Centennial history of Arkansas, Part 94

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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ALVIN SUMMERFIELD TILLES.

Alert and energetic, constantly studying business methods and acquainting him- self with all that is progressive in mercantile circles, Alvin Summerfield Tilles has heen called to the responsible position of manager of The Fair Department Store at Fort Smith. He is a native son of the city in which he makes his home, his birth hav- ing occurred January 27, 1894. His parents were Sam and Bertha (Jacobs) Tilles, the latter a representative of one of the old pioneer families of the state of Kansas. The father, Sam Tilles, was one of the early merchants of Fort Smith, who founded and owned The Fair and conducted the business successfully for thirty years, his progressive methods making it one of the foremost commercial interests of the city.

The boyhood and youth of Alvin S. Tilles were passed in Fort Smith and he acquired here a high school education, while later he continued his studies in the Western Mili- tary Academy at Alton, Illinois, from which he was graduated in 1913. This gave him considerable military training and experience which proved of great value to him when four years later he entered the army for service in the World war. He first went to Camp Logan H. Roots near Little Rock, being the first to enlist from Fort Smith. He entered the Officers' Training School and there he was commissioned a second lieutenant. He was afterward promoted to a first lieutenancy and eventually was made captain of infantry forces, being assigned to duty with the Three Hundred and Twelfth Supply Train, Eighty-seventh Division, Camp Pike. He was sent to Camp Dix and later to Camp Sherman, Chillicothe, Ohio, and was with the Three Hundred and Seventy-ninth Infantry of the Ninety-fifth Division, being mustered out on the 19th of December, 1918. He acted as supply officer and summary court officer at Camp Pike, hut much to his regret did not get overseas.

With his return to Fort Smith, Mr. Tilles entered the store established by his father and through the intervening period has given his attention to the conduct of the busi- ness, heing now manager thereof. The store has always been conducted along the most progressive lines. A large stock is carried, attractive. in its arrangement and display and the enterprise and thoroughly reliable business methods of the house are winning a constantly increasing patronage, which makes this one of the leading mercantile con- cerns of the city. It is dominated by a policy which has its root in the well defined plans and business methods of Alvin S. Tilles, whose progressiveness is contantly reach- ing out along broadening lines and who at all times holds to the highest standards of commercial activity.

JAKE M. GATES.

Jake M. Gates, a Harvard man, whose ability has been turned to good account in connection with various lines of business activity and public service in the state of Arkansas, makes his home in Lonoke. He has long followed merchandising and has important and extensive interests as a planter. He was horn in Des Arc, Arkansas, in 1878, a son of F. and Sallie (Mayer) Gates, the former a native of Germany, while the latter was born in Lafayette, Indiana. The father arrived in Des Arc, this state, in early 'manhood and here embarked in merchandising, while later he carried ou a similar husi- ness in De Valls Bluff and at Lonoke. He served for four years in the Confederate army under Captain P. H. Wheat and hy reason of his business activity and his progressive

ALVIN S. TILLES

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public spirit he became well known in his part of the state. He had extensive interests as a planter and in this as in other connections his business interests were wisely directed and most carefully managed. He was a member of the Jewish Synagogue and always held closely to the high ideals which governed him in the various relations of his life. To him and his wife were born four children: Elias, who is now a member of the bar of Memphis; Clara; Jake M., of this review, and Victor A.

Jake M. Gates pursued his early education in Memphis, Tennessee, and afterward went to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he entered Harvard University. When he had completed his course of study he returned home and engaged in business with his father, succeeding to his interests at the father's death. His activities are extensive and of an important character, contributing in large measure to the business development and progress of this section of the state. In connection with his mercantile interests he also controls twenty thousand acres of land, much of which is planted to cotton, rice and corn. His business ability is pronounced. He has carefully systematized his interests and his progressive methods are productive of splendid results. His activities have largely established standards for business of the same character in this section of the state and his advice is frequently sought by other planters living in the district.

Mr. Gates has also figured very prominently in connection with questions of public importance. In 1908 he was elected secretary of the democratic central committee and has done important service in behalf of the party organization. He was elected mayor of Lonoke and filled the office for ten years, seeking throughout the period to establish higher civic standards and promote progress and improvement along many lines. He succeeded Judge Holt upon the county bench and served as county judge for one term, his decisions always being strictly fair and impartial. He was also elected to the state legislature, of which he is now a member and during his connection with the general assembly he promoted the penitentiary bill known as the Gates Bill, and in connection therewith created an honorary board. He also fathered the bill establishing a railroad commission to succeed the corporation commission, thus putting the light and water rates in the hands of councils of municipalities, a distinct and beneficial home rule meas- ure. His attitude upon any vital question is the result of close study and thorough investigation into the problem and his labors have been productive of splendid results.

Mr. Gates was united in marriage to Miss Bede Marks of San Antonio, Texas, and they have become parents of two children: Sallie and J. M., Jr. Fraternally Mr. Gates is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Loyal Order of Moose, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. During the World war he served as county food administrator and was chairman of the county speakers' committee. He was also prominent in connection with the various Liberty Loan drives. He is the vice president of the Lonoke County Bank and his experience in financial matters enabled him largely to assist in putting over the Liberty Loans in his district. His plons in connection with public or private affairs have ever been carefully formulated and promptly executed and his labors have been resultant forces in the attainment of. splendid results.

WILL A. RATTERREE.

Will A. Ratterree, for many years an attorney at law of Booneville, is of Scotch descent, the ancestral line being traced back through six generations to the founder of the family in the United States. His grandfather, Thomas C. Ratterree, was a native of North Carolina, whence he removed to Mississippi, there making his home until he came to Arkansas. The father, John C. Ratterree, was born in Mississippi and it was subse- quent to the establishment of the family home in Arkansas, in 1848, that he was married in Greenwood, this state, to Miss Mary Graham, who was born in Georgia on the 5th of May, 1855, and was brought to Arkansas by her parents in 1859. Throughout his life John C. Ratterree devoted his attention to farming, save for the period of his service in the Union army during the Civil war, at which time he loyally espoused the cause of an undivided country. He was a Mason who exemplified in his life the sterling princi- ples of the craft and he was also a consistent member of the Baptist church, in the faith of which he died. He is still survived by his widow. They were the parents of eleven children, seven of whom are living, and by a previons marriage John C. Ratterree had be- come the father of twelve children. The living children of the last marriage are: A. L., a lawyer living at Beaumont, Texas; Will A., of this review; As? H., a mechanic residing at Union City, Nevada; Flora, the wife of Harry S. East, a newspaper man of Booneville; Lillian, the wife of Frank Young, depot agent at Wagoner, Oklahoma: Myrtle Pearce, wife of Samuel Pearce, mail carrier of Dallas, Texas, and Jesse G., a coal miner living at Greenwood, Arkansas.

Will A. Ratterree was born in Sebastian county, this state, on the 9th of June, 1873. Vol, 11-38

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He is indebted to the public school system of Greenwood for the educational opportunities which he enjoyed. He started out in the business world by securing . employment in a newspaper office and afterward took up the study of law. continuing his preparatory read- ing until admitted to the bar in 1898. He theu located for practice in Booneville, where he has remained until recently. He is now located at Okemah, Oklahoma, where he is engaged in the practice of law, associated with Mr. Arthur Cochran. In a calling where advancement depends entirely upon individual merit and ability he has worked his way steadily upward. His power as an advocate is widely recognized and for a time he served as city attorney. He devotes his entire attention to his practice and his allegiance to the interests of his clients is proverbial. He was admitted to practice before the supreme court of the state, also the supreme court of Oklahoma and the federal courts.

On the 25th of May, 1898, Mr. Ratterree was married to Miss Lula Wood, who was born in Logan county, Arkansas, a daughter of J. S. Wood. He was one of the pioneers of that county, but was born in Faulkner county, Arkansas, and he devoted his life to farming and carpentering. Mr. and Mrs. Ratterree became the parents of four children: Martha J., the wife of Owen Pettet, who is express agent at Morrillton, Arkansas; Letha, who is a teacher at Hackett, Arkansas, and Grace and Gladys, in school. Mr. Ratterree is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and his political endorsement is given to the democratic party. He has served as member of the city council in some capacity since 1900 and exercises his official prerogatives in support of many plans and measures for the general good. During the World war he acted as food administrator for Logan county and was one of the Four-Minute speakers. Fraternally he is connected with the Woodmen and with the Masons. He has taken the Royal Arch degrees and has served as master of his lodge, in which he is now filling the office of secretary, at all times exemplifying in his career the beneficent spirit of the craft and the splendid principles upon which it is based.

J. P. WALT.

J. P. Walt, engaged in general merchandising at Altheimer, his business being largely devoted to the work of supplying plantations with everything that they need, was born in Shelby county, Tennessee, in 1860, and is a son of J. R. and Mary ( Bateman ) Walt. The father was a prominent citizen of Shelby county, widely and favorably known there. At the time of the Civil war he joined the Confederate forces and served through the entire period of conflict.

J. P. Walt pursued his education in the public schools of his native state and in 1899 he removed to Altheimer, where he established the Walt store in association with his brothers, D. C. and J. R. Walt. They carry an extensive and well selected line of goods, meeting all of the requirements of plantations and the business has enjoyed a steady and substantial growth from the beginning, owing to the progressive methods of the owners and their earnest desire to please their patrons, while their thorough reliability stands as an unquestioned fact in their career. They also control eleven hundrel acres of land in this vicinity, from which are produced splendid crops each year.

During the World war Mr. Walt was chairman of local board No. 2. He and his wife. who, prior to her marriage, was Maud Price Quilling, occupy an enviable social position, having many warm friends throughout this community. Fraternally he is a Mason and he belongs to the Winfield church of Little Rock. In these associations are indicate l the nature of his interest and the rules which govern his conduct and at all times he is .1 man who merits and enjoys the confidence, esteem and high respect of his fellowmen

ROBERT BURNS BRODIE.

Pulaski county on the whole has been signally favored in the class of men who have occupied her public offices, and well known in this connection is Robert Burns Brodie, who is filling the position of county clerk and whose record has been characterized by marked fidelity to duty in every relation to the public interests. He is a native son of Little Rock, his birth having occurred on the 6th of July, 1874, his parents being John and Ella (Dolive) Brodie. The father was born in the city of New York, in 1844, while the mother's birth occurred in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1854. John Brodie was brought to Arkansas in his infancy by his parents, who settled in Little Rock, where he has since made his home. Starting out in the business world he was first employed in the foundry of his father and later he engaged in the hardware business with his father in Little Rock for many years. He served for six years as county clerk of Pulaski county, making

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an excellent record in the position, which is now being filled by his son Robert. He is prominently known in Masonic circles, the honorary thirty-third degree having been con- ferred upon him in recognition of the valuable service he has done for the order. His political allegiance is given the democratic party and both he and his wife are highly esteemed in the community where they make their home. To them were born five children; four daughters and a son, of whom two daughters are deceased.

Robert Burns Brodie obtained a public school education in Little Rock and after- ward attended Stone's Commercial College. In 1890 he entered the Pulaski county court- house as an employe in the office of the county clerk, his father being the incumbent in that position at the time. With the exception of two years, through all the intervening period he has been in office in various capacities and since January 1, 1921, has been county and probate clerk. His entire record has been characterized by marked fidelity to duty, by prompt and capable performance of every task devolving upon him and by devo- tion to the high ideals in citizenship. He has always voted with the democratic party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and is a firm believer iu its princi- ples. He is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. His life has been carefully di- rected along lines of service and usefulness to his fellowmen and the sterling worth which he has manifested in every relation is evidenced in the warm friendship enter- tained for him by those who know him.

J. WYTHE WALKER.

J. Wythe Walker, who is one of the able representatives of the legal profession in Fayetteville, was born here on the 26th of January, 1866, a son of J. D. and Mary (Walker) Walker, further mention of whom is made in the sketch of J. V. Walker, to be found on another page of this work. Since 1888 he has been practicing with his brother and they are one of the noted law firms in the state, handling much important litigation.

J. Wythe Walker received his early education in the schools of Fayetteville and in due time entered the University of Arkansas. He then read law in his father's office and was admitted to the bar in September, 1886. In that same year he became a partner of his father in the practice of the profession. Two years later he formed a partnership with his brother J. V. Walker. They have built up a large and important clientage and have practiced together for thirty-three years, with the exception of two years when Mr. Walker was state prosecuting attorney of the fourth judicial circuit composed of Benton, Carroll, Madison and Washington counties, from 1898 to 1900. He was an elector for the third congressional district on the Bryan ticket in 1908. Mr. Walker is devoted to his profession and his practice extends throughout the western and southern country. His knowledge of the law is comprehensive and his deductions are logical, while in the appli- cation of a legal principle he displays marked discernment. His arguments are character- ized by a perspicuity that leaves no one at sea as to his meaning.

On the 20th of October, 1897, occurred the marriage of Mr. Walker to Miss Mayme Byrnes, a native of Fayetteville and a daughter of A. M. Byrnes, one of the pioneer citizens of that place. Mr. Byrnes is still living, having won more than substantial suc- cess as a contractor and builder. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Walker: James Byrnes, who attended Arkansas University and is now employed by the Ferry- Hanley Advertising Company of Chicago; J. Wythe, Jr., attending Northwestern Univer- sity and Richard Courtney, a schoolboy.

Since attaining his majority Mr. Walker has been a stanch supporter of the demo- cratic party, having firm belief in the principles of that party as factors in good govern- ment. His religious faith is that of the Episcopal church, while his wife is a member of the Catholic church. Fraternally he is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Well versed in the learning of his profession and with a deep knowledge of human nature and the springs of human conduct, with great shrewdness and sagacity and extraordinary tact, he is in the courts an advocate of great power and influence.

H. W. PATRICK.

A native son of Arkansas and a representative of a pioneer family of the state, H. W. Patrick has been identified with the hardware business in Russellville for the past twenty- three years and throughout the period his name has stood as a synonym for integrity, en- terprise and reliability in commercial circles here. His birth occurred near Russellville on the 12th of August, 1862, and his parents were Hiram H. and Erie (Ewing) Patrick, the former a native of South Carolina and the latter of Kentucky. The father came to

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Arkansas in the '50s and in this state his marriage occurred. He purchased land aud devoted his energies to farming, working industriously to provide a livelihood for his large family and finding it a difficult matter to make ends meet. He served during the first part of the Civil war and participated in the battle of Helena, but threw away his rifle in order to avoid killing any one. He was a Presbyterian in religious faith and his political allegiance was given to the republican party. His father passed his life in South Carolina and was of Irish descent. The maternal grandfather, Cyrus C. Ewing, removed from Kentucky to Arkansas in 1836, becoming one of the pioneer settlers of Pope county, which at that time was still wild and undeveloped, the country abounding in game. Hiram H. Patrick died in 1896, hut is survived by his widow, who is eighty-two years of age. In their family were nine children, of whom seven are living: H. W., of this review; Lizzie, the widow of George Bonner and a resident of Little Rock; William P., who is engaged in the tailoring business at San Antonio, Texas; Holly H., a Presbyterian minister residing in Kentucky; Della, who married W. M. Swilling, a well known lumber- man of Russellville; Mark A., cashier of the Peoples Exchange Bank of Russellville, and Ralph, an agriculturist residing at Woodson, Arkansas.

In the public schools of Pope county, H. W. Patrick acquired his education and after laying aside his textbooks he assisted his father in the operation of the home farm until he reached the age of twenty-two years. For sixteen years he was in the employ of the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company as agent and telegraph operator and in 1899 he came to Russellville, opening a hardware establishment here, which he has since successfully conducted. He started with a small stock and now carries a large assortment of shelf and heavy hardware, displayed to the best advantage, and owing to his enterprising methods and thorough reliability has won a large share of the public patronage along this line, being recognized as one of the most progressive merchants in the town. He also has financial interests, being vice president and a member of the board of directors of the Peoples Exchange Bank of Russellville, and is a capable and successful business man.

In 1886 Mr. Patrick was united in marriage to Miss Leonora Swilling, a daughter of John Swilling, an early pioneer of Logan county, Arkansas, in which county her birth occurred. Subsequently the family removed to Pope county, where both parents died. Mrs. Swilling was a sister of W. J. White, a retired capitalist of Russellville and one of the most prominent and highly respected pioneers in Pope county. To Mr. and Mrs. Pat- rick was born a daughter, Ina Frances, now the wife of J. E. Hall. She assists her father in the conduct of his hardware establishment.

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick are members of the Christian church and his political support is given to the republican party. He has ever taken a deep and helpful interest in public affairs and served for eighteen years as a member of the Russellville school board, in which connection he rendered effective service for the public good. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order, belonging to the lodge and chapter, and is an exemplary representative of the craft. Diligence and determination have constituted the foundation upon which he has reared the superstructure of success and as the architect of his own fortunes he has builded wisely and well, while at the same time his labors have con- tributed materially to the development and advancement of his community, and Russell- ville regards him as one of its most valued citizens.

W. V. BOATRIGHT.

W. V. Boatright, president of the Industrial Laboratories Company of Fort Smith, was born in Crawford county, Arkansas, in 1877, and is a son of W. N. and Eugenie (Garner) Boatright. The ancestral line can be traced back through several generations to the period of the war for independence. One of the ancestors, William Boatright, of Virginia, served in the Revolutionary war, rendering valiant aid to the colonies in their struggle for liberty. His son, William Boatright, also a native of Virginia, was the father of J. S. Boatright, who removed from Virginia to Missouri, and he in turn was the father of W. N. Boatright, who removed from Missouri to Arkansas. The grandfather also settled in Arkansas, establishing his home in Crawford county, and was one of the early teachers of that part of the state. The Garner family came from Mississippi. Miss Eugenie Garner accompanied her father, Jesse Garner, on his removal from Mississippi to Crawford county, Arkansas. To Mr. and Mrs. W. N. Boatright were born the following named: W. V., Percy, Carl, Thell, Lon, Robert, Mary, the wife of Charles Ayres; Leila, the wife of Edgar Covey; Jessie, the wife of Frank Anderson, and Alice, who is a high school teacher.

W. V. Boatright was accorded liberal educational privileges. He attended the Uni- versity of Arkansas and after completing his education entered upon public office, being elected county clerk of Crawford county. He later turned his attention to the real estate business and at a subsequent period he established the Percy Boatright Furniture Com-

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pany of Van Buren, of which he is still the principal owner, his brother Percy, however, being active manager of the business. In connection with others, W. V. Boatright purchased the Van Buren Water Company, of which he is the president, and he has also extended his efforts into various fields of activity, becoming vice president of the Citizens Bank and an official in other business enterprises. He continued an active factor in public affairs of Crawford county and was chosen president of the board of county com- missioners. He fostered the extensive road improvement project calling for ninety miles of improvement on roads leading into Van Buren and stood most loyally and unfalteringly for progress and advancement along many lines of great benefit to the public. He organ- ized the Red Cross of Crawford county during the period of the World war and served as state president of the organization. He was likewise instrumental in locating a number of industrial concerns in Van Buren and that city owes much of its development and up- building to his efforts. He controls the Industrial Laboratories Company of Fort Smith, of which he is the president, and this has become one of the important business features of the city. He also opened up additions to the city of Van Buren, including Edgewood, Long Bell, Allendale, the Boatright-Ayres subdivision and the Boatright subdivision of forty acres. Mr. Boatright is a man of keen business discernment and notable sagacity and readily recognizes not only the opportunities that lead to the upbuilding of individual fortunes but those which advance the welfare of the community. He has utilized the latter just as readily and effectively as he has the former and there is no man who has contributed in more substantial measure to Van Buren's improvement and benefit.

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Centennial history of Arkansas, Part 94

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