Centennial history of Arkansas, Part 43

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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"David Henry Duncan was born in Nashville, Tennessee, February 22, 1865. His father, David Duncan, was horn in Glasgow, Scotland, and came to this country when quite a young man, and settled in Cincinnati, afterwards moving to Tennessee. He married Miss Harriett Dobb of Philadelphia, whose brother gained great dis- tinction as an instructor in Gambier College; another brother, the Rev. Alexander Dobb, was rector for many years of the historic and famous Trinity Church in New Orleans. During the great epidemic of yellow fever, when there was such an exodus of people from the stricken city, he endeared himself to all by remaining with his people, while many urged him to leave and escape the plague. He stood by his post. like the true man he was, and he and his wife, after faithful service to the sick and dying, succumbed to the dreaded disease. A tablet in the church speaks for him and his noble work where he ministered as a faithful shepherd.

"A son of Rev. Alexander Dobb was also a clergyman of distinction; he died in his pulpit in Frankfort, Kentucky, while in the act of blessing his people.

"David Henry Duncan spent most of his childhood in Paducah, Kentucky, with his father, who operated a large hub and spoke factory. When only a hoy the care and responsibility of the business fell upon his shoulders, on account of the

DAVID IL. DUNCAN

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failing health of his father. He manfully met his duty, and as his sister, Mrs. T. W. Moore of Redfield, Arkansas, who alone of the children survives, says of him: 'He was father and brother, always kind and thoughtful. Never an unkind word or selfish act emanated from him.' He was his mother's favorite child and all that a dutiful son should be. It was, as he deemed it, the greatest privilege of his life to be able to educate his sister, no sacrifice being too great for him to make in her behalf; he was the sunshine of the home.

"He came to Arkansas twenty years ago, and engaged in the lumber business, and for the past twelve years was identified with John F. Rutherford of the Bluff City Lumber Company. He climbed by his own efforts to the top of the business world and was what one would call a self-made man.

"In 1892 he was married to Miss Martha Rose Dorsey of Atkins, Arkansas, who with four children survives him and mourns his untimely death.

"He was a thirty-second degree Mason, belonging to the Consistory of New Orleans; also a member of Jerusalem Temple of the Mystic Shrine of New Orleans, and a member of the following orders: Knights of Pythias, Knights of Honor and Woodmen of the World.

"In the death of David Henry Duncan, to the loved ones and others left behind, the sense of personal loss is so great that we can only give expression in our grief. He was a true, kind-hearted friend. The tender radiance which shone from his beautiful idea of friendship gave comfort and cheer to all who came under its influ- ence. To his friends he was faithful and true. To the poor and needy he ever stretched forth a helpful hand. As a member of the Bluff City Lumber Company, he was always present and manifested the greatest interest in all its undertakings, faithful in the discharge of his duties, always doing the best for the good of the company. This institution mourns the loss of a true and tried friend.

"The business interests and the community at large have suffered an irreparable loss.

"Thrust in a moment from the full tide of this world's interests, from its joys, its hopes, its aspirations, into the visible presence of death.

"What sundering of strong, warm manhood's friendship; what bitter rending of sweet household ties, whose lips can tell? He was a devoted husband, whose life lay in hers who was his wife; his children, to whom he was a most exceptional father, each day received their father's love and care, and in his heart the eager rejoicing proved to meet all demands.

"He believed in the religion of love and a gospel of good works. He sympa- thized with human frailties and human sufferings. He never bore malice. He felt that the man who scatters flowers in the pathway of his fellow creatures lets into the dark places of life the sunshine of human sympathy and human helpfulness. He believed 'we rise by raising others.'

"To the bereaved ones we can truly say that a loving husband and father has passed to immortality. We reverently bow our heads in sympathy with those whose heart ties have been snapped by the stroke that was laden with the acutest grief. Deep as is our bereavement, theirs is yet more poignant. They miss, as no other mortals can, the kind and gentle voice of our friend; yet, across the abyss of grief, we gently clasp' the hands of those stricken ones; we whisper in their ears those soothing words of comfort, 'He is immortal,' and let us see him not shrouded in night of gloom and sorrow, but smiling upon us from the sweet halo that marks God's farewell to the day where the gorgeous sunsets paint the sky and sea with incomparable glory. Smiling with all the well remembered grace of his true manhood and love and devotion, and saying: 'The sunset speaks but feebly of the glories of another day. All is well.' With new faith and chastened hearts, let us echo, All is well! Friends."

There is comparatively little to add to this for those who read between the lines and recognize the sterling qualities of the man. In his business he was asso- ciated with John F. Rutherford under the name of the Bluff City Lumber Company and their relation was more like that of brothers than business associates. It has often been said that an individual may best be judged by his treatment of those beneath him in the social scale and by this standard Mr. Duncan may be rated high. He was always kindly and just to his employes and among the choice floral offerings seen at his funeral were many furnished by those who were in his service, while many of the laborers and the employes in the various mills owned and con- trolled by the Bluff City Lumber Company came to pay their last tribute of respect and honor to him. He was regarded as one of the best lumbermen in the south and as a financier was looked upon as a wonder, while with the most progressive business men of his section he stood in the front rank. Resolutions of respect were passed by

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all the organizations with which he was identified, while Mrs. Duncan and her family received letters by the score from close friends and those also who knew Mr. Duncan in a business way, especially the lumbermen of the south. Rich in those qualities which endear men to their fellows, his life was characterized by a charming devotion and loyalty to family and friends, and by the most straightforward business dealings. He shed around him much of the sunshine of life and sweet and precious are the memories which he left as a legacy to all who knew him. It was on the 22d of March, 1909, that he was called to his final rest.

F. H. KRAESZIG.

F. H. Kraeszig, a well-known architect of Pine Bluff, enjoying a liberal patronage and holding at all times to the highest standards of his profession, was born in Louis- ville, Kentucky, in 1885, a son of Joseph and Mary (Klapheke) Kraeszig. His education was acquired in the public schools of his native city, and afterward he there studied architecture and construction, being associated with a number of the leading architects of Louisville, so that through study and experience he gained broad and valuable knowledge, constituting the foundation upon which he has built his subsequent success. In 1910 he came to Pine Bluff, opened an office and has since followed his profession here. His capability and merit have gained for him a large clientele and he has erected many of the substantial and attractive structures of the city. He designed and superintended the building of the Ichnabel residence of Pine Bluff, the Altheimer high school, the Wabbaseka high school, the Masonic Temple of Pine Bluff and the residence of Dr. O. W. Clark. He has also erected many other attractive residences and business blocks of pleasing design, and these structures stand as monuments to his skill and ability.

Mr. Kraeszig was married to Miss Cecelia Schweri of Louisville, Kentucky, a daughter of John Schweri. They have become parents of six children: Katherine, Marie, Aline, Leona, John and Albert. The religious faith of the family is that of the Presbyterian church, and they are interested in the various branches of the church work and in all of those plans and organized projects which have for their object the upbuild- ing of the city along material, intellectual, social and moral lines.

H. N. PITTMAN.

Arkansas numbers among her native sons H. N. Pittman, attorney at law at Berry- ville. He was born in Prairie Grove on the 12th of August, 1867, a son of J. M. and Margaret (Peel) Pittman, the former a native of Washington county and the latter of Carroll county, this state, in which latter county their marriage was celebrated. The paternal grandfather, James Pittman, was an early pioneer of Washington county and for many years engaged in farming near Prairie Grove. Extended mention of the Peel family may be found in the sketch of S. W. Peel, appearing elsewhere in this work. J. M. Pittman was but a young man when the Civil war broke out and he imme- diately entered the Confederate army, serving as captain of the state troops for some time and later becoming a major in the Confederate army. Subsequently he received the commission of lieutenant colonel in the Sixteenth Arkansas Regiment and he was in active service until 1863, when he was captured at Port Hudson. He was then confined in a military prison until the close of the war. Returning to Arkansas, he resumed the practice of law, having been prepared for a legal career at the time the Civil war came on. He was judge of the district court from 1874 to 1878; from 1882 to 1890: and he was again elected in 1898. He served but two years of that term, however, for his demise occurred in August, 1900. To the union of Judge and Mrs. Pittman four children were born, three of whom are living: H. N., whose name initiates this review; Mrs. Jennie Wilkinson of Fayetteville, the wife of H. D. Wilkinson, in the mail service there, and R. T., chief chemist for the Schloss Iron and Steel Works in Birmingham, Alabama. Mrs. Pittman was a consistent member of the Episcopal church and the family was reared in that faith. The Judge was a stanch supporter of the democratic party and he represented Washington county in the state legislature in 1872. Frater- nally he was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

H. N. Pittman received his early education in the schools of Fayetteville and in due time became a student in the University of Arkansas. He received his legal training in the University of Missouri, at Columbia, and in 1892 he was admitted to the bar. He then located at Berryville, where he established offices for the practice of his profes-

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sion and has practiced here since. He has since been admitted to practice in all courts and handles much extensive litigation. He was county judge of Carroll county from 1900 to 1904, and was reelected to that office in 1912, serving until 1916. He is now devoting his entire time and attention to his law practice and his abstract business.

In 1897 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Pittman to Miss Alice MeCleary, a native of Carroll county and a daughter of James McCleary, who is engaged in the hotel business in Berryville. Mrs. Pittman has many friends in this community, who have known her from girlhood, and she takes a prominent part in the club and social circles of Berryville. Mr. Pittman has always given his allegiance to the democratic party and the principles for which it stands and he takes a prominent part in its activities. He is an alert and enterprising citizen and his aid may be counted upon in furthering any movement he deems essential to the development and improvement of the general welfare.

GILBERT A. BUCHANAN, M. D.

A prominent physician and surgeon of Prescott is Dr. Gilbert A. Buchanan, member of the firm of Drs. Buchanan, Buchanan & Hirst, conducting the Park Sanitarium here. He was born in Nevada county, this state, on the 19th of February, 1884, a son of Chesley M. and Clara (Donnell) Buchanan, further mention of whom is made in the sketch of Dr. A. S. Buchanan, appearing elsewhere in this work.

Gilbert A. Buchanan received his early education in the public schools of Prescott and was graduated from the high school there with the class of 1905. In the fall of 1906 he entered the medical department of the University of Arkansas and graduated from that institution with the class of 1911, receiving his M. D. degree. While pur- suing his medical education he served an interneship in the City Hospital at Little Rock and was assistant city physician during the years 1908 to 1911. He remained in the hospital for two or three months following his graduation. He changed his plans, however, at the last moment and in July became a partner of his brother, Dr. A. S. Buchanan, in the practice of his profession at Prescott. In 1919 Dr. Ottis Grady Hirst was taken into the firm, which is now known as Buchanan, Buchanan & Hirst, and they are active in the conduct of the Park Sanitarium, one of the best-known institutions of its kind in the state.

In 1914 was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Buchanan to Miss Florine Warrick of Van Buren, this state, and to their union two children have been born: Paul Otis and Clara Frances. The family is affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and Dr. Buchanan is a member of the board of stewards.

Along strictly professional lines Dr. Buchanan holds membership in the American Medical Association, the Arkansas State Medical Society and the Nevada County Medical Society. During his college days he became affiliated with the Chi Zeta Chi national Greek letter fraternity and he is also identified with the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, belonging to Prescott Lodge, No. 80; Prescott Chapter, No. 38, Royal Arch Masons, and Ascalon Commandery, Knights Templars. He is active in Nevada Lodge, No. 203, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in the Ancient Order of United Work- men and the Woodmen of the World. Dr. Buchanan is readily conceded to he one of the representative members of the medical profession in Arkansas and he is meeting with gratifying success.

WINFRED L. WOZENCRAFT.

Winfred L. Wozencraft has worked his way steadily upward to a position of prom- inence in business circles, being now secretary and manager of the Hamburg Lumber Company at Hamburg, one of the large concerns of its kind in the state. He is a native son of Arkansas, his birth occurring at Holly Springs, Dallas county, on the 15th of December, 1888, a son of R. L. and Martha Jane (Shankles) Wozencraft. On the paternal side he is descended from Welsh ancestry. R. L. Wozencraft was born in Dallas county, to which county his parents had come in 1859. They originally made their home in Georgia. Upon attaining manhood R. L. Wozencraft entered the ministry and for many years he was pastor of the Methodist church in the Little Rock conference at various places. His demise occurred in 1897, at the age of thirty-six years. Three brothers of the Rev. R. L. Wozencraft-M. L., J. G. and W. T .- fought in the Civil war and J. G. gave his life in the cause of the Confederacy. In 1886, in Dallas county, occurred the marriage of R. L. Wozencraft to Miss Martha Jane Shankles, a native of

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that county, and to their union four children were born, two boys and two girls, all of whom are living. Winfred, whose name introduces this review, was the oldest child. Mrs. Wozencraft survives her husband and is making her home in Holly Springs.

In the acquirement of an education Winfred Wozencraft attended the rural schools of Dallas county and later entered the Henderson-Brown College at Arkadelphia. He was graduated from that institution in 1912, with the B. S. degree and was also honored with a degree in music, having been a student in the vocal department. During the last three years of his college education he paid his own tuition, teaching iu the rural schools of Dallas county in the summer vacations and attending school In the winter. For three years he was identified with the A. B. Banks Company of Fordyce, in the insurance department. Following this he returned to college for one year. After his graduation in 1912, he accepted the position of invoice clerk for the Crossett Lumber Company of Crossett, this state, and worked his way up to assistant bookkeeper. In the fall of 1918 he resigned his position to enter the service of the United States government. In that same year he was sent, as resident auditor of the Emergency Fleet Corporation, to Pascagoula, Jackson county, Mississippi, and remained there during the war. In January, 1919, he returned to Arkansas and became associated with the Hamburg Lumber Company, with which concern he has since been identified. In March, 1919, he was made secretary and manager of the company and is discharging the duties of those offices to the best of his ability and to the complete satisfaction of the higher officials of the concern. The Hamburg Lumber Company was organized in June, 1917. It has an enormous business and ships its products all over that part of the country east of the Rocky Mountains. Mr. Wozencraft is a stockholder in the Tippy Lumber Company of Fountain Hill, this state; in the Employes Investment Com- pany at Crossett; the East Arkansas Lumber Company of Little Rock; the Builders Material Corporation at Little Rock, and the Home Life Accident Company of Fordyce. He has been a close student along the line of his business, has made himself familiar with the condition of the country and its business prospects and his sound judgment of men and affairs constitutes one of the chief forces of his success.

It was on the 19th of April, 1916, that Mr. Wozencraft was united in marriage to Miss Dorothy Stanley, a daughter of J. R. Stanley of Alexandria, Louisiana. To their union two children have been born: one who died in infancy, and Stanley Hewett, aged ten months. Mrs. Wozencraft is one of the well-known young matrons of Hamburg and takes an active and prominent part in the club and social life here.

The religious faith of Mr. and Mrs. Wozencraft is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and for some time Mr. Wozencraft has been a member of the board of stewards and assistant Sunday school superintendent. Fraternally he is identified with Crossett Lodge, No. 576, A. F. & A. M. of Crossett; Olive Chapter, No. 12, Royal Arch Masons of Hamburg, and Crossett Council, Royal & Select Masters. He is past wor- shipful master of Crossett Lodge, No. 576. and for two years was high priest of Crossett Chapter, No. 123, Royal Arch Masons. He is at present high priest of Olive Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, at Hamburg. He is likewise affiliated with Crossett Lodge, No. 303, Order of the Eastern Star, and was worthy patron of that order at Crossett for two years. Although the greater part of Mr. Wozencraft's time has been devoted to his business affairs, still his aid can always be counted upon to further any movement for the material and moral progress of the city and for its upbuilding and the exploitation of its resources and opportunities. The progressive steps in his life are easily dis- cernible and each forward move has brought him a broader outlook and wider oppor- tunities. He has never left anything to chance, but has labored to acquaint himself with every phase of the business with which he has been connected and thus has gradually advanced to the prominent position which he occupies as a representative of lumber interests in Arkansas.

HUTTON HEWITT HAYS.

One of the most prominent attorneys in Arkansas City is Hutton Hewitt Hays, who has practiced here since 1907. A native son of Arkansas, he was born at Marianna, on the 28th of July, 1879, a son of Robert M. and Ann (Brandon) Hays, of Scotch- Irish descent. The father, who is now living retired in Marianna at the age of eighty years, is one of the state's representative citizens. A native of South Carolina, he left that state when nine years of age, coming to Arkansas with his parents. The journey was made in an emigrant wagon train, and they landed in Helena, Arkansas, in 1850. In later life Mr. Hays removed to Marianna and was for many years actively engaged in the conduct of a brokerage business, being a commission broker. He became quite a well-known figure in political circles and represented Lee county in the state

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legislature during the session of 1917. At LaGrange, Arkansas, in 1875, occurred the marriage of Mr. Hays to Miss Ann Brandon, who was born near Helena, this state, her parents having come from Alabama at an early day and being among the pioneer settlers of Phillips county. Her brother, William Brandon, served as a private in the Confederate army throughout the Civil war. Mrs. Hays died at Marianna in 1901, in her fiftieth year. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hays two children were born, one boy and one girl. Lillian died in 1900, at the age of twenty-three years; Hutton Hewitt Hays, whose name initiates this review, was the youngest child.

In the acquirement of an education Hutton Hewitt Hays attended the public schools of Marianna and after graduating from the high school there he began the study of law at the Southern Normal University at Huntington, Tennessee. In 1901 he was admitted to the bar and returning to Marianna, entered the offices of H. F. Roleson and W. R. Compton, well-known attorneys, with whom he remained until 1903. The following year he practiced in Clay county and in 1904 went as claim agent of the Missouri Pacific railroad, his headquarters being at Little Rock. He was active in that connection until July, 1907, when he came to Arkansas City, opened offices for the practice of law on his own account and has since resided here. Although he has a large general practice, he has specialized to a great extent in criminal law and handles nearly ninety-five per cent of that practice in the county. He has defended thirty-nine first degree murder cases to date, without a single conviction for that crime.

It was on the 21st of June, 1903, that Mr. Hays was united in marriage to Miss Eula Silverburg, a daughter of Edward Silverburg, a well-known resident of Peach Orchard, this state. To their union two children have been born: Helen, eighteen years of age, who is at home, and Perdita, thirteen years of age, attending the public schools of Arkansas City.

The religious faith of the family tends toward that of the Methodist church. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Hays has been a stanch supporter of the democratic party. He is one of Arkansas City's most public-spirited citizens and is alive to the duties and responsibilities as well as the privileges of citizenship. To that end he is never too busy to aid in the furtherance of any movement he deems essential to the development and improvement of the general welfare. During the World war Mr. Hays was government appeal agent for the local draft board and as one of the Four-Minute men, made many speeches throughout the county in behalf of Liberty Loan and Red Cross drives.

JUDGE JAMES V. BOURLAND.

Judge James V. Bourland, presiding over the chancery court at Fort Smith, was born near Ozark, in Franklin county, Arkansas, July 30, 1855, and is a representative of an old Virginia family. His grandfather, Dubart Lee Bourland, was born in Virginia, whence he removed to Tennessee and eventually came to Arkansas, where he served as the first county treasurer of Franklin county and carried the public moneys in his saddlebags-a fact which plainly indicates the pioneer condition of the country. He married Malinda Robinson, of a prominent Virginia family, she being related to General Robert E. Lee. Their son, Ebenezer Bourland, was born in Tennessee in 1834 and his life record covered the intervening years to 1911. He was a merchant and farmer but at the time of the Civil war put aside business and personal considerations and joined the Confederate army. His last days were spent in Ozark, where he was engaged in merchandising at the time of his death In connection with bis mercantile and agri- cultural pursuits he also worked as a blacksmith. He was a well-read man for his day and kept thoroughly informed concerning vital public questions and issues. His political support was given to the democratic party and he belonged to the Masonic fraternity. while both he and his wife held membership in the Presbyterian church. In early man- hood he had wedded Rebecca Bruton, who was born in Pope county, Arkansas, and was a daughter of Jobn Bruton, one of the early ministers of the Baptist church in this state. settling in Pope county when it was a frontier district. The death of Mrs. Bourland occurred in 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Ebenezer Bonrland hecame parents of five children. three of whom are living: James V. of this review; Mrs. Belle Erwin, living at Long Beach, California: and Dr. F. M. Bourland of Houston, Texas.

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Centennial history of Arkansas, Part 43

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