Centennial history of Arkansas, Part 78

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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Wallace set the high-water mark for this class of literature with his Ben-Hur, a tale of the Christ. Many will judge that Mrs. Babcock in The Coming of the King has produced a work worthy to stand beside Ben-Hur because of its bigness and breadth, and beside Henry Van Dyke's The Other Wise Man because of its idyllic beauty and spiritual imaginativeness.' Referring to the chapter, Orange Blossoms, this writer says it is 'as audacious as it is artistic.' He does not approve the love scene, but says 'in the main the book is lofty in purpose and its general effect on the reader is exaltation. The spirit of the narrative borders on sublimity. Love and brotherhood are its message and mankind is led away from human things toward divinity. From clergymen all over the country come words of commendation. In many places, lead- ing ministers are recommending the book for close reading both on account of the humanity of Christ, as intensely set forth, and the historical value of the work. Even the labor papers are giving it editorial mention as a story of the Great Radical who first among the world's religious teachers took the part of the under-dog. A cur- rent issue of 'Organized Labor,' a leading radical publication on the Pacific coast- the seat of Tom Mooney's radicalism, prints a full page, double column editorial on the book with lengthy quotations from the chapter in which the walking delegate of those times addressed a group of working-class Galileans. The point emphasized by the labor paper is that 'They who lift the sword shall perish by the sword,' and the very good editorial winds up by saying of the age-long conflict between capital and labor, 'The solution lies in finding a common ground, recognizing a common interest in the well-being of all humanity.' A critic in Los Angeles said of the book, 'It is the greatest literary production of this generation.' If it shall succeed in making an appeal to both the religious and the laboring classes it will be at least something out of the ordinary."

Mrs. Babcock has provided for her children through her literary labor, care- fully rearing and educating them according to the high standards and ideals which such a mother would have. Her children are: Mary Lucille, now the wife of Dr. Samuel G. Boyce; Charlotte Burnelle, the wife of Judge W. W. Shepard; Frances Mildred, the wife of John E. Thornberg, Jr .; William Franklin, who served in the World war as a member of the Nineteenth Aero Squadron; and MacArthur, who was also a volunteer in the war but whose service was cut short by the armistice.

Mrs. Babcock has not neglected her social duties in her devotion to her literary work. She is a member of the Psychical Research Society of London, the Authors League of America, the Drama League, the Authors and Composers of Arkansas, and is state representative for Arkansas to the League of American Pen Women. She is

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also the president of the Friends Memorial for Psychical Research and is identified with many other organizations. She stands today prominent among those who have contributed to the literary fame and achievement of the fair state which she so deeply loves, and while her writings in considerable measure have had to do with Arkansas and its people, there is in everything that she writes the human touch which makes her productions of greatest interest to the reading public. On more than one occasion her readers have felt that she reached the apex of her career, but passing years seem to indicate a still greater development and broader vision.

OSCAR A. FENTRESS.

Oscar A. Fentress, a funeral director and embalmer, who is conducting business at Fort Smith, came to this state from Oklahoma, where his birth occurred in 1880, his parents being George and Susan ( Speer) Fentress. The father was a Confederate soldier during the Civil war and removed to Oklahoma from Middle Tennessee, while his wife was a native of Alabama.

Oscar A. Fentress was largely reared in Fort Smith, where he attended the public schools, being but three years of age when his parents removed from Oklahoma to this city. He started out in the business world as an employe in a grocery house and thus received his initial commercial training. He afterward became associated with a wholesale grocery establishment of Fort Smith and eventually occupied a position in the freight office of the Fort Smith & Western road. It was in 1912 that he entered the employ of a local undertaker, thus gaining practical knowledge of the business, when in 1913 he formed a partnership with R. T. Hunt and opened an undertaking establishment, which they conducted together until 1917, when Mr. Fentress purchased his partner's interest and assumed entire control of the business. He has been located at his present quarters since July, 1913, and has a splendidly appointed establishment. His outfit includes two splendid ambulances complete in every detail and he employs the most scientific methods in the care of the dead. His patronage by reason of the capability, tact and kindliness which he displays has become very extensive. He is further identified with business interests of Fort Smith as the president of the Maple Leaf Building & Loan Association.

In 1908 Mr. Fentress was united in marriage to Miss Mae Yadon. He belongs to the Rotary Club, that progressive organization which is constantly seeking the up- building of every community, the extension of its trade relations and the maintenance of its civic standards. He is likewise the president of the Ad Club and in all that he undertakes, whether for the improvement of his own interests or for the upbuilding of the city, he manifests a most progressive spirit.

J. L. RAGSDALE.

J. L. Ragsdale, the efficient postmaster at Russellville, was born in Atkins, Ar- kansas, in 1878, and is a son of L. T. and Isabelle (Boggess) Ragsdale. The grand- father in the paternal line was Thomas Ragsdale, a native of Tennessee, who came to Arkansas in the '20s, casting in his lot among the pioneer settlers of the state. He built the first mill in Conway county and also had the first cotton gin there and in many other ways was closely associated with the early development of that district, whereby was laid the foundation upon which has been built the later prosperity and progress of that section. He died at his home at the old mill many years ago. The maternal grandfather of J. L. Ragsdale was W. C. Boggess, a native of Kentucky, who arrived in Arkansas in 1845, settling in Jackson county. He followed mercantile pursuits. conducting a store at Pottsville, Arkansas, for about a half century.

It was in Conway, Arkansas, that L. T. Ragsdale and Isabelle Boggess were united in marriage, the former a native of that county, while the latter was born in Kentucky. Their wedding was celebrated at the historic old Ragsdale mill and L. T. Ragsdale devoted a number of years to the milling business. He was later educated in the Uni- versity of Arkansas and obtained a medical degree, after which he devoted his atten- tion to the practice of medicine at Atkins and at Pottsville, Arkansas. His last days were spent in Russellville, where he departed this life June 12, 1918. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity and also to the Presbyterian church, while his political belief was that of the democratic party. He served throughout the Civil war with the Con- federate army, rising to the rank of lieutenant. He went to the front with the first company from Morrillton, was wounded at the battle of Shiloh, while at Port Hudson he

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was captured and was being held as a prisoner of war at the time hostilities were brought to a close. He owned considerable farm property and was in very comfortable financial circumstances during the latter period of his life. To him and his wife were born nine children, of whom five are yet living: A. S., an oil man, who was formerly engaged in the practice of medicine at Pottsville for a number of years, but now lives in Russellville; J. L., of this review; Robert A., a well known attorney of Russellville; Allien, who lives with her mother; Wade, who conducts a garage in Russellville; and E. H., a farmer, who died October 16, 1921.

Supplementing his early education by study in Ouachita College, J. L. Ragsdale completed his course there and afterward removed to Pottsville, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits in connection with his father. Subsequently he removed to Texas, in which state he remained for a year, and upon his return located in Russellville, where he once more concentrated his efforts and attention upon mercantile interests, continuing in the business until 1910, when he was called to public office, being elected circut clerk, which position he filled for four years. He was made postmaster in 1914 and is now serving for the second term in that position. He is very prompt, efficient and faithful in the distribution and care of the mails and in all of the duties con- nected with the office and is a popular official who well deserves to serve in this connection.

In 1904 Mr. Ragsdale was married to Miss Alma Strayhorn, who was born in Dardanelle, Arkansas, a daughter of Lute Strayhorn, one of the oldest of the pioneer settlers of Yell county, where he engaged in merchandising. Mr. and Mrs. Ragsdale have become parents of four children, Louise, Robert, Nina and Christina, all in school. The parents are members of the Presbyterian church and Mr. Ragsdale belongs also to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, in which he is serving as a trustee, and to the Modern Woodmen of America. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and he has always been an active worker in its ranks. The greater part of his time and attention is devoted to his official duties, but he also holds an interest in the Ragsdale Auto Company of Russellville. He started out in the business world empty- handed and has been very successful in the conduct of his affairs, so that he is now reckoned with the men of affluence in his community.

L. WERT WISH.

L. Wert Wish, actively connected with the banking business at Cabot as cashier of the People's State Bank, which was organized in 1920, was born at Pleasant Plains, Independence county, Arkansas, in the year 1889, and is a son of John and Harriet (Wood) Wish. The father was born in Saxe-Weimar, Germany, and the mother's birth occurred in Lawrence county, Arkansas. her father being Josiah Wood, one of the pioneer settlers of this state. John Wish came to the United States in young manhood with his parents, the family home being established on a farm in the Little Red River valley. To John and Harriet (Wood) Wish there were born nine children, those still living being: L. Wert, of this review; Maggie, who is the wife of T. R. Rushing; J. M .; Mattie, the wife of R. E. Powell; and J. C., who is engaged in the wholesale grocery busi- ness in Cabot. C. L., Clementine, Joel and Ida Oretha are all deceased. The son, John Clarence Wish, now a wholesale grocer at Cabot, was born at Pleasant Plains, Arkansas, in 1885, was there educated and afterward entered the live stock business, while subsequently he engaged in merchandising at Judsonia, this state. In 1918 he came to Cabot and, joining his brother, established the wholesale grocery house of Wish Brothers. He married Loda Cecil.

L. Wert Wish pursued his education in Pleasant Plains Academy and throughout the greater part of his life has been identified with the banking business. He assisted in organizing the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Judsonia, Arkansas, in 1903, and be- came its cashier. He also was interested in formulating the mercantile firm of Powell & Wish and took active part in the conduct of the business. In 1918 he became associ- ated with the old German National Bank of Little Rock as teller and after leaving the capital came to Cabot, where in 1920 he was one of the organizers of the People's State Bank. Its first officers were: J. L. Powell, president; Hugh D. Hart, vice presi- dent; L. M. Burge, vice president; and L. Wert Wish, cashier. These still continue in office and are active in the management of the bank, which is capitalized for twenty- five thousand dollars and has a reserve of thirty thousand dollars. The business of the bank has steadily increased from the beginning, as a safe, conservative policy is fol- lowed that wins the confidence and support of the general public. .

Mr. Wish was married in 1919 to Miss Rady Lillian Cecil, a daughter of H. C. and Alice Lelora (Bailey) Cecil. Her father was born in Polk county, Arkansas, while his

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wife is a native of Birmingham, Alabama. The grandparents in the paternal line set- tled in Polk county, Arkansas, in pioneer times and the Bailey family was also estab- lished there at an early day.

Mr. Wish is widely known in the business circles of Cabot, as is his brother with whom he is associated, and both are public-spirited and progressive citizens, alert to every duty and obligation as well as to every opportunity afforded them in the business world. The Wish Brothers have also succeeded in establishing a Co-Operative Association of Marketing at Cabot, which is attracting state-wide attention in that it embodies mar- keting all the farmer's products, and as a result Cabot has a large strawberry acreage, ships radishes, garden peas and string beans in car lots, established dairying, and built sweet potato curing plants, and as this is in its incipiency Cabot bids fair to become noted for its marketing the above named products.

FLOYD WALKER.

Floyd, Walker, the present mayor of Hamburg and proprietor of. the People's Hard- ware Company, was born here on the 10th of September, 1871. On the paternal side he is of Irish descent, members of the Walker family having come to America from Ireland at an early day, locating in Georgia. The maternal ancestors came from France and made their homes in the southern states. The father of Floyd Walker, William A., came from Alabama to this state on the 4th of March, 1859, and was one of the earliest settlers here. Locating south of Hamburg, he engaged in farming and became one of the representa- tive agriculturists of the community. Upon the outbreak of the Civil war, Mr. Walker, together with nine brothers, enlisted in the cause of the Confederacy and participated in many of the important battles of that war. William A. Walker died in 1900, at the age of sixty-eight years. In Alabama in 1857, was celebrated the marriage of William A. Walker to Miss Josephine Thompson, who was born near Meridian. Mississippi, and whose four brothers also took up arms in defense of the Confederacy at the outbreak of the Civil war. Her demise occurred on the old farm near Hamburg, on the 14th of October, 1887. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Walker nine children were born, seven girls and two boys, six of whom are living. Floyd, whose name initiates this review, was the third in order of birth.

Floyd. Walker received his education in the rural schools cf Ashley county and after graduating from the Hamburg high school he enrolled in Beruvoir College at Wilmer. He secured part of his education by his own personal efforts. When twenty- one years of age he commenced teaching school in the rural districts of Ashley county and was active in that connection for ten years, or until 1904. In that year he became associated with W. F. McCombs as salesman and remained in the employ of that con- . cern until 1908, when he was eletced to the offices of sheriff and collector of Ashley county. The following four years were spent in carrying out the duties of those offices and in 1914 he became revenue inspector for the federal government. At the end of nine months he resigned that position and in 1915 started into the hardware business in Hamburg. in the conduct of which enterprise he has since been active. The business is known as the Peoples' Hardware Company and is one of the largest of its kind in the county. In 1920 Mr. Walker was again called to public office, being elected mayor of Hamburg, and he is giving to the city a prosperous and businesslike administration. In 1913 he was a member of the county school book commission, select- ing school books for Ashley county, and for the past few years he has been a member of the state congressional committee, representing the tenth judicial district.

On the 2d of February, 1898, at Lacy, this state, occurred the marriage of Mr. Walker to Miss Ethel Haskew, a daughter of Charles Haskew, a prominent resident. of that place To their union two sons have been horn: Vaughn, who is twenty-two years of age and is working in the hardware store with his father; and Eugene, nineteen years of age, a freshman in Vanderbilt University, where he is taking a general course. Mrs. Walker is prominent in the club and social circles of the town and is a member of the Eastern Star lodge. She is active along educational lines, also, and is connected with the School Improvement Association.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Presbyterian church and Mr. Walker has served as deacon for many years. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, holding membership in Prairie Lodge, No. 465, A. F. & A. M. and Olive Chapter, No. 12, Royal Arch Masons. He is also affiliated with Margaret Chapter, No 151, local Order of the Eastern Star. During the World war Mr. Walker gave generously of his time and money in promotion of the government's interests and he made many speeches throughout the state in behalf of the food administration. He was chairman of many war drives and belonged to the Home Guard. In every relation of life Mr. Walker

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has won success and the confidence and faith of his fellowmen. He is an alert and enterprising citizen, ever having the interests of the community at heart, and Hamburg is proud to number him among her native sons.

EDWIN EASTMAN HOPSON.

Edwin Eastman Hopson, one of the prominent attorneys of Arkansas City and a representative member of the legal profession in the state, was born in Baxter county, near Mountain Home, on the 7th of April, 1881. He is of Welsh descent on both paternal and maternal sides, both families having come to America at the time of colonization, the Lowell family settling in North Carolina. The paternal grandfather served in the Civil war in the Confederate army and soon after the close of that con- flict he removed to this state from Tennessee. The father, William J. Hopson, was a small hoy at that time and has continued to reside in this state. In early life he took up farming, achieving substantial success in that connection, and is now living retired near Mountain Home, at the age of seventy-one years. In 1871, in Evening Shade, Ar- kansas, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Hopson to Miss Elizabeth Lowell, who is now sixty-eight years of age. Her parents also came to this state after the Civil war. Her father and three of his brothers fought in the Confederate army during the Civil war, the three brothers being killed in active service. They were all privates. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hopson eight children were born: four hoys and four girls, of whom two boys and three girls are living. Edwin Eastman, whose name initiates this review, was the third in order of birth.

In the acquirement of his early education Edwin Eastman Hopson attended the public schools of Mountain Home and after graduating from the high school there he enrolled in the University of Arkansas, at Fayetteville, from which institution he was graduated in 1907, with the B. A. degree. The following year the LL. B. degree was conferred upon him from that university. Mr. Hopson worked his way through college, doing various jobs in his spare time. In 1908 he started into the practice of his pro- fession at Arkansas City and he has remained here, practicing under his own name. An analytical mind, studious habits and power of concentration have heen instrumental factors in forwarding Mr. Hopson's professional attainments and in addition to his general private practice he is attorney for fifteen leading Arkansas and foreign corporations, among them being the Shane Lumber Company and the Desha Bank & Trust Company of this city; the McGehee Valley Bank at McGehee; the Arkansas Gravel Company of this community ; the Grayling Lumber Company of Detroit, Michigan; the White Construction Company of Chicago, Illinois; and the Breen Manufacturing Company of Arkansas City.

At Memphis, Tennessee, on the 29th of November, 1910, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Hopson to Miss Anna May Reitzammer of Arkansas City. To their union two children have been horn: Edwin Eastman, Jr., six years of age; and Jean, aged nine. Beth are students in the public schools of this city.

Mr. Hopson is one of the public-spirited citizens of Arkansas City and his aid may always be counted upon in the furtherance of any movement for the development and improvement of the general welfare. During the World war he was chairman of the legal advisory hoard for Desha county and gave generously of his time and money in behalf of the various drives. Mr. Hopson is in every sense of the word a self-made man and he has not only won an enviable place among the foremost lawyers in this part of the state, but has won the esteem of all his fellowmen.

WILLIAM B. PAPE.

One of the largest commercial enterprises of Fort Smith is the Pape Book Store, owned and conducted by William B. Pape. A spirit of enterprise and progressiveness has always actuated the proprietor in the management and conduct of the business and he has closely studied every problem relating to the trade and its improvement. His thoroughness and earnestness have ever been guided by sound judgment and he has never feared to venture where favoring opportunity has led the way. Fort Smith is proud to number him among her native sons, for his birth here occurred in 1860. His parents were Henry and Elizabeth Pape, the former coming to Fort Smith in 1854. Here he engaged in business as a contractor and builder and was prominently identified with the early development and improvement of the city.

William B. Pape acquired his primary education in the public schools of Fort Smith and in fact attended the first public school of the city. He afterward became a student

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

in the University of Arkansas, in which he pursued his studies for three years from 1878 until 1881. In 1889 Mr. Pape was called to public office when he was made United States jailor at Fort Smith under President Benjamin Harrison, serving under the direct supervision of Colonel Jacob Yoes, who was then United States marshal. After retiring from that position Mr. Pape became assistant cashier of the Crawford County Bank at Van Buren and was thus identified with the financial interests of the county for a considerable period. In 1896 he was again called to public office when elected on the republican ticket to the office of sheriff of Crawford county. He served for one term in that position, discharging his duties fearlessly and faithfully, after which he came to Fort Smith and has since been identified with the commercial interests of the city. It was in 1899 that he turned his attention to the book and stationery business, in which he has since been engaged. The store was formerly owned by J. D. Van Winkle & Company and Mr. Pape acquired a half interest in the business, while in 1899 he purchased the remainder of the stock, becoming sole proprietor. He carries a large and most attractive line of goods. The reading public has little difficulty in finding what is wanted on his shelves and he also carries a large and well selected line of stationery, while the steady growth of his business is indicative of the reliability of his trade methods and the progressiveness which he manifests in the conduct of his store.

In 1916 Mr. Pape was united in marriage to Mrs. Nettie Tibbs and they have become the parents of a daughter, Lucy Louise. In politics Mr. Pape has always manifested the keenest interest as a supporter of the republican party and has served as a member of the state republican committee from Sebastian county. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, exemplifying in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft, and he is also a member of the Business Men's Club, displaying keen interest in the organized efforts of that society for the city's upbuilding and improvement. In whatever relation of life he is found-in the government service, in political circles, in business or in social rela- tions-he is always the same honorable and honest gentleman . whose worth well merits the high regard which is uniformly extended him.

A. LAZARUS.

A. Lazarus, who has accomplished results that entitle him to classification with the foremost business men of Arkansas, is the secretary, treasurer and one of the principal stockholders of the Ritchie Grocery Company, conducting a wholesale grocery estab- lishment with the parent house in Camden and branch houses at El Dorado, Prescott, Hope and Waldo, Arkansas, and at Ruston and Alexandria, Louisiana. A business of most extensive proportions has been developed, its ramifying trade connections reaching out into various sections of the country. Every successful, legitimate business enterprise is a contributing factor to the growth and progress of the state, and the Ritchie Grocery Company in this connection ranks high.

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Centennial history of Arkansas, Part 78

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