediately after graduation he located in Carthage, Dallas county, this state, where he had previously practiced during his vacations after completing his second course of lectures, and he remained there until December of the year 1913. In that year he came to Sheridan. He has since resided here and is enjoying a most successful practice, having won for himself an enviable position among the leading members of the medical profession in Grant county.

In 1913 Dr. Kelly was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Forrester of Carthage, and to their union one child has been born: Mary Ellen. Dr. Kelly has always given his political allegiance to the democratic party, having firm belief in the principles of that party as factors in good government. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the Baptist church here and are generous contributors to its support. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, holding membership in Sheridan Lodge, No. 260, F. & A. M. Along strictly professional lines Dr. Kelly holds membership in the American Medical Association, Southern Medical Association, Arkansas State and Grant County Medical Societies and for some time was president of the last named organization. He is a con- stant student of his profession and through membership in these societies and through reading the best medical literature keeps in touch with advance being made by eminent members of the profession throughout the country. Dr. Kelly devotes the greater part of his time to his practice hut is ever cognizant of the duties and responsibilities as well as the privileges of citizenship and to that end takes an active part in the further- ance of any movement for the development and improvement of the general welfare. He is one of the leading physicians and surgeons of the county and state and is held in high esteem, both by his professional brethren and his fellowmen.

CHARLES CALLOWAY PRICE, M. D.

Dr. Charles Calloway Price, a man of high professional attainments, has devoted twenty-five years to the practice of medicine and surgery and is numbered among the leading physicians of Desha county, having maintained an office at Dumas since 1911. He was born in Franklin county, Virginia, July 16, 1872, a son of Owen H. and Lucy (Taliaferro) Price, both of whom were natives of that state. The father was one of the most prominent men in public affairs of Franklin county, filling various important

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public offices, and for about eighteen years prior to his demise he served as clerk of the circuit court, most capably discharging the duties of that position. He died at Rockymount, Virginia, the county seat of Franklin county, in 1910, when sixty-eight years of age. The mother was called to her final rest in 1889.

In the acquirement of au education Charles Calloway Price attended the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and Washington and Lee University at Lexington, that state. In 1893 he matriculated in the Medical College of Virginia, from which he was graduated in 1896, and then served an interneship in the Rebecca Sanitarium at Roanoke, Virginia, thus gaining valuable practical experience. On the 1st of January, 1897, he opened an office in Douglas, Lincoln county, Arkansas, where he successfully followed his profession for thirteen years, and in 1910 he became connected with the Rockefeller Foundation as a member of the hookworm commission, serving in that capacity for about ten mouths. In January, 1911, he came to Dumas, where he has since been located, and in the inter- vening period he has built up a large practice. He has never regarded his education as completed with the termination of his college work but has ever remained a close and discriminating student of his profession and in 1904 he took a postgraduate course in the New York Polyclinic, while in 1917 he attended Tulane University at New Orleans, Louisiana, thereby greatly promoting his knowledge and efficiency. In addition to his activities in the medical profession Dr. Price is also acting as engineer of the Desha drainage district, No. 5.

In 1915 was solemnized the marriage of Charles C. Price and Miss Ruth Kiteley of Dumas, and they have become the parents of two children: Charles C., Jr. aud Alfie T. Dr. and Mrs. Price are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and Dr. Price is serving on its board of stewards. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, be- longing to Omega Lodge, No. 547, F. & A. M., and Victory Chapter, No. 113, R. A. M., and he is also connected with the Knights of Pythias, while his professional relations are with the Desha County and Arkansas State Medical Societies. Progress has been the keynote of his career and he is an exponent of all that is highest, best and most advanced in the practice of medicine and surgery and of all that is most worthy and honorable in his relations to his fellowmen.

HUGH RUDEN CARTER.

Hugh Ruden Carter, city improvement engineer of Little Rock, with broad knowledge of the scientific principles which underlie his work and comprehensive practical ex- perience in all that has to do with road building and other lines of city improvement, was born in Winfield, Kansas, on the 27th of June, 1887, while his parents were on a visit there, the family home being at that time in the city of Fayetteville, Arkansas. He is a son of James David and Mary Josephine (Glass) Carter. The father was born in the vicinity of Fayetteville in 1855 and still makes his home in that city, where he has retired from active business. His political endorsement is given to the republican party. His wife was born in Fayetteville in 1859 and their marriage was celebrated in the year 1876. They have become parents of three sons and two daughters, all yet living with the exception of one daughter.

Hugh R. Carter acquired his early education in the Fayetteville public schools and afterward was graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1907 with the degree of Bachelor of Civil Engineering, while in 1914 the Civil Engineer degree was conferred upon him. He has always devoted his attention to professional interests and duties, specializing in the building of highways and pavements, and his advanced knowledge and expert skill have led to his selection for the important office of city improvement engineer at Little Rock. He was formerly state highway engineer of Arkansas from 1913 until 1919 and he is now consulting engineer for eleven road districts in the state. He finds ready and correct solution for the many intricate and involved professional problems which confront him in connection with the execution of the duties of his office and the private practice of his profession.

On the 21st of December, 1910, in Texarkana. Mr. Carter was married to Miss Velma Mary Robins, who was born at that place in 1889. They have membership in the First Methodist Episcopal church, South, and fraternally Mr. Carter is a thirty-second degree Mason and member of the Mystic Shrine. He also has membership with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and in club circles is well known through his identification with the Quapaw Club and the Springlake Club. His military record consists of service as captain in charge of highway construction at Camp Knox, Kentucky, from August, 1918, until January, 1919, during which period he was on leave of absence from his state work. His political endorsement has always been given to the democratic party, but he has never sought office outside the strict path of his profession, preferring always to

Vol. 11-14

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concentrate his efforts and attention upon his chosen calling, in which he has made steady advance until he now occupies a place of prominence among the road builders and civil engineers of Arkansas.

WALTER A. LEE.

Walter A. Lee was born October 2, 1857, in England. His parents, William and Mary (Adams) Lee, also born on the "Merrie isle," had a family of five children. The father was employed in an official capacity by the British government until he came to the United States in 1871. He first settled in Homer, Illinois, and later removed to Bement, that state, where his remaining days were passed.

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Centennial history of Arkansas, Part 33

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