Centennial history of Arkansas, Part 74

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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ARLEY D. CATHEY, M. D.

Dr. Arley D. Cathey, one of the partners in the firm of Cathey & White, well known and prominent physicians and surgeons, not only of El Dorado but of the entire southern portion of the state, was born in Prescott, Arkansas, June 17, 1889, his parents being Dr. Thomas D. and Addie L. (Garmon) Cathey, who were likewise natives of Arkansas, the father having been born in Ouachita county and the mother in Pike county. The former was a physician and surgeon who began practice in Washington, Hempstead county, but in 1895 removed to Wilton, Little River county, Arkansas, where he prac- ticed to the time of his death, which occurred on the 2d of April, 1913. His widow survives and makes her home with a daughter in Kilbourne, Louisiana.

Dr. Cathey was educated in the Wilton grammar and high schools and in his youth was employed in a drug store in that town. This undoubtedly awakened his interest in the practice of medicine and, moreover, his youthful environment and perhaps his inherited tendency had something to do with shaping his choice of a life work. In 1908 he entered the medical department of the University of Arkansas, which he attende:l for two years and then became a student in the medical department of the Louisvil'e (Ky.) University, from which he received his M. D. degree upon graduation with the class of 1912. Following the completion of his course he returned to Wilton, Arkansas, and began practice. In 1914 he took postgraduate work at the New York Postgraduate Medical School and Hospital and following his studies there he returned to enter again upon active practice in Wilton. In 1916 he once more went east and served as an interne in St. Mary's Hospital in Hoboken, New Jersey. He next located in Texarkana, Arkansas, where he was engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery to the time of his entrance into the World war. He enlisted for service in the Medical Corps of the United States army on the 9th of September, 1917, was commissioned a first lieutenant and ordered to the Officers' Training Camp at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. There he re- mained in camp for five months, a part of which time he served as company instructor. He was then ordered to the Rockefeller Institute in New York and subsequently to the Army Medical School at Washington, D. C., there receiving instruction in special labora- tory work. Later he was assigned to the Eighty-fifth Division at Camp Custer, Battle Creek, Michigan, where he remained for four months with the Three Hundred and Tenth Sanitary Train, with which organization he went overseas. He served with an ambu- lance company which was a part of the Three Hundred and Tenth Sanitary Train for a short time, after which he was assigned to the Three Hundred and Twenty-ninth Machine Gun Battalion, medical department. He remained with that command until the division reached Brest on its return to the United States, when he was detailed for work in the Red Cross division, and after reporting to Red Cross headquarters in

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Paris he was assigned to the Balkan department with headquarters in Rome, Italy. Later he was assigned to the Montenegro unit and went to Montenegro, taking active part in Red Cross work there for twenty-two months. While there he organized one hospital and did all kinds of hospital work, returning to the United States on the 19th of January, 1921. About three months after going overseas he had been promoted to a captaincy. He was awarded "The Fourth Order of St. Sava" for service to the Monte- negrin and Serbian people and was awarded "The First Order of the Serbian Red Cross Society." He was also cited by order of the king of Montenegro for "The Fourth Order of Prince Danilo First."

Following his return Dr. Cathey settled in EI Dorado, where he began practice in March, entering into partnership with Dr. White, with whom he has since been asso- ciated as a member of the firm of Cathey & White, ranking with the most prominent and capable physicians of southern Arkansas.

Dr. Cathey has membership in the Union County Medical Society, also in the Ar- kansas State Medical Society and the American Medical Association, and through the proceedings of these organizations he keeps in close touch with modern scientific re- searches and investigations as affecting the laws of health. He is a man of pronounced ability in his profession and although he is little more than thirty years of age he has attained a degree of skill and efficiency that many a member of the profession of twice his years might well envy.

JUSTIN MACKAY BARKER.

In the business circles of Atkins Justin Mackay Barker is a prominent figure, having for the past ten years been president of the Bank of Atkins, of which he was one of the organizers. Other interests of a private and public character have also claimed his attention and profited by his cooperation, for his determined purpose enables him to achieve success in almost anything that he undertakes. Mr. Barker is a native of the neighboring state of Missouri, his birth having occurred at Wellsville, July 13, 1869. In tracing his ancestral line it is learned that he is a representative of one of the old families of Kentucky. His grandfather, Simeon L. Barker, was born in that state and at an early day removed to Missouri, where he took up the occupation of farming and also engaged in the practice of law. He married Louise Mackay, a daughter of James Mckay, who built the first brick house in St. Louis and who was commandant of the post there under the Spanish regime. John M. Barker, father of J. M. Barker of this review, was born at Flinthill, Missouri, and became a member of the bar, practicing for many years in Mexico and in Montgomery, Missouri. His marked ability was mani- fest in the many favorable verdicts which he won for his clients. He was always careful and thorough in the preparation of his cases and for three successive terms he was chosen to act as prosecuting attorney of his county. At the time of the Civil war he put aside all business and personal considerations and joined the Federal army, serving for four years in defense of the Union under Captain David P. Dyer, judge of the Federal court of St. Louis. In early manhood he wedded Margaret Pace, who was born in Mont- gomery county, Missouri, a daughter of William Pace, a native of Kentucky and a well- to-do country gentleman, known as Squire Pace. To Mr. and Mrs. John M. Barker was born a large family of children. The parents were loyal members of the Methodist Episopal church, South, and Mr. Barker was a Mason, closely following the teachings of the fraternity. In politics he always voted with the democratic party.

Justin M. Barker pursued his early education in the common schools and was graduated from the Kirksville (Mo.) Commercial College with the class of 1886. He initiated his business career by accepting a position in a bank at Wellsville, Missouri, where he was employed by his uncle, S. M. Barker. He continued in the bank for five years, gaining intimate, accurate and comprehensive knowledge of various phases of the banking business and then went to Arkansas City, Arkansas, in 1891 to become cashier of the Desha Bank. Four years were spent in that connection and in 1895 he removed to Atkins, where he organized the Bank of Atkins, of which he became the first cashier. The bank was capitalized for fifteen thousand dollars and the success of the institution is indicated in the fact that the capitalization has been increased to fifty thousand dollars and there is today a surplus of equal amount, the additional capital and surplus being earned by the institution. The bank has an average deposit of three hundred and fifty thousand dollars and is recognized as one of the strong financial institutions of this section of the state. About ten years ago Mr. Barker was elected to the presidency of the bank as successor to E. A. Darr (deceased), the first president. He has long main- tained a prominent and honored position in banking circles, being chosen the president of the Arkansas Bankers Association in 1911, while at the present writing he is vice

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president for Arkausas of the American Bankers Association. During the World war he acted as chairman of some of the Liberty Loan campaigns of Pope county, Arkansas, and took a most helpful part in war work. Aside from his interest in the hank he owns valuable farm property and is justly accounted one of the foremost representative busi- ness men of this part of the state.

On the 14th of December, 1892, Mr. Barker was married to Miss Annie L. Bessellieu, a native of Monticello, Arkansas, and a daughter of Dr. W. F. Bessellieu. The father was a practicing physician of Monticello for a number of years. Mr. and Mrs. Barker have hecome parents of four children: John Mackay, after acquiring a high school education, attended Hendrix College and also the Barnes Business College at St. Louis and is now assistant cashier of the Bank of Atkins; David Lamar, also assistant cashier of the bank, was a soldier of the World war, being stationed at Camp Pike, Arkansas, and Camp Shelby, Mississippi, remaining with the army for six months. He was educated in the Henderson-Brown College, also the Hendrix College and the Mercershurg (Pa.) Academy; Caruth Alexander, the third of the family, after attending the Atkins high school, continued his education at Hendrix College and in the Henderson-Brown Acad- emy, and like his brothers is associated with the bank; Louise Martha, who attended high school and the Galloway College, afterward became a student in the National Park Seminary in Washington, D. C., and is now attending Central College at Conway, Arkansas.

Mr. Barker and his family are well known socially and the hospitality of their home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and he is a prominent and well known figure in various fraternal organizations. He belongs to the Masonic blue lodge, the Royal Arch Chapter and the Knights Templar Commandery, is also identified with the Knights of Pythias and was grand chancellor of the state at one time, being the youngest man to fill that position in the entire country. He also served as worshipful master in the blue lodge and has taken an active part in upholding the high standards of Masonry. His membership connections also extend to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His political endorsement has been given to the democratic party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, and he has taken an active part in its work. He served as a member of the state central committee and as a member of the executive committee and for a number of years he was one of the trustees of the state charitable institutions for Arkansas. In 1917 he was elected to serve as a member of the state senate and gave thoughtful and earnest consideration to all the vital questions which came up for settlement during his connection with the upper house of the general assembly. His interest in the public welfare is of a tangible character and while he holds to high ideals he uses the best practical methods in their attainment. His entire life has been of service to his adopted state and he today ranks as one of the representative business men and financiers and as a most public-spirited citizen, his course at all times being such as might well serve as an example and source of encouragement to others.

DAVID BEITLER.

In the year 1877 David Beitler became a factor in the business circles of Hot Springs by establishing a retail grocery store in this city. In the course of years he hecame an outstanding figure in commercial and financial circles and at the time of his death was president of the Citizens National Bank. His activities were at all times wisely, carefully, intelligently and honorably directed and constituted a contributing factor to the growth and progress of Hot Springs. His life story indicates what can be accomplished through individual effort guided by a laudable ambition. David Beitler was horn in New Philadelphia, Ohio, August 7, 1847, and the old home in which his birth occurred is still in possession of members of the family. His parents were Conrad and Marguerite (Birnbaum) Beitler, the former a native of Germany, although brought to the United States by his parents when but three years of age, the family home being established at that time in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where Conrad Beitler became a farmer. To him and his wife were born eight children, who were reared on the old family homestead.

David Beitler, the eldest of the family, pursued his education in the public and high schools of New Philadelphia and when not busy with his textbooks assisted in the development of the fields. He continued in Ohio through the period of his hoy- hood and youth and in early manhood removed to Missouri but after a brief period returned to New Philadelphia. Later he sought the opportunities of the southwest and made his way to Arkansas in the year 1877. Pleased with Hot Springs and

DAVID BEITLER

Vol. II-30

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conditions and possibilities of the city, he here established a retail grocery house and conducted the business with marked success for some time. In the year 1889 he embarked in the wholesale grocery trade at Hot Springs, continuing the conduct of the store with uninterrupted success until he retired in the year 1905. At that date he became identified with banking interests of Hot Springs and at the time of his demise was the president as well as one of the directors of the Citizens National Bank. He studied closely all of the phases of banking and also the business con- ditions here and was thus enabled to make the institution a forceful element in the business development and progress of Hot Springs. He also became identified with the Buckstaff Bath House as vice president.

Mr. Beitler was married twice. He first wedded Miss Mattie Chalfant, who departed this life in 1878, He later wedded Miss Kate Kennan, a daughter of Samuel Kennan, of a prominent and well known family of Kentucky and later of Missouri. Her father was a prosperous planter and successful breeder of blue ribbon horses. Mrs. Beitler is well known in Hot Springs, occupying a prominent position in social circles, and is identified with the leading women's clubs of the city.

Mr. Beitler was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and his religious faith was that of the Lutheran church, while Mrs. Beitler is identified with the Methodist Episcopal church. In his political views Mr. Beitler was a republican but never sought nor desired the honors and emoluments of public office, preferring to concentrate his time and energy upon his business affairs, which were most wisely, carefully and successfully directed. At one time, however, he ably served the city of Hot Springs as a member of its council. The sterling worth of his character is attested by all with whom he was associated and the world is better for his having lived because his influence was ever on the side of right, progress, truth and justice. Mrs. Beitler now occupies a beautiful bungalow residence at No. 835 Park avenue and, like her husband, shares in the warm regard of many of the leading people of Hot Springs. David Beitler was in the sixty-fifth year of his age when called to the home beyond on the 9th of June, 1912.

H. P. ROSS.

Among the important business enterprises of Fort Smith is that conducted under the name of the Ross Electric Company, of which H. P, and D. T. Ross are the pro- prietors, their establishment being located at No. 1102 Garrison avenue. The senior partner in the firm was born in McAlester, Oklahoma, in 1895, and is a son of J. T. and Elizabeth J. (Patton) Ross. His early education was acquired in the public schools of his native state and he afterward took up the study of applied electricity. For a time he worked in Shreveport, Louisiana, and subsequently made his way to St. Thomas, Ontario, where he continued his activities in his chosen field. Each new position brought to him wider opportunities and he gained valuable knowledge from each new experience. On leaving Ontario he returned to the United States and for a time was employed in Guthrie, Oklahoma, after which he went to Muskogee, Oklahoma. He later came to Fort Smith and here entered into partnership with D. T. Ross in organizing the Ross Electric Company. They do all kinds of electrical work and their business has steadily grown and developed until it is now one of substantial proportions.

H. P. Ross wedded Miss Maude G. Sparks and they enjoy the goodwill and high regard of a large circle of warm friends in Fort Smith. Mr. Ross belongs to the Busi- ness Men's Club and also to the Retail Merchants Association and is interested in everything that has to do with the advancement and improvement of trade conditions and relations in this city.

D. T. Ross, junior partner in the Ross Electric Company, was born in Celestine, Oklahoma, in 1898, and is a brother of H. P. Ross. He pursued his studies in the public schools of his native town and afterward took up electrical construction in Oklahoma. Some time later he worked with his brother in Louisiana and in Ontario, Canada, and eventually they returned to the southwest, spending some time in Oklahoma and then coming to Fort Smith.

The business activity of D. T. Ross was interrupted by service in the World war. He joined the Coast Artillery, became a chief mechanic and was on active duty in France.

D. T. Ross was married to Oneida Dickinson. He is interested in all of those projects and plans which have to do with the development and upbuilding of his adopted city, but the major portion of his time and attention is concentrated upon the work of the Ross Electric Company, which was formed in Fort Smith in 1917. They now conduct a large construction business and also handle a full line of fixtures, chan-

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deliers and other electrical supplies. Their business in hoth departments has assumed extensive proportions and the brothers have won a mosť creditable place as representa- tives of electrical interests in western Arkansas.

CLARK TARRELL BATES.

Clark Tarrell Bates, secretary, treasurer and general manager of the Southern Hardware Company of Hot Springs and one of the city's foremost business men, was born in Montgomery county, Arkansas, March 18, 1886, a son of John F. and Mary Jane (Smith) Bates, who were also natives of Montgomery county. Both are now deceased. The grandmother in the maternal line came to the state of Arkansas and passed over the site of Hot Springs when there was hut one cabin in the town.

Clark T. Bates was educated in the public schools of his native county, supple- mented by a commercial course at Draughon's Business College at Denison, Texas. In 1906 he went to Chickasha, Oklahoma, as an employe of Swift & Company, filling the posi- tion of shipping clerk. Subsequently he was placed on the road as one of the sales force of that corporation, with which he remained for a period of three years. He then resigned his position to enter the employ of Buie & Wallace, hardware dealers of Chickasha, in the capacity of bookkeeper, and continued with the house for two years. In 1911 he went on the road for Draughon's Business College, opening schools for them throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Missonri. In the fall of 1913 he came to Hot Springs and in company with W. O. Creason and E. L. Cotton organized the Southern Hardware Company, of which Mr. Bates was made general manager. In this important position he has continued directing the operations of the house, which is today one of the foremost business enterprises of this character in Hot Springs. The busi- ness has been incorporated with E. L. Cotton as president, W. O. Creason as vice presi- dent and C. T. Bates as secretary, treasurer and general manager.

In 1907 Mr. Bates was married to Miss Georgia E. Maddox of Chickasha, Okla- homa. He is a member of Hot Springs Lodge, No. 62, A. F. & A. M .; Hot Springs Chapter, No. 47, R. A. M .; Hot Springs Council, No. 23, R. & S. M .; Hot Springs Com- mandery, No 5, K. T .; and Sahara Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Pine Bluff. His wife has membership in the Missionary Baptist church. Both are highly esteemed, having many warm friends in this city, and Mr. Bates is recognized as a most progressive and capable business man. Starting out in life without special advantages, he has steadily advanced through the mastery of each task assigned him. The faithful per- formance of each day's duties has given him courage, strength and inspiration for the labors of the succeeding day and step by step he has proceeded until he has reached the goal of prosperity.

T. C. RAMSEY, M. D.

Dr. T. C. Ramsey, a leading representative of the Benton county medical fraternity, has resided in Gentry since 1912 and his practice has steadily grown in volume and importance as he has demonstrated his ability to cope with the intricate problems which confront the physician in his efforts to restore health and prolong life. He is a native son of Arkansas, his birth having occurred in Carroll county on the 1st of January, 1871. His parents were Thompson and Naomi (Hulsey) Ramsey, the former a native of Tennessee, while the latter was horn in Georgia. They were married in Arkansas and the father engaged in farming and merchandising, winning success along both lines of activity. He was a veteran of the Civil war, serving as a sergeant in the Confederate army. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and his political allegiance was given to the democratic party, while fraternally he was identified with the Masons. Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey became the parents of fifteen children, of whom seven survive, the subject of this review being the youngest in the family. His pater- nal grandfather, John Ramsey, was a native of Tennessee and in his later years became a resident of Arkansas. The maternal grandfather, Hiram Hulsey, was born in Georgia, there residing until the latter part of his life, when he removed to Arkansas.

Following the completion of his public school conrse Dr. Ramsey became a student in Clark's Academy at Berryville, Arkansas, from which he was graduated in 1892 with the A. B. degree. For a year thereafter he engaged in teaching school and then entered the Kentucky School of Medicine, graduating with the class of 1894. Coming to Ar- kansas, he opened an office at Green Forest and there successfully followed his profes- sion for over thirteen years. He then went to Talala, Oklahoma. where he remained

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for five years, and in September, 1912, arrived in Gentry, where he has since made his home, his practice now having reached large proportions. He has ever remained an earnest student of his profession and has taken postgraduate work at the Kentucky Medical College, acting as staff operator, He devotes some attention to surgery and in the field of professional service has made continuous progress, gleaning from com- prehensive study and research and from practical experience valuable truths in con- nection with the science of medicine.

In March, 1896, Dr. Ramsey was united in marriage to Miss Ota Wilson, a native of Carroll county, Arkansas, and a daughter of J. C. Wilson, a well known farmer and stockman of that locality. Her mother was a daughter of Alexander Fancher, one of the survivors of the terrible Mountain Meadow massacre. Mrs. Ramsey is a successful teacher, having followed that profession for the past twenty-five years, and is now an instructor at Springtown, Arkansas. Dr. and Mrs. Ramsey have become the parents of a daughter, Reta Pauline, who is now a teacher at Grove, Oklahoma, holding a state certificate from Tahlequah College of Oklahoma.

Mrs. Ramsey is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and fraternally the Doc- tor is identified with the Masons, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is a past grand. His professional connections are with the Benton County and Arkansas State Medical Societies and the American Medical Association and he is also a member of the Alumni Medical Associations of the World. He is a democrat in his political views and is now acting as health officer of Gentry and is also assistant collaborating epidermologist of the United States public health service. He utilizes every possible effort to promote his knowledge and increase his efficiency and he is accounted one of the most able and successful physicians of Benton county.

F. O. BUTT.

One of the representative citizens of Eureka Springs whose success is the result of his own intelligently directed efforts is F. O. Bntt, well known attorney and banker. He was born in Lovington, Illinois, on the 3d of February, 1875, a son of William A. and Anna (Weaver) Butt, likewise natives of that state. The paternal grandfather, Archibald Butt, was born in Kentucky and removed to Illinois in 1830. He spent the remainder of his life in that state, where he was a highly respected and representative citizen. On the maternal side the ancestors of Mr. Butt came from Holland and his maternal grandfather, John Weaver, was born in Pennsylvania. He removed to Illinois at an early age and gaining substantial success, resided there until his demise. He served in the Mexican war, Mr. and Mrs. Butt were married in Illinois and lived there until 1885, when they came to this state and located in Carroll county. Mr. Butt is still living in Green Forest, but the mother is deceased. For some time he was superintendent of the Wabash Railroad in Illinois and since coming to Arkansas he has served as notary public and justice of the peace. His life has been one of industry and he is now retired, enjoying well merited rest. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Butt eight children were born, four of whom are living: Mrs. Charles Ramsey, who resides in Seattle, Washington, where her husband is engaged in the lumber business; Annie, the wife of James Litterel, a prominent laundryman of Los Angeles, California; Dr. W. A. Butt, a prominent phy- sician and surgeon of Green Forest; and F. O., whose name initiates this review. The family was reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church and fraternally Mr. Butt is a master Mason. Since attaining his majority he has given his political al- legiance to the democratic party, in the activities of which he takes a prominent part. Mr. Butt is one of the few surviving veterans of the Civil war. For three years he. fought with the Union army as a member of the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Illinois Regiment.

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Centennial history of Arkansas, Part 74

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