In the News ~ Tom Crawford

HOPE STAR
Dec 5 1930

Spends Three Days in the Swamps Without Food

FOREMAN—Tom Crawford, farmer of the Allene community nine miles east of this place (Foreman) , was lost in the woods, known as Gum Flats, from an early hour Friday morning until late Sunday afternoon.

Crawford left his home and family Friday morning for the purpose of looking for his horses which had strayed, he thought, into the bottom country between Allene and Foreman.

When he failed to return Friday night searching parties were organized. The hunt for the man was kept up all of Saturday and the greater part of the day Sunday, or until he was reported to have been found. 

Crawford stated to parties here Sunday night that he had been lost the entire time. While the gum flats are only a few miles in width, they extend north for several miles, and Crawford thinks he must have wandered up and down the swamp lands, several times, after he had lost his bearings in the dense woods.

According to Crawford, he had been without anything to eat from the time he left home until he emerged from the woods near Foreman late Sunday afternoon and came here for something to eat.

Crawford and his brother, Price, had lived together in a home near Allene.  The house and practically all the contents were destroyed in a fire a few days ago. The horses for which Mr Crawford was in search had been turned from the lot at the time of the fire and had strayed from the place.

Findagrave:

Autie Tom Crawford

Little River County ~ 1888

 Little River News, Richmond, Arkansas

Wednesday, June 12, 1888

We attended preaching at Hicks schoolhouse last Sunday for the first time and a bigger hearted set of people we have never met. They have a good Sunday school in operation and the best singing in the county, but like Peytonville, are badly in need of a church building.  Perhaps the one they have was all sufficient when built, but times have changed and where there was one man then, there are now ten, and in a few years will be twenty.  We understand that the people have this matter under advisement and know they will do their duty.

Out of Town Papers ~ Little River County Gossip

 Out of Town Newspapers Gossip  about Little River County, Arkansas

1909- Banks at Ashdown get swindled out of nine thousand dollars by a fast talking man who claimed to be John Studstill from Ga. 

1910-Mr. Overton  is under indictment for the shooting of a postmaster in Long, Arkansas on 12-24, 1908. 

1912- Two Wilton men die from drinking cologne after their supply of liquor played out. 

1914- Sixteen buildings in Ashdown are destroyed by a fire that was caused by the explosion of an oil stove in a restaurant. Estimated damage is $25,000.  This is the second fire in four months for Ashdown. 

1916- John Hawkins murdered Mrs. Ben Diles and her 15 month old daughter. 

1920- Mrs. Grover Cobb of Ashdown visits Della Robertson in Jonesboro.

Little River News: 1930 Alleene

 Little River News

May 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.

J.J. Seastrunk, E.F. Scarborough, C.O. Thompson and O.L. 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 J.N. 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 C.O. 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 Coarver and little son of Wallace spent the week end here with
her parents, Mr and Mrs J.D. Seastrunk.

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

F.A. Locke Store 1906

 

Ashdown Panther Football Team 1947-1948

 

Foreman Sun Newspaper 1918

Foreman Sun Newspaper, Little River County, Arkansas

January 18-1918

Arkinda

Ben S. Skinner, one of the pioneer citizens and business men of this city passed away Saturday at noon from a stroke of paralysis recently. The deceased was survived by a wife, one daughter and two sons. The remains were deposited in Blackland Cemetery Sunday.

January 18-1918

Joe Webb has purchased the residence of Dr. D.L. Stevens and moved his family to town. Dr. Stevens has moved into the residence recently purchased from Rosco Honnell.
J.T. Carlton died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Andy Hooper, in this city Monday morning at 11:00, at the advanced age of 86 years old.
W.T. Reid and Joe Webb visited Ashdown last Friday.
Mrs. L.W. Dollarhide returned Sunday from a visit to her son Edgar, at America, Georgia.


January 25, 1918
Wallace

Everybody enjoyed themselves at the singing at Jeff Cartwright's Sunday night.
Ed Murphy has moved near Old Town.
W.A. Richardson and family visited friends at Winthrop Sunday and Monday.
Austin Lecroy doesn't have much luck courting the girls these days.
Mr. and Mrs. McMayhan visited friends at New Hope Sunday.
Kate Miller visited friends at New Hope Sunday.
John Kirk of Richmond, visited friends here Saturday.
Florence Miller, who has been on the sick list is able to be up now.
It is reported that Robert Lowery has grinned out loud.

Little River News Excerpts 1905, 1915, & 1923

The "Little River News" was established in 1898. The "Foreman Sun" was another newspaper in Little River County, and it consolidated with the "Little River News" on January 1, 1975.

Excerpts From the "Little River News"

Friday, September 29, 1905

Local News:

Homer Turner visited his parents at Nashville Sunday.
C.N. Thill left Tuesday for a business trip to St. Louis.
Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Sullivan visited Texarkana Sunday.
W.W. Bishop made a business trip to Texarkana on Monday.
Judge L.A. Byrne of Texarkana was in the city Wednesday.
Mrs. J.T. Cowling visited her parents in DeQueen last Friday.
W.F. Bridewell made a business trip to Idabel Wednesday.
A girl was born to Dr. and Mrs. McCombs of Millwood, last week.
Hon. Otis T. Wingo of Dequeen was in town Tuesday night.
Deputy Sheriff J.S. Bush made a trip to Texarkana on Tuesday.
C.S. Cobb left Wednesday for a business trip to points in the territory.
Mrs. N.C. Jones is visiting her son C.E. Jones at Winthrop this week.
Mrs. Nannie White returned home Sunday after spending the summer in New York and other points.

NOTICE: You must do something with your cow. Cut her horns off or tie her head down at once or she will go to the woods and never return. This is the last notice, take fair warning now. Your neighbor NOTICE: I am in receipt of the above notice and if the writer will let me know which one of my cows she has reference to, I will put her up. Mrs. Ball

The following young people were hunting Wednesday night and succeeded in catching two o'possums: Misses May and Daisy Varley, Velma Hicks and Marion Post, and Messrs. Milligan, Gus Orton, Chas. Boarman, Chas. Bowles, Ed Stuart and Ben Nolan.

Friday, October 6, 1905

Little River County is to have a new 12,000 dollar courthouse. Citizens put up two thousand to add to 10,000 received for building.

The Ashdown Public School opened last Monday for a term of eight months of free school, with Prof. W.F. Burns of Arkadelphia as principal. Miss Nichols, of Virginia, is in charge of the intermediate grades, and Miss Sallie Collins, of this city, is in charge of the primary grades. The enrollment Monday was 110 pupils, but the number was increased by the end of the week.

Friday, November 17, 1905

Mrs. Dollarhide, wife of Judge J.S. Dollarhide deceased, died at her home at Rocky Comfort Monday at the age of 74 years. She was one of the oldest settlers of the county and her many friends will be grieved to learn of her death.
I.T. Winfrey, who is teaching school at Yellow Creek, near Saratoga, came over Friday and remained until Monday with home folks.
D.R. Fawcett has moved his store and family from Folmina to Ashdown and is now open and ready for business.
Bob Price, Ed Stuart, and Jeff Lott are hunting squirrels today.
Mike Allen, Henry Gist and Orus Leslie went hunting on Brushy Lake Tuesday evening. 

September 14, 1915

Front Street Ashdown is now eight feet higher than originally.. The big sewer ditcher, which has been working on Front Street this week, has unearthed a large number of old culverts and bridge timber eight feet below the present surface of the street. Old residents say that this was formerly the street level and was at one time the site of a ravine. It was gradually built up, leaving the old crossties over, which the pioneers drove far below the surface. It is also stated that at that time the street west ran under the Kansas City Southern tracks, which were on a trestle. 

Wilton Local News:

September 4, 1915

Mrs. E.C. Cooper and two little daughters, Thelma and Elizabeth, are spending a month at Hatfield to get the benefit of the mountain air and fine water at that place.
Pipkin has been spending his vacation with his mother, Mrs. Marshall Pipkin. He returned to Gurdon Tuesday.
Luther Clark, Grady Von, Lonnie Pugh, Homer Chambers and Willard Lay, who have been working in the oil field of Louisiana, are spending the week with relatives and friends.
Miss Lon T. Jones, of Ashdown was in town Monday visiting her father *** Mosely, who has been quite ill.
Winfield Mills leaves the first of next week to attend Hendrix college.

Foreman Local News

October 23, 1915

W.A. Bowden received a broken leg Saturday when a tree fell upon him. Mr. Bowden and another man were cutting down the tree.
The School Improvement Association is arranging to purchase a moving picture machine and will put on shows at the school auditorium every Friday night when the machine arrives.

Ashdown Local News

November 20, 1915

J.H. Embrey was at Foreman Monday.
Will Orton of Fulton was here Monday.
Dr. W.W. York was at Texarkana Monday.
W.W. Rayburn was at Lockesburg last week.
J.W. Everett of Horatio was in the city Monday.
Sam Dollarhide was here from Foreman Monday.
Gus McKean of Hope was here Monday morning.
Mrs. H.H. Hill is visiting relatives at Siloam Springs this week.
Judge and Mrs. Lon T. Jones were in Texarkana Saturday.
Mrs. Cora Millwee left Monday morning for a visit at Murfreesboro.
Hamilton Conger and Frank Blan spent Saturday and Sunday at Arkadelphia.
Ron Bryant is at Winthrop this week erecting a steel bridge over a creek near that place.
An old well in the middle of Front Street caved in Sunday night. Old settlers say the old well was filled up 14 years ago.

August 25, 1923

RED BLUFF NEWS

Mr and Mrs. Jim Buster of Ogden spent Saturday night and Sunday with the former's brother, Jess Buster and family of this place.
J.C. Stafford was in Ashdown Monday.
Mrs. P.M. Wood visited with relatives in AShdown Sunday.
Leslie Judd is very ill at this writing.
Jack Gorman is spending a few days in Ashdown with his friend, Wallace Dickenson.
Misses Amy Lee Gilbert and Marjorie Combs and John Crippens attended singing at Hopewell Sunday.
Mrs. R.P. Pasley and little daughter, Ivy Bell, are visiting relatives in Howe, Oklahoma.
A.N. Gilbert was looking after business in Ashdown Friday.
John Buster was a visitor in McNab Sunday.
Jess Buster is very low at this writing.

WINTHROP NEWS

Miss Juanita Huggins went to Texarkana Thursday.
Mrs. J.T. Gish and children are visiting relatives in DeQueen this week.
Miss Zenobia Webb entertained the younger set Saturday evening.
Oscar Lewis made a business trip to Texarkana Saturday.
G.B. Moncrief of Alleene was here Sunday.

Ashdown Trade Edition ~ Little River News 1923

 AUGUST 29 1923

ASHDOWN TRADE EDITION

Ashdown has business facilities to handle the trade of much territory.

Ashdown has:
two sound banking institutions
four exclusive dry goods stores, carrying large stocks of up-to-date and staple merchanidise, such as could be found in any modern city store.
four general merchandise establishments, carrying both dry goods and groceries and farm supplies
two large hardware and furniture stores, carrying standard lines of farm machinery and everything likely to be found in any store of the kind
one variety store, carrying a large stock of popular merchandise and novelties
eight exclusive grocery stores furnishing as good service and as low priced merchanidse as it would be possible to find
four meat markets with cold storage, buying and selling fresh, cured and canned meats
four modern drug stores, each one with registered pharmacists and each carrying large stocks
one jewelry store, one of the best in the state
two automobile and automobile supply agencies with everything that motorists need
three garages or automobile repair shops, with efficient mechanics
three gasoline filling stations
one up-to-date millinery store
one bakery with large baking capacity
three wholesale grocery concerns, selling over a large territory to the wholesale trade
These concerns also carry feed.
two wholesale gasoline and oil wholesale concerns, supplying the retail stations over this section
one undertaking business
four blacksmith and repair shops
one cleaning and press shop
two shoe repair shops with expert workmen
three barber shops
three plumbers, with one specializing in plumbing and sheet metal work
five hotels, one a modern three-story brick, with all modern equipment
three splendid restuarants
one creamery and bottling works
two grist mills
four cotton gins, 250 bales daily capacity
one large cotton seed oil mill, four cotton offices
one saw mill and planing mill and several operating in the vicinity of Ashdown
one handle factory
one big cotton compress, the plant covering six acres
one potato curing house
electric light plant
one ice plant and cold storage
two abstract offices
three fire insurance agencies
three concerns in real estate
six or seven concerns dealing in farm and city loans. The office of the Little River Federal Farm Loan Association is located here.
Among the professions we have:
five firms of lawyers with more than a local reputation and standing
six physicians of professional standing
one dental office
one twice a week newspaper with modern job printing plant, transportation facilities of Ashdown and Little River County.

1945 Little River County Happenings in Review

Little River County Community News 1920

  October 23, 1920

Town Gossip

Little River News

Winthrop News

Oct 22, Special

Guy Gray made a business trip to Little Rock the first of the week. Marshall Tapp was in Ashdown Wednesday. Mr and Mrs GC Hamblin and little Son GC were visiting friends and relatives in Louisiana last week. Guy Walker of Texarkana was here Sunday visiting friends and relatives. Mark Van E. Norman returned to his work at Ranger, Texas, Tuesday.

Jones Community News

Oct 21, Special

JC Proe hauled shingles from Foreman last Saturday to put a new roof on part of Jones school house. Mr and Mrs Lawrence Hammond’s baby has been quiet sick, but is better again. EL Rigsby and daughter Gola, who were sick, were taken to Hatfield last Thursday. We are glad to report that Mrs Ora Broomfield is slowly improving. Mr and Mrs RL Daniels’ baby is some better. Grandma Whisenhunt is numbered with the sick. DT Bush and CH Rettman were in Wilton and Ashdown visitors last Friday and Saturday. Albert Green has been quite sick for a few days this week. We are told that some much needed road work is being done under the supervision of CE Gauldin in the east part of the township.

Richmond News

Oct 21, Special

Mrs. AT Hemphill was shopping in Ashdown Friday. Miss Loreign Parker spent the weekend with parents in Texarkana. The younger set were entertained with an informal dance Friday evening at the

home of Jas. Hemphill. Mr and Mrs RD Goff have as their guest Mr Goff’s sister, Mrs. Turner of Fort Worth, Texas. Mrs RE Huddleston has returned to her home at Ashdown after a visit with her parents, Mr and Mrs MW Locke. The friends of Miss Francis Holmes are glad to hear that she is improving nicely from a recent operation. A dance was enjoyed by the young people Monday night at the home of Mr and Mrs Floyd Deloney.

Foreman News

Oct 21, Special

Dr RR Lefevers accompanied his son, Edgar, to Hot Springs Monday and later took him to Texarkana for an operation. The Missionary Society of the Methodist Church have collected nearly 600 pounds of

clothing this week to be sent to Poland. Miss Kate McElhannan died at her home near Wallace last Friday after a long illness. She had many friends who sympathize with the family in their loss. 

Marvin News

Oct 21, Special

This being a very rainy day will cut news short again. Can only give that which is reported to us. So the report goes that Willie Richardson comes up more often (at Red Hill) than does the cows.

Again the report goes that Mr Cody Trammell may be seen coming up with the chickens. We shall see what we shall see. JR Latham of Richmond was the guest of JT Trammell Saturday night and Sunday.

JH Johnson was over on Trammell Street Sunday. Oscar Calicott and wife were on the street spending Sunday. TJ Dunn of Tulsa, Okla., is with his family for the rest of the month. He and his family will  return to Oklahoma November 1st. GE Scott of Foreman visited his mother, Mrs Mary Scott, Sunday.

Ben Lomond School News ~ 1934

Ben Lomond School News-Jan 18, 1934

From the DeQueen Bee

Submitted by Lucyndia Starks

The high school girl’s club met on Thursday to elect new officers for the last semester.  This club was formed at the beginning of school and has proved helpful and interesting to the members.  One meeting each month is given over to a social.  Here the girls become better acquainted with each other and with their teachers.  The following officers were chosen: President, Lula Tabler; Vice-President, Gladys Norwood; Secretary, Edna McCombs; Reporter, Pauline McCombs; Faculty Advisor, Miss Fomby.  The following committees were appointed to serve for this month: Social Committee: Grace Wade, Pauline McCombs, Maxine Cobb; Program Committee: Iva Shadle, Lula Tabler, Lillie Terry.  

Those receiving certificates for 20 perfect spelling lessons were: Third grade, Merle Brown, Opal Norwood. Fourth grade, Varnell Garrett.

100 per cent attendence list for third month- 

12^th grade: Lula Tabler, Edna McCombs, Louise Roberts, Paul Stoker; 

11^th grade: Ruth Mitchell, Morgan Wright; ninth grade: Flo Spigner, Edna Mae Terry, Clyde Brown, Coy Cooper; 

10^th grade: Iva Shadle, Gladys Norwood, J.C. Cooper.

Honor Roll for third month:

9^th grade, Flo Spigner, Pauline McCombs (leader)

10^th grade, Ralph Johnson (leader)

12^th grade: Edna McCombs (leader), Lula Tabler.

11^th grade: Morgan Wright (leader).

Honor Roll

First grade A- Lucinda Tabler, Mildred Bess Sutton , Ray Walker, John William Leathers and Betty Jean Wade.

First grade B- Bernice Pierce, Billy George Mize and Mildred Butler.

Second grade- George William Corbell, Patricia Ruth Mabry, Dennis Wade, Kenneth C. Crawford.

Third grade- Junior Gentry, Richard Jeffers, Stella Mae Addington, Louise Barrett, Opal Norwood.

Fourth grade- Williard Adams, Grover Tabler, Sam Wade, Rufus Medlock, Varnelle Garrett, Mattie Lee Good, Mary Kem Cooper, Edna Edith Walker, Lorita McGaha.

Fifth grade- LeRoy Stoker, Magdalene Jeffers, Finis Wade, Nathalie Leathers, Franklin Wilson.

Sixth grade- Maranel Good, Marilinda Hill, Mary Garrett, Marjorie Mitchell, Miley Thomas, Lillie Mae Good.

Seventh grade- Judy Baker, Ray Corbell, Dorothy Barrett, Majel Needham, Barney Crawford

Eight grade- Myrtie Beatrice McKay, Ruby Mitchell, Elca B Mitchell, D.P. Sample, Fannie Lou Leathers, Jake Brown. 

Pine Prairie Local News ~ 1929

Town Gossip

Little River News

Pine Prairie

February 13, 1929

v  Mr. and Mrs. Sam Echels and family spent Sunday with J.E. Green and family.

v  Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Green spent Sunday with Ernest Cooper and family on Chas. Park’s place.

v  Homer Cunningham and Ed Funderburg called on Miss Susie Tyson Saturday night near Richmond.

v  Charley Green spent Saturday night with Homer Funderburg.

v  Jack Gromes and wife have moved to this community.

v  Herman Southerland was a visitor at Geo. Cook’s Sunday.

v  L. Prather and family moved into this community last week. 

v  Geo. Cook spent Sunday at Mack Cunningham’s.

v  Edward Cook, who has been real sick, is able to be up again.

v  Little Miss Marie Cooper spent last Wednesday with her aunt, Mrs. Floyd Green

v  Mrs. Ben Smith and daughter were visiting Mrs. Doc Henson Sunday.

v  Ed Cobb near Mack’s Chapel was the guest of J.E. Green Sunday.

v  Jack Gromes and Lige Pickett went to Millwood Sunday to move Fate Pickett and  family to this community.

v  George Cook and the Prather brothers visited the home of Mack Cunningham and family Sunday.

v  Bob Taylor and the Green brothers called on the Pickett home Sunday.

v  Will Williams and family moved from here to Boss Sewell’s last week.

February 20, 1929

v   Bud Wommack and family of near Ogden spent Saturday night and Sunday with his sister, Mrs. Geo. Cook.

v  Oron Crouch of Ashdown was at Jack Gromes Saturday night.

v  Joe Gill was here Monday.

v  Mr. and Mrs. Clevy Page spent the week-end with J.W. Funderburg.

v  Mr. and Mrs. Len McDowell visited Mr. and Mrs. Boss McDowell Sunday.

v  Leon and Edward Waldron were visiting Bill Green Sunday.

v  Homer Phillips of Mack’s Chapel was at the party Saturday night.

v  Briant Page was in Ashdown Saturday.

Murder of William Nichols

Daily Oklahoman, Oklahoma City, OK

7/17/1911

Man and Wife to Prison Together

Ashdown, Ark., July 16-- For the killing of William Nichols, a former state representative, John Ford and his wife, Lelia, must serve twelve years each in the state prison. They were found guilty of second degree murder by a jury in the circuit court here Saturday and the court passed sentence immediately after receiving the verdict.  Nichols was slain at Lockesburg last September.  A jury in the first trial found the defendants guilty and they were both sentenced to hang.  The Supreme Court reversed the case.

Arkansas Supreme Court Case: 
Event: 
John R Ford and Lelia (Wilson) Ford were tenants of W.F. Nichols and lived on his farm near Lockesburg in Sevier County, Arkansas.  On the night of September 30, 1910, the Fords quarreled with Nichols about him letting down a fence and driving through one of his fields, which they had rented.  J.R. Ford killed Nichols by cutting or stabbing him with a barlow knife.  

Ashdown Gossip ~ September 1942

Ashdown Happenings-L.R. News

September 10, 1942

Mr and Mrs Jett Orton and son of Fulton spent the weekend with Mrs. J.J. Crotty. 

Mrs. Pearl Orton of Texarkana is visiting Mrs. J.J. Crotty this week. 

Joe Steele left Monday for Fayetteville to attend the University of Arkansas. Miss Ruth Lambright left Sunday to teach this year in Wilton. Mrs. Walter Pruitt was taken to the hospital in Texaarkana Sunday for medical attention. 

Miss Elizabeth Lay left Sunday for Arkadelphia to attend Henderson State Teacher’s College. Miss Octavia Lay went to Longview, Texas Friday to teach this yeaar. Miss Erma Jean Crawford went to Texarkana Sunday to begin her commercial course. Miss Mary Sue Piercy left Saturday for Fayetteville to attend the University of Arkansas. Mack Reed Christian left last week for Magnolia where he enrolled at A and M College. 

Mrs. L.F. Wheelis spent the weekend in Hot Springs with relatives. Miss Nora Bowman of Texarkana spent the weekend with her parents, Mr and Mrs Ed. Bowman. 

Jimmy Choate and Henry Kaufman were Thursday business visitors in Mena. Mrs. Willella Baughman of Arkadelphia visited Mrs. O.T. Graves last week. 

William Pond of Foreman was a Sunday guest of Mr and Mrs J.L. Roden. Miss Frances Locke of Little Rock spent the weekend with Mr and Mrs T.J. Locke. Mr and Mrs Arthur Lott of Okay spent Sunday with Mrs T.J. Lott and family. 

Miss Lillabell Floyd of Lockesburg is visiting Mr and Mrs Martin Ross. Mr and Mrs J.P. McIntyre of Marlow, Oklahoma are visiting Mr and Mrs Leon Autry. 

Mr and Mrs George Mooney have moved to Kilgore, Texas, where Mr Mooney is employed. 

Misses Ola Mae Pennington and Orhea Johnson spent the weekend visiting Camp Crowder, Missouri. Miss Kathryn Bone of Little Rock spent the weekend with Miss Dorothy Shaver. Mrs Mack Christian spent the weekend with her parents, Mr and Mrs Reed, at Mineral Springs. 

Worth McGraw of Pine Bluff spent the weekend with Mr and Mrs W.P. McGraw. Richard Latimer of Camp Claiborne, Louisiana visited here the first of the week. 

Misses Beulah and Irene Carroll of Hot Springs are visiting Mr and Mrs Joe Jester and family. Mr and Mrs J.H. Welch spent Sunday with their daughter at Texarkana. Mr and Mrs W.P. Leslie spent Thursday night in Nashville with Vas Leslie. 

Misses Ruth Ringgold and Annie Maude Yates left Sunday to attend Arkansas State Teacher’s College at Conway. Miss Evelyn Simmons returned Thursday from a visit in Longview, Texas and is now employed at Evans Variety Store. 

Mary Lou Owens, daughter of Mr and Mrs Louie Owens, had her tonsils removed at a Texarkana hospital last week. Mrs Charles Stewart Allen of Ft. Worth, Texas arrived last week for a visit with her parents Mr and Mrs A.J. Scibner. 

Buck Wright, who is stationed somewhere in California, is visiting his parents, Mr and Mrs Fred Wright. Miss Maranel Good who is taking technical work at St. Louis, spent the weekend with Mr and Mrs E.R. King. 

P.E. Collins of Longview, Texas, spent last week with Mr and Mrs O.G. Roberson, Mrs Roberson returned to Longview with them for the weekend. 

Misses Charley Marie Bowles, Mary Toland and Frances Ann Wright left Sunday for Arkansas State Teacher’s College at Conway. They were accompanied by C.I. Bowles and J.Y. Wright. Mr and Mrs H.R. Price and big baby girl (Barba Ann) of Gladewater, Texas, stopped over in Ashdown in route from a weekend visit with Mrs Price’s mother who lives in Horatio and his cousin who lives in Ashdown. 

Oak Hill Early Days

Little River News

March 7, 1934

OLD TIMER TELLS OF EARLY DAYS OF LITTLE COMMUNITY OF OAK HILL

By H.G. Chauncy

In 1877 my father, A.V. Chauncy, moved out from near Richmond to the neighborhood called Lick Creek, which is now known as Oak Hill neighborhood. 

At that time there were but few people who lived in that neighborhood.  They were Joe Perry, J.M. McCall, Purnel Challand, H.W. Hill, A.C. Patterson, E.S. Patterson, A.P. Patterson and their mother Mrs. Bettie Coble, a widow woman and her family, Joe Ruff, an old bachelor, A.M. Bishop, F.P. Freeman, John Henderson and Bob Campbell.

All of these people had little farms of fifteen to twenty acres.  They raised corn, potatoes, peas and all kinds of garden stuff and some cotton in those days.

There was no church nearer than Richmond and I think there was one little schoolhouse called Centerville.

The county was full of wild game, deer, turkey, wild cats, and wolves.  When the people wanted a fresh mess of meat they got together and went out and killed a deer, took his hide off and then divided the meat.

From 1877-1934 there is a great change.  In 1877 there was only one public road, known as the Richmond and Cotton Wood Schoals Road.  Now there are public roads leading in all directions.

Oak Hill has two churches, one schoolhouse and a wide spread of farming land. 

People no longer have access to a free range and there are laws, which forbid them from hunting at any time.  The community is now thickly settled and lots of good people live around Oak Hill.

Early Millwood/Hopewell Days

Little River News

February 21, 1934

EARLY DAYS AT MILLWOOD

The community of Millwood, now known as Hopewell, ranks among the oldest settlements in Little River County.  The first school at Millwood was a three-month school taught in a log house on Mrs. Sye Baley’s farm.  The school remained for two years with Mr. Chillcott as teacher.  In 1872 a small school building was built where the cemetery is now, with Mr. Quinnin as teacher.  The school was located at its present site in 1890. 

On June 16, 1876 the first church in the community was organized with Rev. Berry as pastor.   Those who organized the church were J.B. Blackerby, B.F. Renfroe, Jim Henderson, Frank Wilkerson, and Dr. Parker.  The people contributed money to buy the lumber to build the church.  The lumber was hauled on ox wagons from Matt Moss’s mill at Peytonville.

A post office was located on Mr. Kitchen’s farm, which is now owned by G.H. Hatcher.  Those who were in charge of the post office were E. Payton, Arch Chancy, Mr. Kitchen, and Mr. Hicks, who operated it until his death.

At this time, G.C. Wheat took charge and a star route was then formed.  Albert Stevenson, a Negro, carried the mail

Mrs. N.A. Doughten is the oldest citizen of the community who is yet living.  She still takes an active part in the church affairs.

Some of the first settlers were Mr. and Mrs. Bill Clark, who settled a farm near Red Bluff, John Moon, who settled the L.H. Starks farm, and Mr. Renfroe, who settled a part of L.F. Fomby’s farm before the civil was.  Slaves were used on this farm.  Other early settlers were Doughten’s, Smith’s, Jones’s and Baley’s.

1935 Foreman Sun News

Town Gossip

Foreman Sun News

June 21, 1935

Local News~

H.L. Toland, of Ashdown, was in Foreman Tuesday.

Charles Heller, of Mena, is visiting friends in Foreman.

Mrs. G.W. Martin spent the week-end with her parents at Hope.

Attorney Jas. H. Williams, of Ashdown, was in Foreman Monday.

Harry Steele, Ford Dealer at Ashdown, was in Foreman Tuesday.

County Treasurer, D.W. Lowery was here from Ashdown Tuesday.

Miss Gladys Mae Arnold went to Fort Towson, Oklahoma  Wednesday for a visit to relatives.

Misses Florine and Dixie Holt, of Valliant, Oklahoma were week-end guests of friends in this city.

Mrs. Robert Campbell and daughter, Patsy Ann, of Hope, arrived Thursday for a visit to relatives.

Mrs. W.A. Bowden has returned from Clarksville, Texas, for a few week’s stay at her home here.

Mrs. Elton Davis and son, Bobbie, of East St. Louis Ill. Are visiting relatives in Foreman and vicinity.

Ed Matherly returned to his home in Oklahoma Wednesday, after a visit to relatives at Winthrop and Foreman.

Miss Marie Purkins and two of Mrs. Glen Williams’ children, of Hope, arrived Thursday for a visit to relatives.

Rev. and Mrs. H.H. McGuyre and daughter Mary, of Mena, were guests of Mr. and Mrs. Jas McGuyre Monday night.

Chester Atkinson, who attended the State University at Fayetteville, is visiting his parents, Mr and Mrs L.J. Atkinson.

Porter Thornton and Miss Myrtle Oakgrove, of Laynesport, were united in marriage Saturday night at the home of Justice D. W. Bailey, who performed the ceremony.

Mrs. Reese Matthews left Wednesday to join her husband at Idabel, where they have recently moved from Hope.  She had been visiting relatives here for a few days.

Arkinda News~

Mrs. Weaver Barkman and daughter, Weva Jean, of Jackson, Mississippi, stopped for a call at Mrs. J.C. Turner’s home Tuesday evening. They were en route to visit Mrs. Barkman’s mother, Mrs. H.G. Ward, at Tom, Oklahoma.

Mrs. Mary Kirkland gave a party for the young folks of the community Tuesday evening.  A very happy evening was spent by all present, playing old fashioned games on the lawn.

Mrs. Sam Free was taken suddenly very ill Sunday morning.  She was rushed to Texarkana, where she is under the care of a specialist.

Mrs. Ope Hathaway and small son, Kenneth, of Haworth, Oklahoma, are visiting friends and relatives here this week.

Little Miss Eloise Kirkland fell from a truck where she and some other children were playing and cut a very bad gash on her head Tuesday. 

Mrs. Robert West  went with her son, Junior, to Texarkana Monday to have his tonsils removed.  Miss Boyd, FERA nurse, drove them over and back. Junior is recuperating just fine.

Claude Bonine went to Ashdown Monday.

Mrs. Davidson, accompanied by Misses Clarice Kirkland, Mildred Baliss and Clara Henderson, were in attendance at the Blackland Sunday School last Sunday.

Mr. J.B. Patrick, who has been agent for the Frisco here for several months, has been reassigned to Rudy Arkansas.  Mr. Orville Hathaway is in charge of the company’s interests here until a regular assignment is made.

Mr. and Mrs. Forest Hathaway of Haworth, Oklahoma, were Sunday visitors.

Foreman Sun Gossip 1935

Foreman Sun 
Town Gossip 

June 28, 1935

Local News ~

Mr. and Mrs. Otis Gilleylen visited in Little Rock a few days this week.

Miss Elizabeth Hooks, of Idabel, visited relatives in Foreman, Saturday afternoon.

Miss Lorena Darnell, of Columbus arrived Sunday for a visit to Mr. and Mrs. John H. Hawkins.

D.P. Fawcett, of Texarkana, is having a new floor put in the old Read & Company building.

Miss Billie Alexander left Sunday for a visit to her sister, Miss Mae Alexander, at Greggton, Texas.

Miss Mildred Hopson is home from Shreveport, LA., for a visit to her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bun Hopson.

C.S. Bell found a terrapin one day last week that had the name of Albert Harris engraved on its back and the year 1918.

July 5, 1935

Arkinda News~

Miss Clara Henderson, who spent several weeks visiting relatives here has returned to her home at Little Rock, Arkansas.
Mr. and Mrs. Buford Bayliss and mother Mrs. Atwell, of Washington, visited a few days last week at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Bayliss.

Mrs. Mary Bale, of Little Rock is the guest of her daughter, Mrs. J.A. Pittman at Climax.  Her sister, Mrs. C.N. Skinner of the King Rider community spent the day with her at Mrs. Pittman’s last Tuesday.

Mrs. Clotil Kirkland, of Kansas City, Missouri, is the guest of friends and relatives here. Judge Waldrop was a very welcome visitor here last week.

Mrs. Jewell May  and small son, Jimmie, of Haworth, Oklahoma, spent Saturday and Sunday with her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Kirkland.

Mr. and Mrs. Forest Hathaway, of Haworth, Oklahoma, spent Sunday with relatives here. Mrs. Orville Hathaway and children, of Grant, Oklahoma, spent Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. H.H. Hathaway.

Mr. Sid Leeper has been assigned the position of Frisco agent here, relieving Mr. Orville Hathaway, who has returned to his home at Grant, Oklahoma.  Mr. Leeper was agent here in 1921-1922 and the many friends which he made at that time have not forgotten him and are glad to have him back here again.

Adcock Brothers

The Dallas Daily Herald- Dec 10, 1881

Texarkana- Special to the Herald

Texarkana, December 9

There were two men found about five miles from the city on the Richmond road murdered. They proved to be two brothers by the name of Adcock, of Little River county, Arkansas.

They were both shot through the head.

The supposed murderers are friends of a man that was sent to the penitentiary from that county, against whom the Adcock brothers were witnesses.

The murder was not committed for the purpose of robbery. They had money on their bodies when found.

About thirty men left the city in search of the murderers at dark this evening.