Centennial history of Arkansas, Part 64

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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REV. JOHN E. BROWN

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whatever more might be needed would be provided, and he has not been disappointed, for contributions to this worthy cause have ponred in from all parts of the country. The school buildings are modern and substantial and the goal of its founder is to make this the greatest industrial college in North America-a prospect that seems not very remote. The curriculum is not a series of dreary tasks, to be grumbled over and dodged as far as is possible, but the open door of opportunity. No student is admitted who is able to pay his way and the pupil is carefully studied in order to ascertain for what line of work he or she is best fitted, so that each may be thoroughly equipped for his chosen vocation. The rudiments of a sound general education are given to all, and then as the student develops his specialty he is equipped as thoroughly as possible along that line, the sum of the whole endeavor being to make him the possessor of an intelligent mind, trained hands and Christian character. Cleanliness of mind and body are compulsory and the Bible is taught as one of the studies.

Dr. Brown is the president of the International Federation of Christian Workers. having been elected eight times to fill that office without a dissenting vote. This is the largest organization of the kind in the world and was founded in 1913. He is also president of the State Bible Class and in addition to serving as president of the John E. Brown School continues his work as an evangelist. He likewise edits two papers and has become well known as a writer on religious subjects, being the author of the following . books: Repentance; Sowing; Reaping; Thinking White; In the Cult Kingdom; Hath God Said; Foundation of God; Spirit-Filled Life; Fruit of the Spirit.

In 1901 Dr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Juanita Arrington at Sallisaw, Oklahoma. Her parents are residents of Ozark. Arkansas, her mother being a member of the Jeffries family of this state. To this union have been born five daughters and one son: Jean Elizabeth, a teacher of music in the John E. Brown College; Julia Helen and Jessie Virginia, who are also identified with the college work; Mary Jane and Frances Juanita, who are attending school; and John E., Jr. A man of high ideals, he has utilized practical methods in their attainment, and his life has been one of great benefit and value to his fellowmen.

E. L. FORSYTH.

Although death claimed E. L. Forsyth at the early age of twenty-seven years, he was numbered among the successful business men of Rogers, where he took up his · residence in 1892. He was a native of California, his birth having occurred at Santa Rosa on the 13th of May, 1872. His father, Robert A. Forsyth, was born in Tennessee and when but an infant was brought to Arkansas by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Barnett Forsyth, whose family numbered fourteen children, of whom twelve attained mature years. The majority of the children went to California in 1849, attracted by the dis- covery of gold in that state, where they continued to make their homes. Barnett Forsyth was also a native of Tennessee and came to Arkansas during the pioneer period of its development. He settled in Pea Ridge, becoming one of the first merchants of the town, and his demise occurred in Arkansas. His son, Robert A Forsyth, became a successful rancher, and he was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. To Mr. and Mrs. Forsyth were born four children, of whom two survive: W. B., a resident of Santa Rosa, California, where he is operating a well-improved ranch; and Mrs. Adelbert Le Baron, also making her home in that town.

In the schools of California E. L. Forsyth pursued his education, which he com- pleted by a course in a business college. On starting out in life independently he engaged in ranching, which he continued to follow in the Golden state until 1892, when he came to Arkansas, settling in Rogers. In the following year he married Miss Myrtle Fowler, a native of Benton county, Arkansas, and a daughter of W. H. and Frances (Dalton) Fowler. Her father was born in Virginia, while her mother was a native of Georgia and at an early period in their lives they came to Benton county, Arkansas, where they were later married. Mr. Fowler hecame connected with business interests of Bentonville as a carpenter-contractor and subsequently removed to Rogers, being largely instrumental in the development of the town. He opened a furniture store, which he successfully conducted to the time of his death. Mr. Forsyth and his bride spent their honeymoon in California, returning to Rogers at the end of a year. He became associated with the management of the furniture business established by his father-in-law and following the demise of the latter continued active in its control until a short time before his death, when he disposed of his interest in that enterprise and purchased a well-improved farm in this locality. He possessed excellent business ability,

Vol. 11-26

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and his close application, energy and determination resulted in the attainment of a comfortable competeuce, while the methods which he employed were such as would at all times bear the closest investigation and scrutiny.

Mr. and Mrs. Forsyth became the parents of two daughters: Irene, who acquired her education in the grammar and high schools of Rogers and a business college of Cali- fornia and is now employed as a stenographer in a wholesale grocery house of Rogers; and Sarah, the wife of B. D. Miller of Springfield, Missouri, who is in the service of the Frisco Railroad Company.

The family are members of the Christian church. Mr. Forsyth gave his political allegiance to the democratic party. He died on the 26th of September, 1899, and in his passing the community lost a valued , and highly respected citizen. He was a worthy representative of a family whose members bave ever been actuated by high and honorable principles in all the relations of life, and his record constituted a fine example of man- liness, industry and uprightness. Mrs. Forsyth resides in a comfortable home in Rogers and is a prominent figure in club circles here, being at the head of the League of Women Voters and also holding membership with the Woman's City Club. She is interested in all those things which are of cultural value and which tend to uplift the individual, and her many admirable traits of character have won for her the esteem and regard of an extensive circle of friends.

J. J. DOYNE.

J. J. Doyne, ex-state superintendent of public instruction and former president of the State Normal, is now superintendent of the public schools of Lonoke. He has for many years been closely and prominently associated with educational interests in Ar- kansas and has contributed in notable measure to the progress of the schools in this state. Born in Farmville, Prince Edward county, Virginia, in 1858, he is a son of John and Agnes (Stratton) Doyne. His father was a native of Petersburg, Virginia, and . a son of Charles Doyne, who came from Dublin, Ireland, following the completion of his education in Trinity College at Dublin. He settled in Petersburg, Virginia, where the family home was maintained for some years. His son, John Doyne, was a veteran of the Confederate army, serving throughout the Civil war as a member of Pickett's famous brigade. Later he became a merchant at Farmville, Virginia, and the building which he occupied is now utilized as a store by his nephew, so that the Doyne family has carried on business in the same building for eighty years. To John and Agnes Doyne there were born four children: William T., Mary E, Susan and J. J. Doyne.

The last named was accorded liberal educational opportunities, pursuing his col- legiate work in the University of Virginia. Subsequently he taught in Lonoke, Ar- kansas, coming to this city forty-three years ago, and throughout the intervening period he has been identified with the public school system of the state. For eight years he remained a teacher in the schools of Lonoke and then went to Fort Smith, where he remained for two years, after which he returned to Lonoke and was again active in school work in this city for nine years. In 1898 recognition of his ability, forceful- ness and resourcefulness in the educational field came to him in his election to the office of state superintendent of public instruction, which position he filled most ac- ceptably for four years. He was then out of office for two terms, but in 1906 was reelected to the position, which he filled for a time and then resigned to accept the presidency of the State Normal School. He became the first president of that institu- tion and served altogether for nine years, establishing its policy and largely formulating its course of instruction and field of work. Upon his resignation there, in 1917, he returned to Lonoke, where he is again superintendent of schools. This city is to be congratulated upon having at the head of its educational system a man of such wide experience and marked capability as Professor Doyne, and Lonoke has, indeed, reason to be proud of her schools. He also served for fourteen years as county examiner of Lonoke county and in every possible way has maintained the high standards under which the district schools have been conducted. For thirty-five years he has been a member of the National Education Association and lie is a life member of the Arkansas Edu- cational Association.

Professor Doyne was united in marriage to Miss Ida Beard of Lonoke, a daughter of Judge T. C. Beard, and their children are: Charles B. and William T., who have departed this life; and Charles Russell, a physician and surgeon, who is now serving as staff physician in the State Hospital for Nervous Diseases at Madison, Indiana. He was graduated from the Arkansas Medical College and has devoted his entire life to professional activity. He married Mazie Lawson.

Professor Doyne is a Baptist in his religious faith and fraternally he is connected

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with the Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Woodmen of the World. His promi- nence in the educational field extends far beyond the boundaries of this state. For five years he was editor of the Arkansas Teacher, at that time a state publication.

ARTHUR H. MORROW.

A definite purpose and a spirit of enterprise and determination have carried Arthur H. Morrow steadily forward to the point of success in the conduct of one of the leading commercial enterprises of Fort Smith. He is proprietor of a large book and stationery store, and the business methods which he has employed have ever been such as to commend him to the patronage and to the confidence of the public.

Mr. Morrow was born in Dardanelle. Arkansas, in 1876, but was reared at Fort Smith, where he has since made his home. After his textbooks were put aside he entered upon an apprenticeship in a business concern similar to the one of which he is now the owner. He there thoroughly acquainted himself with every phase of the trade and eventually he determined to embark in business on his own account. When his industry and economy had brought to him sufficient capital to enable him to take this step, he opened a small store on Garrison avenue on the 1st of January, 1908. His stock was quite limited at that time, but he put forth every effort to please his patrons, recognizing that satisfied customers are the best advertisement. Gradually. therefore, his trade developed and he increased his stock to meet the demand. His business has thus been enlarged from time to time until he now has the most extensive enterprise of this character in Fort Smith. In addition to carrying an attractive stock of hooks he handles a general line of stationery and office supplies, paints and wall paper. His sound judgment and even-paced energy have carried him forward to the goal of success. He has never hesitated to take a forward step when the way was open, and though content with what he has attained as he has gone along, he has always heen ready to make an advance. Fortunate in possessing ability and character that inspire confidence in others, the simple weight of his character and ability has carried him into important commercial relations.

Mr. Morrow was married in 1902 to Miss E. Oakley Payne of Fort Smith, and they are now parents of a daughter and a son: Martha J., seventeen years of age; and Arthur P., a youth of fifteen.

Fraternally Mr. Morrow is connected with the Knights of Pythias and with the Woodmen of the World. He also belongs to the Business Men's Club, the Credit Men's Association and the Noon Civics Club and is deeply interested in all those projects and plans which have to do with the city's development, progress and improvement. His cooperation can at all times be counted upon to further any interest for the public good or which relates to the welfare of community. commonwealth and country.

GLEN H. WIMMER.

In professional circles in Des Arc, Glen H. Wimmer, attorney at law, is a well known figure. He is yet a young man, but has already achieved a creditable position at the bar and is today accorded a very liberal clientage. Missouri numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred at Lamar in 1890, his parents being 1. N. and Jennie (Torson ) Wimmer, who on leaving Missouri came to Arkansas and established their home at Des Arc, where the father is engaged in the real estate business.

Glen H. Wimmer was but a little child at the time of the removal of the family to this place, so that his early education was acquired in the public schools of this city. A review of the broad field of business determined him to enter upon a professional career and he became a law student in the University of Arkansas, from which he won his law degree as a member of the class of 1913. While in the capital city he served as assistant librarian for the supreme court library under J. T. Cassell and aided in cataloging the library upon the removal to the new state house. He entered upon the active practice of law in Des Are and was making satisfactory advance in his profession when America entered the World war. On the 30th of July, 1917, he enlisted in defense of world-wide democracy, joining the army at Camp Brough, while later he was sent to Fort Logan H. Roots and afterward to Camp Beauregard. He was assigned to a special detail to study motors, tractors, trucks and motorcycles at the Raritan, New Jersey, arsenal, and next saw active duty at Camp Mills, Long Island, from which point he embarked for France. It was a singular coincidence that he rode in a train from Camp Mills to New York city that was made up of thirteen coaches and he sailed from

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New York. on the 13th day of the month, the vessel being thirteen days in making the voyage, after which he disembarked at Brest, France, on the 13th of the month. He was quartered at LaGuerche and at Tours and later at Phelan. He was fleet sergeant of the motor battalion at Saint Nazaire and there came to him many of the experiences incident to warfare in this twentieth century.

With his return home Mr. Wimmer resumed the practice of law and has since maintained his office in Des Arc, where his clientage is steadily increasing in volume and importance.

Mr. Wimmer was united in marriage to Miss Geraldine Woods, a daughter of Thomas and Myrtle (Damon) Woods. They have become parents of one child, June. In the social circles of the city they occupy an enviable position, having many warm friends here. Mr. Wimmer is a progressive young man, keeping in touch with the trend of modern thought and progress, while in his profession his thorough study and careful preparation of cases is gaining for him the well-deserved reputation of being a most able advocate and wise counselor.

SHEPARD AUGUSTUS LANE.

Shepard Augustus Lane, general manager for Arkansas of the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, with headquarters at Little Rock, where he makes his home, was born in La Grange, Georgia, January 23, 1880, and is a son of R. R. and Mary (Brad- field) Lane. The father was born in La Grange in 1849 and the mother's birth there cecurred in 1859. They were married in their native city in 1878 and there still reside. The father was for many years actively identified with the management of a plantation, but is now. living retired. His political support has always been given to the demo- cratic party. To him and his wife have been born five sons and three daughters, of whom one son died in infancy, while the other members of the family are living.

Spending his youthful days under the parental roof, Shepard A. Lane pursued his education in the La Grange public schools until graduated from the high school with the class of 1896. He afterward attended the Georgia School of Technology and on leaving that school secured a position with the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company at Birmingham, where he remained for three months. He was then sent to Norfolk, Virginia, on a job and continued in field work in various places until 1901, when he was made manager of the Model Exchange for the Pan-American Exposition at Buffalo, having charge of the exchange with one thousand phones, his duty being also to receive visitors and represent the company generally. Mr. Lane was selected from among many other employes, a compliment not only to his business ability in telephone service, but also as to his general adaptability in meeting people. After the exposition was over Mr. Lane was made manager of two exchanges in Buffalo, New York, and there con- tinued until January 1, 1905, when he resigned with the Bell Telephone Company and accepted a position as assistant general superintendent for the Federal Telephone Company, then the largest independent company in existence. In this connection Mr. Lane was located in Buffalo for three years and was then transferred to Geneva, New York, as district manager for central New York, which position he held until 1911. His next transfer took him to Niagara Falls with the same company. A year later he resigned and returned to the Bell Telephone Company as special representative of the general manager at St. Louis. In the spring of 1913 he was made district manager for northern Missouri, with headquarters at Hannibal, where he continued until February 12, 1914, when he was transferred to Little Rock as division commercial superintendent for Arkansas and on the 1st of July, 1920, he was made divisional general manager for Arkansas of the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company and now fills that position. One who has known him long and well wrote of him as follows:

"Mr. Lane developed a liking for the telephone game early and has specialized in it since, with a record of accomplishments which few people can ever hope to equal or surpass. His appealing personality and his sense of fair dealing with the public in general, particularly with those who work for him and with those whose duty it is to regulate public utilities, has won for him an enviable reputation. Mr. Lane believes, as Abraham Lincoln once said, that 'with public sentiment nothing can fail, without it nothing can succeed.' In these few words may be summed up the secret of his success in the telephone business. He believes in fair dealing with the public; that they are entitled to good service at a fair and reasonable rate; and that the public should, in return, grant the utility a fair rate of return on its investment.

"Commonly known to a state-wide circle of friends as 'Gus,' Mr. Lane has a method of approaching and convincing people that is rarely seen in men of his position. He is inclined to be rather exacting in handling the affairs of his company; although

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he does not believe in exacting unnecessary or useless details, desiring results more than the method in which they are obtained, and expects those men under him, in super- visory capacity, to accomplish and handle their work without burdensome supervision. His sense of fair dealing makes him an easy man to work for; having come up from the ranks, makes it easy for him to appreciate an employe's position. He rarely makes the mistake of misjudging the ultimate results of a situation, or the character or ability of one of his men."

On the 18th of June, 1904, in Buffalo, New York, Mr. Lane was married to Susanne DeLafayette, who was born at Balston Spa, New York, January 17, 1880, and is a grad- mate of the State Normal School at Buffalo, New York. They have become parents of a son, Robert Augustus, born May 12, 1918. Mr. Lane is a democrat in his political views, an Elk in his fraternal relations and a Presbyterian in his religious faith. He is ready and willing at all times to do anything that will aid in the development of the great state of Arkansas and is very optimistic about the future of the state.

CALVIN H. BURKS.

On the roster of county officials in Jefferson county appears the name of Calvin H. Burks of Pine Bluff, who is filling the position of county treasurer and making an excellent official, as attested by the consensus of opinion on the part of his fellow citizens. A native of this state, he was born in Monticello, Drew county, in 1869, and is a son of Captain W. P. and Maggie (Hemingway) Burks, who were natives of Tennessee and Mississippi, respectively. The Burks family was founded in Arkansas at an early day, when settlement was made in Drew county, and the Hemingways also took up their abode in Drew county on coming to this state. Captain W. P. Burks served with the Confederate army during the Civil war. He had been a man in affluent circumstances prior to the period of hostilities and after the war he largely recuperated his fortunes through the conduct of a general merchandise business at Monticello. He was also a planter and his carefully directed interests again brought to him a gratifying measure of success. In the family of Captain and Mrs. Burks were six children: Belle Pearl, the wife of T. W. Loper; Calvin H .; Agrippina, the deceased wife of M. C. Cleveland; J. Pinckney, who is editor of the Helena World; Anna Marie, principal of the Pine Bluff schools; and Lona May, the wife of E. C. Chestnut. Two of the sons of J. Pinckney Burks-Edwin and Pinckney-were soldiers of the World war.

Calvin H. Burks pursued his education in the schools of Monticello and in early life became a salesman, thus making his initial step in the business world. In 1892 he re- moved to Pine Bluff and became identified with the wholesale grocery house of the John H. Talbot Company as a salesman. Later he filled a position with a railroad com- pany as an accountant and in 1921 he was elected to the office of county treasurer, which position he is now filling. In the discharge of his duties he is prompt, system- atic, thorough and painstaking and is making an excellent official in the office.

Mr. Burks was united in marriage in 1895 to Miss Dora G. Toney, a daughter of W. L. and Mary (Kimbrongh) Toney. Mr. and Mrs. Burks have become parents of four children: Calvin H., Pearl, Elizabeth and William. Calvin is a veteran of the World war, while the daughter, Pearl, is a teacher of elocution in the high school at Pine Bluff and has also appeared on the Chautauqua platform. Mr. Burks and his family are members of the Methodist church, in which he has served as a steward for fifteen years. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, the Ancient Order of United Work- men, the Knights of Pythias and the Woodmen of the World. He is keenly interested in all those forces which make for the uplift and betterment of mankind and his influence has ever been on the side of law and order, of right and progress.

ELBERT A. HENRY.

Elbert A. Henry is the junior partner in the law firm of Rogers, Barber & Henry, constituting a legal connection of force and power at the Little Rock bar. He has now practiced for seven years, ability bringing him steadily to the front. The only interrup- tion to his professional activity came through his service as a soldier of the World war. Mr. Henry was born in Jacksonville, Pulaski county, Arkansas, October 3, 1889, and is one of a family of five sons and two daughters, whose parents were Marion Jackson and Marian Frances (Nichols) Henry. The father was born in Pontotoc county, Mississippi, February 11, 1847, and in his boyhood days removed to Arkansas, settling in Pulaski county, where he continued to make his home to the time of his death, residing

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for many years in Jacksonville, where he engaged in merchandising. In politics he was a democrat. His military record covered service as a private during the last six months of the Civil war. He died June 1, 1918, and is still survived by his wife. She was born near Charleston, South Carolina, September 12, 1852, a daughter of Edmund Nichols, who was born in South Carolina and became a Confederate soldier of the Civil war, being killed in battle in Arkansas in 1863. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Marion Jackson Henry there were born five sons and two daughters, and four of the sons of the family are living.

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Centennial history of Arkansas, Part 64

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