1917 Little River Baptist Association Minutes ~ Obits

3rd Annual Meeting of Little River Baptist Association

Minutes of the Third Annual Meeting of the Little River Baptist Association at Ashdown, Arkansas on October 12,13 and 14, 1917

Page 16-17

Report on Obituaries:

We your committee on Obituaries report. From the reading of the letters of the church that ten brethren and sisters have been called from time to eternity, to wit:

Sisters & Brothers: Robert Brown, Mary Bill Webb, J.B. Jones, Ben Boyd, Rena Gordon, R.J. Bettis (Deacon), J.T. Holt, J.T. Cowling, H.L. Majors and R.H. Parker.

We extend our heartfelt sympathies and prayers in the bereaved. Knowing God's ways and dealings with his children are just and right. We all bow in humble Submission to his will.

Committee: J.C. Powers, J.H. Barkman, and Charles H. Parks

LRCGS, 2007

1905 Obituaries

1905 Obituaries 

Little River News 

September 15, 1905

J.R. O'Neil- one of our most prosperous farmers from Little River County, died at his home near Hick's School house last Friday afternoon of swamp fever, an illness of about nine days.  Mr. O'Neil came to this county from Hempstead County about 2 years ago.  He leaves a wide and six children to mourn his death.  The remains were buried Saturday afternoon by the Woodmen of the World.  We extend our sympathies to the bereaved family. 

James Morgan- James Morgan was killed Tuesday in DeQueen 

Dr. A.B. Bishop of this county received a telephone message Tuesday to inform him of the fatal accident to James, the 15 year old son of the late Dr. R.S. Morgan.  James was up a tree when he accidentally fell to the ground, sustaining injuries from which he died. 

Mrs. M. Clampit- "Resolution of Respect" from the Women's Home missionary Society of Richmond on the death of Mrs Clampit, who departed this life August 28, 1905.  "Whereas, God in his unerring wisdom has seen fit to call from us, one so full of faith and good works, and who, by herdaily walk and conversations, endearing herself to all who know her.  Therefore be it Resolved, that we sincerely deplore the loss of our friend and co-worker, yet in so doing acknowledge therein the hand of all the wise and merciful; Father, who ever "Chasteneth those whom he loveth." 

September 22, 1905 

Green Holsten Mosely.  U. Mosely of this city received a letter from Mrs. Holsten Mosely informing him of the death of her husband of New Orleans of yellow fever on Wednesday of last week.  He had been at New Orleans about two years and leaves wife and one child to mourn his death.  (Note: The Little River News mentions here that the following was taken from a New Orleans newspaper.) 

Green H. Mosely, an estimable young resident of the lower coast, died to the prevailing fever.  He had taken ill about a week ago and though all that was possible was done in his behalf, he succumbed.  

The deceased was but a few days lacking 24 years and a native of Ashdown.  His parents dead, and his near relatives live in Arknasas. 

Three years ago, Mr Mosely came to Algiers and entered the government service at the naval station in a clerical position.  At the time of his death, he was chief clerk to Naval Contractors Roberts of the department of construction and repair, and was regarded as a thoroughly competent and most capable attache. 

A little more than a year ago, he married Miss Edna Percella Gersdorf, daughter of Capt.  Gus Gersdorf, of the lower coast, who, with a baby girl, survives him.  He was a thorough gentleman and was esteemed by all with whom he came in contact, particularly hgis fellow employees of the Naval Station. 

To the heartbroken wife, sincere sympathy is extended in this hour of bereavement.  The funeral was held this morning at 10 am from his residence, No 1500 Patterson St., and internment at Algiers with Rev. W.S. Slack of Mt Olivet Episcopal Church officiating.  

Miss Pearl Chewning- daughter of Will Chewning, died at the residence of Mr and Mrs George Chewning in this city.  She died yesterday of consumption. 

Jordie McCord- son of Mr and Mrs P.M. McCord, died at the residence of his parents near Hick's School house yesterday morning of swamp fever.  

Will Thomas- a colored man of Ben Lomond was killed at Wilton last Tuesday night by being run over by a K.C. work train.  Both legs and hands were cut off. 

Albert Craddock- shot by his brother George Craddock, of Mt. Ida.  The brothers were principal owners of the mill and mercantile business at Silver City.  Shooting was over business matters. 

September 29, 1905 

W.H. Potts- committed suicide at DeQueen last Friday night by hanging himself to a rafter in the second story of the new school building.  An inquest was held by Justice Merideth, the jury returns a verdict of death by suicide.  A letter taken from the pocket of the deceased and signed by him attribute this act to domestic trouble.  Mr. potts was about 60 years of age and leaves a wife and several small children.  He was a former resident at Pine Prairie, in this county, and moved to DeQueen about 2 months ago and opened a boarding house.  The remains were brought to this place last Saturday night and were buried at Richmond Cemetery Sunday afternoon. 

October 13, 1905 

Capt. A. Kyle age 75 died at Hempstead County.  He was an old landmark of the county and had lived at Washington and Hope together for over 50 years.  He was marshall at Hope for a number of years.  He married Miss Belle McLain.  Capt. Kyle leaves a wife, daughter, Mrs. White Brasell,; son, Jesse of Dallas, Tx.  He had a good war record under Gen Cabell, was a staunch Democrat and had many warn personal friends.  He will be buried here tomorrow. 

October 20, 1905 

George W. Orton, died at Mena.  He was laid to rest in old cemetery here on August 22, 1905. 

Col. W.L. Whitaker a promionent and well known citizen of Texarkana, died at St. Louis last week. The remains were shipped to Texarkana for burial.  he had been a resident of Texarkana for many yearts having gone there when the city was but a little village, and has been identified with many industries.  It was mainly through his efforts that the Kansas City Southern was built into there. 

November 3, 1905 

Mrs. M.A.T. Fomby- died yesterday in this city.  Burial will be tomorrow.  She was the mother in law of W.H. Furlow.  

November 10, 1905 

Frank Henry- a conductor who had charge of a work train on the KCS was killed by his train in Horatio, 40 miles north of here, on November 6.  He leaves a wife and two children who reside in Texarkana. 

November 17, 1905 

Mrs. Dollarhide, wife of Judge J. S. Dollarhide, died at her home in Rocky Comfort Monday at age 74.  She was one of the oldest settlers of this county and her many friends will be grieved to learn of her death. 

David Locke- the little son of Mr Frank Locke of this city died at the home of his grandparents, Mr and Mrs DB Coulter at Folmina Monday after a short illness.  Little David had spent the summer with relatives in Indiana and his father had brought him home.  he went to visit his grandparents and was attacked with throat trouble to which he was subject.  Everything that could be done was done to relieve him, but of no avail.  

New Dixie Theater Opening, August 3, 1939

The New Dixie Theatre will proudly open Thursday and Friday evenings, August 3, 4, with the intention of giving to Ashdown and Little River County, the best first class, wholesome pictures, for the money.  A show for everyone. 

Little River News

August 3, 1939

George Marcus Barrett

Former Owner of L. R News Dies at Hugo

Hugo- George Mark Barrett, a one time owner of the Little River News, died Friday at his home here following a week's illness with heart ailment. Funeral services were held Monday at the First Baptist Church, Hugo.

Judge Barrett is remembered by the long-time residents of Ashdown, as he studied law in the office of the late Judge Cowling, and was admitted to the bar in 1902. Judge Cowling's law office at that time was in the wooden building on the present site of the Dixie Theatre. While a practicing attorney here, Judge Barrett bought the Little River News, which he owned for a short time.

He moved to Idabel, Okla., where he was county attorney of McCurtain County.  He served as state and federal judge in Oklahoma and at the time of his death, he was city attorney at Hugo.


George Marcus Barrett (1874-1947) was my great grand uncle and was married to Della Herndon (1879-1966).  They are buried in  Mt Olivet Cemetery in Hugo, OK.

Little River News ~ November 20, 1947

Henry Carl & Callie Sue Turner Clay

Henry Carl (1902-1987) & Callie Sue Turner Clay (1904-1986)

Henry was the son of  John W & Mary Viola Ford Clay

Callie was the daughter of  James Cannon & Mary Elizabeth Kittley Turner

Henry & Callie were both born and raised in Little River County and together had eight children. 

Mr & Mrs Clay are both buried in Blackerby Cemetery in Little River County. 

They are  the two greats grandparents of my granddaughter. 

1922 Ashdown Chamber of Commerce visits White Cliffs

Click photo for larger view

1947 Ashdown Football Team

from 1947 AHS yearbook

Senator Jeff Davis

The Bryan Daily Eagle & Pilot

Bryan Texas, Friday Evening, Jan 3, 1913 

SENATOR JEFF DAVIS

Suffered a Stroke of Apoplexy Early

This Morning at His Home

In Little Rock.

By Associated Press.

Little Rock, Ark., Jan. 3. 

United States Senator Jeff Davis died suddenly at his home here at 12:30

o'clock this morning as the result of an attack of apoplexy. Besides being a picturesque character in Washington during his one term in the senate, which began in 1907, United States Senator Jeff Davis had the distinction of being the only man elected to tbe governorship of Arkansas three times. Previous to his seven years Incumbency of the governorship of his state Mr. Davis had been prosecuting attorney for the Fifth Arkansas judicial district and in 1898 was elected attorney general of the state.

Mr. Davis was born In Little River county, Arkansas, in 1862, and received his education at Russellville, Ark., and at Vanderbilt University, graduating from the latter Institution in 1884. He was admitted to the bar the same year and soon after began to practice. Senator Davis' term would have expired March 4 of this year. At the democratic state primary last September he defeated Congressman Stephen Brundidge for nomination as senator. As the legislature is  overwhelmingly democratic.  He would have been reelected as soon as the legislature convened. Governor Donaghey at an early hour this morning said 'he thought it inappropriate to discuss the matter of the appointment of Senator Davis' successor. '

Senate Adjourned Out of Respect.

By Associated Press.

Washington, " Jan. 8. 

The senate adjourned on account of Senator Jeff Davis' death.

Extra- He was born in LR Co May 6, 1862 to Lewis W and E.A. Davis.  

Saw Mill Explosion ~Rocky Comfort 1892

Pullen & Haywood Saw Mill Explosion

Rocky Comfort

April 27, 1892

Submitted by Mary Jameson

Great-Great-Granddaughter of E.W. Pullen

---

FOUR KILLED and Fourteen Wounded, Two of Whom Will Die.

This is a result of the boiler explosion in Pullen & Haywood's Mill in Little River County, Rocky Comfort, Arkansas, April 27, 1892.

The bursting of the boiler in Pullen & Haywood's Mill yesterday, resulted in the death of E.W. Pullen, W.W. Haywood, W.A. Clem and Frank Castleberry, a child about 8 years old and wounding the following: Mrs. Castleberry, seriously and will die; J.W. Kitmer, seriously, and will die; Miss Dora Castleberry, Miss Ona Pope, Edmond Pope, aged 9 years; Warren Stewart, aged 12 years; R.A. Clem, aged 49 years; Robert Pullen, son of E.W. Pullen; Maude and Allen, aged respectfully 6 and 10, children of W.W. Haywood; Headly Short and wife 70 years old; Dickson Knight, Choctaw Indian, aged 35; and Allen Thompson, aged 16.

Mr. J.W. Kitmer has a father and sisters in St. Louis.

The boiler bursted on top of the fire box, causing it to rebound endwise, striking the floor near the saw, then turning endwise again, striking the ground about twenty-five yards from the place it was located. This is the third boiler explosion that has occurred in this part of the county in the last year or so. From all accounts, the boiler was a second-hand one, and was very recently brought into this county. But little lumber had been sawed. Mr. E.W. Pullen was from Clark County and has relatives here. Mr. V.S. Clem is also from Clark County.

Mr. E.W. Pullen was buried today.

ANOTHER ACCOUNT:

Richmond, Arkansas, April 28 - Never in the history of Little River County have our people been so shocked as they have by the recent disaster, which occurred on the 26th inst. about 2 P.M. by which three persons were instantly killed and fourteen wounded. In company with several craftsmen, your correspondent visited Rocky Comfort yesterday to assist in burying Mr. E.W. Pullen, a good citizen and a Mason of High standing, whose untimely death was mentioned in yesterday's special. Reaching Rocky Comfort too late to participate in the funeral ceremonies, we sought information concerning the sad tragedy, which furnished the only topic of conversation in that quiet town on our Western border.

The saw mill, owned by Messrs. Pullen and Haywood, has been recently built, or rather, removed to its present locality, and is situated six miles northeast of Rocky Comfort, on the "line" or Government road, marking the boundary line between Arkansas and the Indian Territory.

The engines had been but recently repaired, a new saw purchased, and everything seemed to be in nice shape, and its enterprising owners were congratulating themselves upon the bright prospects for a "good run" in that growing section.

A number of ladies and children had repaired to the scene to witness the new mill start, little dreaming of the terrible fate that awaited them. About 2 o'clock P.M., only a little while after the whistle had blown and the merry hum of the saw was making the woods ring with loud noise, a fearful crash came. The boiler had exploded, caused presumably by the water getting too low in the boiler and the "crown sheet" becoming heated, and upon turning in a fresh supply of water, the explosion came. The killed were Mr. E.W. Pullen, Mr. Haywood and young Castleberry, the fireman.

Mrs. Castleberry's arm was broken, and her legs badly bruised, and skull fractured, and she has since died.

Young Clem, son of Mr. Allen Clem, was badly wounded and died on yesterday.

Four others, probably two ladies and two men, sustained serious injuries from which it is feared they will not recover.

Of the eight others hurt, they will soon recover, as their injuries were bruises or burns from hot water.

Doctors Savage and Sager, the excellent physicians of Rocky Comfort, were doing some heroic work in caring for the wounded and alleviating their suffering.

BOILER EXPLOSION

Three Men Killed, Four Wounded, and Two Women Injured.

Richmond, Arkansas, April 27 - The distressing news has just reached this place of the most terrible explosion that has ever occurred in this county. Mr. E.W. Pullen, who has a steam mill six miles west of Rocky Comfort, in this county, had just returned from the foundry at Texarkana with some parts of the machinery, which had been repaired. The parts had been put together and the mill started on Tuesday, April 26, in the presence of a number of by-standers, when the boiler exploded, killing Mr. E.W. Pullen, his engineer and fireman, and wounding four others, perhaps mortally.

Of the wounded, one was a woman who had both arms and limbs broken and in this mangled condition, she is still living.

Mr. E.W. Pullen was one of our best citizens, being Worshipful Master of Rocky Comfort Lodge, R. and A.M.; Royal Arch Captain of Richmond Chapter No. 87, Royal Arch Masons, and a zealous Knight of Honor.

The undertaker of this place will send coffins this morning to the scene of the disaster.

1902 Richmond School Group

Alleene Local News 1930

ALLEENE LOCALS

 Mr and Mrs Tom Whitney of New Boston TX were here on business Wed and
 Thurs.

John Woodson and Tommie Cox of Camden were visitors here Fri night enroute
 to Oklahoma City.

Misses Ruth Cope, Mamie Gifford and Carl Whiteman of DeQueen visited
 friends here Fri afternoon.

 Mr and Mrs Fred Wright of Ashdown were visitors in town Fri.

 Mr and Mrs J.R.(B?) King and Mrs J WJ Mast of Texarkansa were visitors
 here recently.

 Miss Merle Gillihan visited friends in Ashdown last week.

 JJ Seastrunk, EF Scarborough, CO Thompson and OL Seastrunk motored to
 Foreman Sat.

Mr and Mrs Russell Pierce spent the week end with relatives at Winthrop.

 Joe Norwood of Texarkana visited relatives here Sat.

 Mr and Mrs JN Honnell visited relatives in Lockesburg Tues.

 Mr and Mrs Tom Crawford and daughter Dorothy and Price Crawford and
daughter Lucille, Celia Patton, Leona Gillihan and CO Thompson attended
 the school program at Arden Fri night.

 Merlie Gillihan and Carl Whiteman of DeQueen attended the show at
 Texarkana Sun night.

 Henry Freeman of Foreman was in town Wed.

 Mrs Oather Carver and little son of Wallace spent the week end here with
 her parents, Mr and Mrs JD Seastrunk.

Mrs Sherd  Barrett of Ashdown spent the week end here with her sister,
 Mrs Charlie Scarborough.

Little River News
May 1930

Oak Grove 1912 School Group

Oak Grove School Group August 1912

Ashdown's Early Days

ASHDOWN’S EARLY DAYS RECALLED BY SETTLERS

published:

Little River News

January 31, 1934

When S.A. Maddox, Henry Westbrook, John Coggins and a few others who are still citizens of Ashdown came to make their home, they found two log houses surrounded by fields of cotton and corn, owned by William and Maloy Waddell, uncles of George and Charley Waddell of Ashdown..  The Waddells owned eighty acres of what is now Ashdown.

William Waddell’s log house stood on the site now occupied by the R.A. Phillip’s home.  A field of corn waved its yellow tassels from about where the news office stands to the other side of the KCS railroad and from there to beyond the site of the courthouse, the land was planted in cotton.

Mr. Maddox came here from Saratoga in 1889 to take charge of the commissary, which was built at the time of the survey of the Texarkana and Ft. Smith Railroad His store was a small frame building which stood almost in the middle of what is now the street in front of Phillip’s Drug Store.  A Mr. Fricks ran the store for a short time until Mr. Maddox’s brother came to take charge.

Henry Westbrook enlarged the building and clerked in the store.

Capt. W.D. Dupree built the first frame dwelling here.  It stood on the site next door to the Albert Hamilton home.  The Baptist Church, which was the first to be organized here, held its first services in the Dupree home.

The first preacher, a man named Rogers, preached there.

The first industry was a large sawmill, which stood near the old Frisco Pond.  Mr. and Mrs. Dupree furnished rooms and board to a large number of the men who worked there.

John Coggins, who later married into the Dupree family, tells of a joke he played on Capt. Dupree.  He made a sign which he tacked up in front of the boarding house which read: “Maddox town, Westbrook Street, Dupree Hotel, and nothing to eat.” Needless to say, he had to take it down.

The railroad built at that time was owned by Bill Whitaker and was called the Texarkana and Ft. Smith railroad.  While Whitaker owned it, it only extended between Texarkana and Wilton and after five years, the Kansas City Southern bought it and extended it on to Ft. Smith.

After a short time, Mrs. Girlie, mother of Mrs. H.M. Westbrook, also from Saratoga, came and built a two-story frame hotel.  The remains of this hotel still stand next to M.S. Johnson store.

The first schoolhouse was a small one-story room built about where the Ashdown Hardware warehouse now stands.  The first teacher of this school was a man named Payne.

When the town was laid off into lots, about 1891, Judge Burns gave the lots where the grade school building now stands and a one room frame house was built.  Later another room was added.  This served until the two-story frame building that is now used as an apartment house was built in about 1900.