
The Christian Church, unlike many others, was not broken up or disturbed by political issues during the great conflict.
The Christian Church, on the middle fork of White River. was organized in 1840 by Rev. S. Strickland, with Elders Samuel Hanna and Bracken Lewis, Matilda Lewis, Francis Hanna, Owen Ramey and wife, William Chandler and wife, Eleazer Lancaster and wife, F. Lancaster and William Hunt as members. After the [p.305] war Rev. John S. Robertson, an evangelist, reorganized the church, with Elders Owen Ramey, E. Hanna and S. Hanna, Deacons W. Kelley and W. Chandler, and Clerk W. H. Campbell as officers, and over 100 members. It then took the name Union Church, and at one time reached a membership of 300. A frame church building was erected in 1854, at a cost of about $1,000, but it was destroyed by fire in 1882. A new frame was begun in 1884, which, when finished, will equal the first in value. On account of branch churches forming from this congregation the present membership is but eighty-three. These branches are Black Oak Grove, the elders of which are Andrew Hobbs, James Mahon and James Dockery, and Clifton Church, two miles west of the old church, whose pastor is Rev. F. A. Hobbs. The pastors have been as follows: Revs. Stephen Strickland, John S. Robertson, A. B. Murphy, E. Baker, Isaac Tellis, S. R. Beaman, William McDonnell and C. H. O'Bryan, the present incumbent.
Pleasant View Christian Church was organized in the spring of 1867, by Rev. Elder James W. Garrett, Elder John Read, William Russell, N. McIlroy, William Cranby, Caroline Read, O. A. Russell, Malissa Garrett, Malinda English, J. English and S. English, the original members.
The society has a membership of sixty, and before branch churches were organized from it at Antioch and at Cherryvale in the Indian Territory they numbered about 100. Their neat frame building, erected in 1883 at a cost of $500, is situated in Vineyard Township. Rev. Elder J. W. Garrett has been in charge from the first, but occasionally services have been held by the following ministers: Revs. Gage, Baker, Beaman, McDonnell, Williams, Allison, Ferguson, Elliot, Moore, Ragland, Geddens and others.
Evening Shade Christian Church is a young society, organized the first month in 1888 by Rev. John Williams. The officers chosen were Elders James Privett, R. R. Falin, W. J. Malone, S. W. Passick, and Deacons A. C. Males, W. Pearson and John Phelan. The other members were Lidie Males, R. E. Malone, S. C. Brown, Mary Hall, Mollie Webb, John and Sarah Malone and Z. Rutherford. The society have met in the school house of District No. 137. Their pastors have been Revs. John [p.306] Williams and H. C. Crowell. Thirty persons constitute their membership, most of whom are from Greenland and West Fork congregations.
Black Oak Church of Christ began its separate existence in 1880, with the following officers: Elders, J. J. Dockery, J. S. Mahone and L. A. Hobbs; deacons, E. T. Dockery and Robert Skelton, and thirty-six members. They built a hewn log house in 1878, as a community, for a school-house which is now used as a church, but the society contemplates the early erection of a larger structure, 34×46 feet. They have a membership of 105 persons. Rev. Daniel Chich, the pastor who organized the society, was succeeded in his pastoral duties by Revs. J. S. Mahon, C. H. O'Bryan and the present minister, Rev. L. A. Hobbs.
The Christian Church, situated five miles east of Prairie Grove, was organized in 1884 by Rev. C. Sperry. They have thirty members at present. They have a weather-boarded ceiled building, 24×36 feet, erected in 1884 at a cost of $400.
The Church of Christ at Mountain View dates its organization from 1886, when it was effected by Revs. M. N. West and B. M. Curtis. The elders were Eli Winn and J. H. McDonald, and J. W. Fitts, Sr. and Jr., were deacons. The church began with ten members, and have now increased their number to thirty-seven, who meet in the school-house of District No. 92. Revs. H. C. Crowell and B. M. Curtis have been the pastors.
The Christian Church of Prairie Grove was organized some time in July, 1885, by Dr. William Judd. It began with between forty and fifty members, and the following year was able to build a neat frame church, valued at about $700. Rev. H. C. Crowell has been its pastor from the beginning, and now counts their membership at about fifty persons.
The Church of Christ at Springdale was reorganized in 1887, by Elder Evan Thompson, with the few members scattered about that place. At the present writing the foundation of a tasteful frame structure, about 30×40 feet, is in progress. The society numbers twenty-five members.
Presbyterians.–The Presbyterian Churches in Washington County are members of the Presbytery of Washbourne, named in honor of the Rev. Cephas Washbourne (or Washburn), who was [p.307] an early missionary to the Indian nations, and who was probably the first Presbyterian preacher to hold services in Washington County. The presbytery was first ordered by the Synod of Arkansas, convened at Pine Bluff, Ark., in 1883, and met on October 24, 1884, in the Presbyterian Church at Fayetteville. Rev. S. W. Davies, D. D., opened the meeting with a sermon from Numbers XI, 10-17. Those present were Rev. S. W. Davies, W. A. Sample, J. L. D. Houston and S. B. Ervin, and Ruling Elders O. C. Gray, of Fayetteville; M. G. Hearn, of Mount Zion; T. P. Allison, of Big Springs; J. D. Reinhardt, of Alma; J. C. Clift, of New Hope; J. F. Nolen, of Prosperity; S. W. Dinsmore, of Bentonville; J. A. Dibrell, of Van Buren, and John Smith, of Fort Smith. Revs. W. M. Crozier and D. C. Boggs were also among the number. Rev. W. A. Sample was chosen moderator.
The second meeting was held at Alma Church, April 16, 1885, and one was held with Bethel Church in October following.
Presbyterian influences gained an early foothold in Washington County, not only through Rev. Washbourne's great labors, but they radiated also from the faculty of Miss Sawyer's school at Fayetteville, although not so directly in ministerial work.
The Fayetteville Presbyterian Church dates its present organization from November 9, 1872, when a Presbyterial committee, composed of Rev. W. A. Sample, of Fort Smith, Ruling Elder A. W. Dinsmore, of Bentonville, assisted by Rev. D. C. Boggs, of the latter place, effected it. There had been services held here before the war, by Rev. Washbourne, in whose honor the presbytery is named, and among the members of this faith here at that time were Miss Lucretia Foster and Miss Mary T. Daniels, instructors in Miss Sophie Sawyer's school; but the present church is the only complete organization, probably. The original members were Prior N. Lea, ruling elder; Mrs. Elizabeth Lea, Misses M. Lizzie, Laura J. and Emma Lea, Denton D. Stark, Mrs. M. C. Stark, H. M. Lyon, Mrs. Fannie Springer, Mrs. M. A. Harris, John Barnett, Mrs. Susan H. Barnett, Mrs. Mary T. Smith, Mrs. Lizzie Lattemore, Mrs. E. M. Cox and B. F. Cherry. In January, 1876, they completed and paid for a good frame church, costing $1,750, which is located on the corner of College Avenue and Spring Street. It was dedicated the following year, [p.308] on February 18, by Rev. Dinsmore offering the dedicatory prayer and Rev. S. W. Davies, D. D., the pastor, reading a sketch of the organization. Rev. Davies has been their only regular pastor, and under his anagement the church has risen to a membership of eighty-three on the rolls, with the various societies
connected with it in active operation.
The Springdale Presbyterian Church was organized May 1, 1882, at Springdale, by Rev. S. W. Davies, D.D., and Rev. J. L. D. Houston. Its first members under the organization were Elder and Mrs. A. G. Hill, Deacon and Mrs. J. G. Bratten, Deacon R. M. Huffmaster, Thomas M. Hill, Miss A. E. Hill, E. M. Bratten, Miss Belle Bratten, Miss M. F. Huffmaster, Mrs. A. A. Overton, James J. Fleming, Mrs. E. C. Fleming, Mrs. Cynthia Morgan, Mrs. Lavinia W. Phillips, Mrs. Emily Lichliter, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Armstrong and Miss Mattie Armstrong. Their pastors have been the Presbyterial evangelists, Rev. J. L. D. Houston and Rev. A. W. Milster, the present pastor, under whose ministry their membership has reached twenty-three. They have a neat brick house of worship, which was built about 1883 at an estimated cost of $1,000.
The Big Spring Presbyterian Church was organized in October, 1880, at Big Spring, by the Revs. S. W. Davies, D. D., and D. C. Boggs and Ruling Elder O. C. Gray. The congregation began with the following sixteen members: Mr. and Mrs. T. P. Allison, Mr. and Mrs. R. O. Hannah, Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Hannah, Mr. and Mrs. A. V. Hannah, John Hannah, Miss Elizabeth Hannah, Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Skelton. The ruling elders were T. P. Allison and R. O. Hannah. Their church building is a neat frame structure, erected in 1881 at a cost of $500; and was dedicated during the following year by Rev. Dr. S. W. Davies, of Fayetteville. This is one of the congregations under the charge of the Presbyterial evangelist, Rev. A. W. Milster, who assumed his duties in 1888; his predecessor was Rev. J. L. D. Houston, whose ministry in the same office dated from 1880. The membership of the church numbers twenty-three.
Prairie Grove, Boonsboro, Cincinnati and Viney Grove all have small congregations, but have never had any organization, if Cincinnati be excepted, which had a church there before the [p.309] war, but which was among the large number of societies broken up during those chaotic days. These places are under the charge of the Presbyterial evangelist, Rev. A. W. Milster, of Fayetteville, who holds services at each place at regular intervals.
Baptists.–The Baptist Churches in Washington County belonged to Bentonville Association until 1871, when the Fayetteville Baptist Association was organized. The Bentonville Association is now in its forty-eighth year.
The Missionary Baptists did not begin the organizing of churches so early as some of the other denominations by several years. The oldest congregation of which any record could be found is styled Friendship Baptist Church. It was organized about three miles southeast of Springdale, in May, 1847, by R. C. Hill and J. F. Mitchell. Among the first members were Joseph Baker, James Meek, James White, Isaac Horton, Rhoda Baker, Elizabeth Meek and Nancy Fitzgerald. James Meek was the first deacon, and James White, clerk. The next year a small frame building with a chimney at each end was erected. It was used as a house of worship until 1861, when the present building was put up. Among the pastors who have served this church have been the following: J. F. Mitchell, Joseph Baker, Louis Heath, B. D. Gray, T. B. Van Horn, Asa Brown, Z. M. Vaughn, G. Bryant, A. D. Slaughter, E. Newton, J. C. Renfro, C. P. Tupper, J. T. Boyd, R. Hall, Mac. Slaughter, G. P. Hanks and J. B. Stark.
Mount Vernon Baptist Church was organized in 1848, by R. C. Hill and Joseph Baker. Among the pioneer members of this church were Isaac B. and Samuel H. Vernon, Brinson Sears, Sarah A. Meyers, Nancy Vernon, Emeline Phillips, Christiana Henson, Ann Pinkman and Elias Moncy. The last named was the clerk. The first house of worship was destroyed during the war, and a school-house was the meeting place from 1866 until 1877, when a frame building, 20×40 feet, was erected upon land donated by Dr. O. D. Slaughter. Among the preachers who have administered to this congregation may be mentioned Rev. Joseph Baker, O. D. Slaughter, R. Allen, T. Boyd, A. Huckaby, W. F. Green, C. P. Tupper, M. Slaughter and H. C. Calvert. The present membership of this church is seventy-five.
Valley Grove Baptist Church was organized in 1855, with the following constituent members: T. B. Van Horn, James Shults, Sarah Shults, Jackson Dyer, James F. and Sarah Hood, and Benjamin F. and Susan Boone. T. B. Van Horn was chosen moderator, and B. F. Boone, clerk. The congregation worship in a union meeting-house, which was erected in 1870, on the northeast quarter of Section 1, Township 15, Range 29 west. A former building was destroyed during the Civil War. Among the pastors of this church have been T. B. Van Horn, William Blakely, James Campbell, W. G. Slinker, J. Mayes, J. M. Haycraft, A. Huckaby and J. Crawford.
About June, 1866, a Baptist Church, formerly known as New Prospect, but now called Sulphur City, was organized by Elders John Mayes and James Isacks. The former became the first pastor. His successors have been J. C. Renfro, W. G. Slinker. J. Crawford, A. Huckaby, J. A. Smith and J. H. Calvert. The first house of worship was a log building, erected by the Baptists, Methodists and Presbyterians. The meetings are now held in a house erected by the school district.
Weddington Gap Baptist Church was organized on March 20, 1871, by Elders E. Baker and Elijah Burkett. The deacons elected were John England and George Dickison, the first of whom is still occupying that position. Among the other members were H. M. Davis, John T. Davis, Melvina F. Davis, Edward England and J. A. Cooper, who was the first and is the present clerk. Among the pastors have been C. Williams, H. J. Scruggs, J. B. Harralson, J. Robertson, T. H. Day, L. H. Palmer and H. C. Winstead. The congregation up to this time have worshiped in a school-house and Methodist Church, but is now completing a building.
Oak Grove Baptist Church is situated on Fall Creek. The congregation was organized on July 25, 1875, by Thomas Smith, with twelve members. G. M. Farmer and J. Swinford were chosen deacons, and J. Rogers, clerk. Since its organization the church has baptized thirteen members, licensed two ministers and ordained two deacons and one minister. The present officers are G. M. and C. O. Farmer, deacons; J. M. Carter, treasurer, and C. O. Farmer, clerk.
Mt. Gilead Baptist Church situated at Dripping Springs, eighteen miles south of Fayetteville, was organized on September 2, 1877, by Elder M. Smith, with nine members.
The Fayetteville Missionary Baptist Church was organized in 1857, at a private house about two miles south of Fayetteville, by John, Sarah, Martha and W. Z. Mayes, J. W. Buie, Sister Watson, Amanda (afterward) Peer, and a few others. The pastor was the Rev. Elder John Mayes, and their services were held at the various homes of the members until they were interrupted by the war, in 1863. The membership was then scattered and the records all destroyed, but in 1866, under their indomitable leader, the Rev. Mayes, nine of the old members resumed worship at a church in Fayetteville, and during the first month admitted thirty members. Their meetings were held in the Masonic Hall and other places until about 1879 (?), when through the untiring zeal of Rev. Mayes, acting as pastor and carpenter, their present neat frame structure on College Avenue was completed, at a cost of, probably, $1,500. It was dedicated by Rev. J. P. Eagle, of Lonoke, Ark. Compelled by the weight of years to resign his pastoral duties, Rev. John Mayes was succeeded in his work by the following pastors: Revs. T. P. Boone, B. W. N. Simms, C. W. Callahan, M. L. Ball and Dr. B. G. Maynard, the present incumbent, who was formerly president of Tazewell and Mossy Creek Colleges, Tenn. The church has now a membership of about 118. It also has its various subordinate organizations, Sabbath-schools, etc.
The Springdale Missionary Baptist Church was organized about 1870, as Liberty Church, by Elders Bryant and Putman, and formed part of the Fayetteville Missionary Baptist Association. The moderator was Elder B. Putman, and W. A. Hunter was church clerk. The other members were John and Louisa Hychloter, Margaret and Elizabeth Fitzgerald, Margaret Baggett, Lucinda Baker. Fanny A. Putman, Isaac and Phoebe Lynch, William M. Blakely and James Meek. The society built their first church in the north part of Springdale in 1872; it is a frame structure, valued at about $1,500, and was dedicated by Elder Putman the following year. The Masonic order and the Primitive Baptist society have a financial interest in the [p.312] building. Under the charge of the following pastors, the membership has reached seventyfive: Revs. B. Putman, H. R. Barnes, T. P. Boone. O. D. Slaughter, W. F. Green, I. C. Robison, C. P. Tupper, Elder Huckleberry, John Mayes, B. W. Neal and A. M. Kennan, clerk.
The Valley Grove Missionary Baptist Church was organized in 1855 by Rev. T. B. Van Horn, with the following members: James Shultz, Sarah Shultz, J. Dyer, James F. and Sarah Hood, Benj. F. Boone and Susan Boone. Rev. Van Horn was chosen moderator, and B. F. Boone became clerk. The first building erected by the society was some time previous to the war, but during that conflict it was burned, and no house of worship was had until the erection of the present one in 1870. It is a frame structure, situated in Section 1, Township 15, Range 29. It is a union building, also occupied by the Cumberland Presbyterians and a Methodist society. Rev. Van Horn's successors have been Revs. William Blakely, James Campbell, W. G. Slinker (?), J. Mayes, J. M. Haycraft, A. Huckaby and J. Crawford. The society has thirty-seven members.
Vineyard Missionary Baptist Church is another member of the Fayetteville Association, organized December 14, 1867, but there seems to have been an organization before the Civil War, which erected a good frame church in 1859. At the reorganization in 1867 there were but seven members: Elders G. Bryant and Asa Brown, Thomas Kimbrough, Sarah Kimbrough, J. S. Butler and M. E. Greer. Some of their pastors have been as follows: Rev. T. B. Van Horn, Elders G. Bryant, F. R. Ferguson, J. W. McCurly, A. J. Estes, T. P. Boom, G. A. Latinn (?), C. P. Tupper and T. H. Day. The society has eighty-four members.
The Valley View Missionary Baptist Church has a membership of twenty-nine persons. Its records have been destroyed. It was organized June 24, 1877, by Elders J. C. Peters and J. C. Swainford, with the following officers: deacons. A. E. and W. R. Bridges, and clerk, W. D. Bridges. Their church building, a neat frame, is located on Lee's Creek, about two miles north of the Crawford County line. The following ministers have filled their pulpit: Revs. J. C. Peters, Aaron Peters and W. C. Eads.
[p.313] Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, of the Fayetteville Association, became a separate society on May 11, 1879, by the agreement of the following members: Elder Joab and Sarah Caviness, Elder Mathias and M. A. Spyres, Joseph and Polly York, Peleg Rigsbee and daughter, Winifred, and Mahlon and Rhoda A. E. Spyres. The society previous to 1881 held their worship under a brush arbor in summer, and in private houses in winter. During the latter year, however, they erected a hewn log house, 20×24 feet, located on Lee's Creek, four and one-half miles southwest of Woosley. They have plans afoot at present for the erection of a frame church, 26×35 feet. Under the administration of the following pastors the membership has reached sixty persons: Rev. Elder Joab Caviness, Elder M. Spyres, Elder Keggel, Elder J. D. Woolsey and Elder M. H. Spyres. Their present officers are Deacons, A. T. Hopkins and Mahlon Spyres, and clerk, Henry Spyres.
Little Elm Missionary Baptist Church is a large society of seventy members, who have a small frame church about nine miles west of Fayetteville. The church building is valued at about $200, and was built in 1883, as a union church, before which date meetings were held in a school-house. The society was organized in 1881, by Rev. Elder T. H. Day and Deacon M. W. Marrs. D. K. Clevenger, C. T. Clayton, James Jackson, Anice Day, Mary J. Clayton, Sallie Beaver, Lucy Slaughter, Bella Gibson and Mary Shelley constituted the membership. Rev. Day served as pastor for six years, and the present minister in charge is Rev. H. B. Borders.
Rock Spring Missionary Baptist Church, meeting about two and one-half miles northwest of Rhea's Mills, at a school-house, is a comparatively young organization, whose existence began in 1882, on the third day of September, by the agreement of twelve members. The first pastor was Rev. T. H. Day, and Deacon S. W. Gleason and Clerk J. P. Jordan were the first officers. Rev H. C. Winstead, pastor, and R. Diment, the church clerk, constitute the present officers. Thirty-three members form the present society.
Fairmount Missionary Baptist Church, another young society of twenty-nine members, was formed in March, 1886, by Elder [p.314] M. Spyres and Deacon A. S. Hopkins. Besides these G. Spyres, John Jackson and Richard Daniels were the first members. The society was formed at a school-house two miles northwest of Winslow, and have so far been unable to provide a separate building for church purposes. Rev. M. H. Spyres is the pastor in charge, and B. F. Johnston the church clerk.
The Garret Creek Missionary Baptist Church is a flourishing society of twenty-eight members, under the pastoral charge of W. C. Eads. J. W. Tapp is the present clerk. When the society began its separate existence, in September, 1886, as a member of the Fayetteville Association, the following members and officers were enrolled: Deacons, A. F. Sooter and G. W. Walton; clerk, Thomas Baker; E. V. McBroom, J. T. Smith, Annie Rickets, Elizabeth Fleming, Louisa Smith, N. M. Walton and Nancy Sooter.
Evening Shade Missionary Baptist Church, whose pastor is Elder J. C. Williams, has a membership of twenty-five persons. Its elders are Joseph Malone, Robert Fallen and Mr. Parish.
Methodist Episcopal.–The Methodist Episcopal Church of Springdale was organized at Liberty, a defunct village two miles from Springdale, and the property there was sold and the congregation established at the latter place in 1870. The time of its organization at Liberty is approximated as 1852. The original congregation included Joseph Holcomb and wife, Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Smith, Mr. J. B. Banks and wife, and Mrs. Wagoner. After the removal they united with Shiloh Baptist Church to build a union church. In 1884 their present church, a frame building 32×50 feet, was built. Their membership has increased to about 100. Among the pastors in charge have been Revs. J. M. Clayton, Thomas Smith, J. R. Tydings, J. A. Walden, Hall, W. H. Corley, Summers, Williams and B. C. Matthews.
Fayetteville Methodist Episcopal Church, North, was organized in 1866, by Rev. W. L. Molloy. There were few members, who were under the successive pastoral charges of Rev. Molloy, Revs. H. G. Hopkins, C. L. Howell, A. W. Fields and W. H. Gillam. Under the aid of the Church Extension Society a church was built by Rev. Fields, but about 1874 the Rev. Gillam was compelled to see the church sold as the only means to [p.315] extricate the body from a lamentable financial situation, and the congregation was disbanded.
Primitive Baptists.–Shiloh Church of Primitive Baptists at Springdale, Ark., belongs to the Washington Association. It was organized August 22, 1840, with the following members: William Graham, Levi Graham, Nancy Graham (the only one alive at the present writing), Moses Lee, Lucinda Graham, James Owens, Ellen Owens, Margaret Wolf and Sarah Graham. Elders Samuel Wheat, of War Eagle Church; William Poston, of Union Church; John Holcombe, of West Fork Church, and Deacons John Wood and Berry D. Graham, of West Fork Church, were the presbytery who established it. Elder James Mayfield was the first pastor, followed by Elder John Holcombe, until his death in 1876; then Elders A. G. Smith and Norman F. Goodrich were elected jointly, but since the death of Elder Smith his colleague has served. The records of the first four years are lost, but the church, it is known, was established three miles east of its present location; on its removal, however, to Springdale a log house was erected within a few rods of the site of the present building, which is a neat frame structure, erected in 1871, at a cost of about $1,000. The present membership of the church numbers about 100. This denomination figured largely in the growth of Springdale.
The Catholics.–St. Joseph's Catholic Church, of Fayetteville, was first organized by Father Curry, of Little Rock, about forty years ago. This generous priest bought a section of land near the site of Fayetteville, and sold it at a merely nominal rate to a company of Rhode Island Catholics, among whom were William Flynn, Patrick Hennessy, Philip McCoy, Charles Healy, Albert Byrnes, Maurice Coffey and Peter Smith, the original members of the congregation. The next visiting priest was Father Lawrence Smythe. The congregation soon felt able to build and support a church, and through the active work of Patrick Hennessy and others, the present neat frame building on the corner of Willow Street and La Fayette Avenue was completed by a Fort Smith carpenter named "Bill" Sullivan. The edifice cost about $2,500, and in June, 1878, was dedicated by Bishop Fitzgerald. The priests located here have been Fathers Thomas [p.316] O'Rielly and Joseph Phillip Maurel, the latter being the present incumbent. They have a membership of 120, and is the only congregation of that denomination in the county.
Protestant Episcopal.–St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church is one of the oldest churches in Washington County, and the only one of this denomination. It was organized May 23, 1848, by Rev. W. C. Stout, and the following officers were chosen: C. W. Deane, M. D., as S. W.; J. W. Chewas, J. W.; John Campbell, William McIlroy and Charles W. Washington, as vestrymen. On February 3, 1854, the corner stone of their first church was laid, and on October 29, following, the neat frame structure was consecrated by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Freeman. Their present edifice is of brick, and the date of erection is 1872, the corner-stone being laid on October 26. The dedication was not made until April 8, 1888, when the Rt. Rev. H. N. Pierce, D. D., LL. D., bishop of Arkansas, performed the ceremony. Under the charge of the following rectors the church has increased the number of its communicants to 112: Revs. William Scull. W. C. Stout, C. C. Townsend, Otis Hackett, J. Sandels, C. M. Hoge, T. M. Thorpe, and J. J. Vaulx, the present incumbent.
Evangelical Lutheran.–The Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church is a part of the English Conference of Missouri, and was organized in 1879 by Rev. I. E. Rader. The original members were I. D. Rader and wife, D. M. Linebarger and wife, W. F. Renner and wife, C. S. Hawn and wife, J. H. Bird, Mrs. Jacob Mason and Mrs. I. E. Rader. Mr. Linebarger and I. D. Rader were the elders, and Mr. Renner and the first mentioned elder were trustees. In 1880 they built their first church in Springdale, but have since replaced the frame structure by a brick edifice costing $4,800. Their parochial school has an enrollment of eighty-eight scholars, in charge of two instructors: and their Sunday-school, managed by a superintendent and
three teachers, is attended by seventy-five persons. Of the 140 in connection with the church fifty-six are communicants. Since Rev. I. E. Rader's pastorate Rev. A. Sloan Bartholomew has been in charge.
Adventists.–The Seventh Day Adventists are represented in but one portion of Washington County, namely, at Springdale. One feature of their faith, however, the observance of Saturday [p.317] as Sabbath, has created no small degree of interest in political circles, and this gives them a prominence that their comparatively small numbers would hardly justify otherwise.
The Springdale Seventh Day Adventists Church began with the following officers: Elder, J. A. Armstrong; deacons, Z. Sweringen and William Martin; trustees, William Martin and P. M. Ownbey. In 1886 they built a good frame church at a cost of, probably, $800, situated not far from the "Frisco" depot. The new house of the society was dedicated by J. G. Wood, and since then the work has been in the charge of the following pastors: Revs. J. G. Wood and J. P. Henderson. The pastor who, in company with D. A. Wellinsin, organized the church was Rev. J. W. Scoles. The society belongs to the Arkansas Conference. Their members at present number 106.
Congregationalists.–The Congregational Church of Fayetteville (colored) was organized in 1883, under the auspices of the American Congregational Missionary Association of New York City. The church now used was a school-house on College Street, and was bought by the society that year. Their membership is seventeen, and they have been under the charge of the following pastors: B. F. Foster, J. M. Shippen, W. R. Polk and L. B. Moore.
Bible Society.–The Washington County Bible Society was a pioneer institution. Its first meeting was held in March, 1831, when the following officers were elected: Rev. A. Buchanan, president; John Truesdale and Robert McCarny, vice-presidents; Maurice Wright, recording secretary; Lewis Evans, corresponding secretary; James Coulter, treasurer; C. M. McClellan, depositary; John Carnahan, Thomas Garvin, John Alexander, Joseph Reed and Jesse M. Blair, directors. The entire amount collected for the first year was only $63.47½. The society appears to have gone down about 1839, and was not revived until about 1850, when James Orr was elected president; Rev. John Buchanan and Robert W. Mecklin, vice-presidents; Rev. Cephas Washbourne, secretary; Maurice Wright, treasurer; Rev. Andrew Buchanan, James Crawford, Pressly R. Smith, Samuel Carnahan and Rev. Guilford Pylant, managers. This society continued in existence until the war, the last record being the report of Rev. John Buchanan, secretary, on June 14, 1860.
Y. M. C. A.–The Fayetteville Young Men's Christian Association was organized March 22, 1887, through the exertions of Mr. Ellis Duncan and Mark Dean. The original members were S. W. Barnett, R. S. Curry, W. N. and A. W. Crozier, Mark Dean, Messrs. Ellis, N. L., Garnett, Robert W. and Thomas G. Duncan, W. M. Flynn, W. McBride and Morton Milburn. The society is now in a prosperous condition, with parlor, reading room and hall in the post-office block. They have lately secured a general secretary, Mr. H. W. Hutchins, who devotes his entire time to the work, and is rapidly establishing all the various departments of Y. M. C. A. work. The following is a list of presidents since organization: W. McBride, Lee Treadwell and C. A. Davies, the present incumbent.
The number of post-offices established in Washington County from 1829 to 1888 was ninety-five, with names of postmasters and dates of appointments, as follows:
Ada: Archibald Borden, July, 1857; Hugh Rogers. July, 1858: discontinued February, 1867.
Albia: Jacob Yoos, April, 1871; discontinued July, 1873.
POST-OFFICES.
Aquilla: Owen D. Slaughter, May, 1884; Jeptha Johnson. May, 1885; John S. Johnson, November, 1885; Robert I. Fink, May, 1886; discontinued November, 1887.
POST-OFFICES.
Arnett: Luke Arnett, April, 1883. Billingsly: Hiram H. Barrow, March, 1854; Lemuel G. Bassord, February, 1858; discontinued June, 1866; re-established July, 1866. Henry A. Sawyers: William K. Dye, April, 1867; Hiram H. Barrow, November, 1868; John C. Hanna, June, 1871; Horton M. Parks, April, 1872; Robert O. Ellis. July, 1872; Mathew M. Morrow, July, 1873; Houston M. Parks, February, 1877; Hiram H. Barrow, September, 1878; J. M. Burrow, April, 1883; Hiram H. Barron, June, 1883; discontinued August, 1883; re-established April, 1884, Thomas H. Cartner: Charles Marrs, April, 1885; John S. Darring, October, 1886; Ben. Elder, November, 1886; discontinued August, 1887.
Blackburn: Z. C. Winn. July, 1880; Hiram Mannon. February, 1882; John H. Mannon, March, 1882; discontinued, August, 1887; re-established August, 1888, Alice F. Nicholds.
Boone's Grove: Benjamin F. Reagor, June, 1851; discontinued June, 1851: re-established with B. F. Boone, September, 1858: M. P. Pool. April, 1866; G. W. Lewis, June, 1867; Susan Boone (Mrs.), July, 1868; discontinued January, 1869.
Boonsborough (late Steam Mill): Samuel Newton, August, 1843; Ewing W. McClure, July, 1845; John P. Truesdale, February, 1866; John S. Wilson. May, 1866; discontinued August, 1866; re-established with E. H. Blome, February, [p.319] 1868; Nancy E. Brooks (Mrs.) January, 1869; W. D. McBride, January, 1870.
Boston: John Wilson, December, 1858; A. M. Kennon, June, 1860; discontinued June, 1866; re-established, O. Adkins, May, 1867; discontinued June, 1868.
Bostonville: Tandy K. Kid, July, 1844; discontinued May, 1848.
Brentwood (late Gunter): Dock W. Fuller, November, 1881; James J. Crawford, May, 1882; Henry C. Skelton, October, 1882; Frank H. Rizer, April, 1886; Thomas J. Bell, March, 1887.
Brush Creek: Robert Garrett. April, 1840; discontinued February, 1841.
Cane Hill: William B. Woody, June, 1830; Philemon H. Trout, December, 1833; Benjamin G. Estill, August, 1835; Lewis Henderson, February, 1837; Shepherd F. Atherton, May, 1840; James Hamilton, April, 1842; discontinued August, 1843; re-established with William W. Watson, February, 1867; Joseph H. Delap, November, 1867; discontinued February, 1868.
Carter's Store: John C. Carter, July, 1875.
Cherokee Agency (late in Crawford County): Hercules T. Martin, January, 1840; discontinued December, 1841; re-established with P. M. Butler, July, 1845; Frederick A. Kerr, October, 1845; discontinued May, 1849.
Cincinnati: William S. Walker, February, 1857; John A. Dienst, March, 1866; Henry S. Martin, October, 1867; Hagermon Shields, November, 1871; James Oates, October, 1876; James T. Walker, December, 1878; William S. Walker, December, 1878; H. Shields, January, 1879; Walter Bates, May, 1881; W.S. Baker, August, 1882; James Oates, October, 1882; James H. Barton, December, 1885.
Cleveland: Jesse C. Williams, June, 1879; discontinued December, 1880.
Clyde: William C. Russell, February, 1887.
College Grove: Thomas Wainwright, December, 1874; James D. Winning, January, 1876; Moses Dutton, January, 1876; changed to Goshen June, 1876.
Cove Creek: John Morrow, July, 1844; David Lichlyter, January, 1847; discontinued July, 1848.
Cross Roads: Wiley D. Deen, November, 1875; discontinued October 1876; re-established September, 1878, Louisa M. Piper; discontinued March, 1880; re-established with John F. Mason. March, 1883; discontinued February, 1884.
Devore: Elijah Devore, June, 1884.
Dump: William Guinn, February, 1885; discontinued July, 1886; re-established, January, 1887, William Guinn.
Durham: Charles C. Warner, August, 1873; John M. Smith, October, 1875; William A. McKinzie, July, 1885; John I. Vanhoose, February, 1887.
Dutch Mills: Frank H. Warren, October, 1871; George Heron, March, 1876; Ephraim M. Evans, August, 1877; Olney S. English, April, 1883; Valentine S. English, June, 1883; John V. Edmiston, October, 1887; Joseph R. Kimbrough, January, 1888.
Elm Springs: William Barrington, April, 1848; discontinued July, 1848; re-established with William S. Deaver, July, 1853; Thomas J. Sherman, July, 1858; Thomas F. Webster, May, 1860; Jonathan H. Reavin. March, 1861; Marinda W. Pearson, February, 1866; James R. Pollock, December, 1872; discontinued October, 1874; re-established November, 1874, James R. Pollock; James Trotter, August, 1875; Thomas F. Webster, February, 1876; R. L. Ritter, September, 1879; William T. Farrar, October, 1881; Ransom L. Ritter, January, 1883; Benjamin J. Deaver, August, 1883; William V. Steele, January, 1886.
Eutaw: Samuel Wilson, April, 1838; discontinued July, 1838.
Evansville (late Vineyard): Lewis Evans, December, 1838; Jacob Chandler, [p.320] December, 1846; Granville B. Shannon, November, 1847; Daniel W. Dennenberg, September, 1851; John H. Barney, February, 1852; George McClure, January, 1854; Elias H. Gilbert, May, 1834; Daniel W. Dennenberg, July, 1854; John H. Barney, April, 1856; Harrison J. Paden, May, 1857; Thomas B. Greer, April, 1861; Charles B. Withrow, May, 1866; Preston Chandler, December, 1866; John Adams, April, 1867; Orville Gillettzen, November, 1868; William N. Martin, November, 1869; Thomas N. Evans, May, 1872; James M. Chandler, May, 1875; J. W. Waters, March. 1878; James M. Chandler, April, 1878; John R. Flinn, October, 1878.
Evergreen: Maston S. Gregg, July, 1866; Benson W. Gregg, September, 1868; discontinued December, 1872; re-established September, 1874, Benson W. Gregg; discontinued November, 1878; re-established March, 1884, Wilson M. Davis; Henry Bell, September, 1884; discontinued October, 1884.
Farmington: William F. Martindale, June, 1868; William H. Engels, October, 1868; John W. Reed, September, 1881.
Fayetteville: Larkin Newton, August, 1829; Bryan H. Smithson, October, 1833; Onesimus Evans, July, 1839; John I. Stirman, December, 1841; Isaac Strain, February, 1844; John B. Costa, October, 1847; Henry Reiff, September, 1848; John W. Chew, February, 1850; William F. Blakemore, September. 1853; John W. Chew, March, 1854; William Adams, January, 1856; Dudley W. Fillingim, August, 1856; James B. Simpson, April, 1857; Elias B. Moore, January, 1860; William A. Watson, March, 1861; Hugo C. C. Botefuhr, February, 1866; Mary Lowe (Mrs.), December, 1866; John Richardson, January, 1868; Martin G. Bouham, February, 1868; James T. Harn, March, 1869; E. E. Henderson, March, 1871; Daniel Webster, April, 1871; Roderick A. Caldwell, December, 1874; Jesse L. Cravens, December, 1877; Elizur B. Harrison, June, 1884; Jesse L. Cravens, June, 1886, reappointed August, 1888.
Felix (late Swaggerty): William H. Ladd, November, 1886; Jasper N. Clark, April, 1887; Dominicus Gray, November, 1887.
Georgetown: Joseph L. Carter, July, 1884; changed to Lincoln January, 1885.
Goshen (late College Grove): Moses Dutton, June, 1876; Edmon B. Shipley, January, 1877; Jesse B. Kelley, October, 1877; Sterling H. Slaughter, October, 1882; Johnson A. Bryant, September, 1888.
Greenville: Hiram H. Barrow, March, 1854; Jeremiah Brewster, March, 1855; Levi Howell, September, 1857; Leroy Roberts, March, 1858; Benjamin Strickler, January, 1860; discontinued February, 1867; re-established July, 1867, Marshall N. Dale; William S. Crawley, October, 1868; John R. Hobrick, May, 1871; Adam W. Dobbins, October, 1871; discontinued October, 1872; re-established October, 1873, Robert E. Elmore; discontinued February, 1874.
Gunter: Thomas Custer, January, 1880; discontinued, January, 1881; Dock W. Fuller, June, 1881.
Harris: John Sword, April, 1888.
Hazel Valley: James R. Dean, July, 1875; discontinued July, 1878; re-established August, 1878, Paschal P. Bogan.
Helth (now in Madison County): John S. Brannon, February, 1884.
Hermansburgh: James S. Hukill, September, 1853; John H. Hermann. April, 1856; Frederick C. Hermann, October 1859; discontinued February, 1867.
Hilochee: Daniel B. Neal, September, 1850; discontinued July, 1866; re-established September, 1867, Samuel Cook; discontinued October, 1868.
Holm: P. A. Johnson, July, 1881; discontinued October, 1881.
Hood: Robert A. Rutherford, February, 1885; Moses D. Lewis, May, 1887.
Howe: John Craig, October, 1884; David Mallory, February, 1886; Lizzie M. Key, June, 1887.
Hubard: Francis M. Dyer, February, 1888.
Johnson: Joseph Ellis, March, 1887; Charles W. Spencer May, 1888.
Liberty Grove: Jasper Farmer, June, 1875; discontinued July 1878.
Lincoln (late Georgetown): Joseph L. Carter, January, 1885; Noble Carter, July, 1886; John W. Smyth. May, 1887.
Little Spring: Anderson Sanders, March, 1876, changed to Spring Valley May, 1876.
Lone Star: Marshall N. Dale, July, 1883; discontinued April, 1884.
Lynch's Prairie: Albert G. Gregg, January, 1859; discontinued September, 1866.
Maguire's Store: Benjamin F. Williams, August, 1867; George W. Maguire, December, 1886; Benjamin F. Williams, May, 1887; discontinued October, 1888.
Malta: Hezekiah H. Alexander, June, 1887; Alexander Charley, September, 1887; discontinued April, 1888.
Mankins: Clark L. Burchett, September, 1882; Joseph H. Laymon, January, 1887; changed to Sulphur City April, 1887.
Mares Hill: James Mares, June, 1840; discontinued July, 1841.
Moffit: J. B. Mangrum, May, 1888.
Morrow: William M. Dyer, June, 1883; G. W. Morrow, July, 1883; discontinued December, 1883; re-established April, 1886, John G. Barnes.
Mountain: John Billingsly, December, 1883; discontinued January, 1839.
Mount Hayes: Emily Beaty, July, 1877; discontinued March, 1879.
Ocoee: Thomas A. Hannah, December, 1883; discontinued December, 1885.
Pitkin: Charles Fierce, May, 1884; James M. Karnes, September, 1884.
Prairie Grove: Abraham Price, July, 1867; Eliza E. Remheart, February, 1868; discontinued October, 1871; Tilghman H. Addison, November, 1871; James P. Neal, May, 1873; Joel P. Neal, March, 1887.
Rhea's Mills: Hugo C. C. Boteführ, July, 1867; William H. Rhea, December, 1874; Samuel V. Rhea, March, 1884; William C. Stone, March, 1886.
Richland Creek: Thomas Smith, December, 1832; Wilson R. Smith, June, 1831; Robert Buchanan, January, 1843; B. J. Helmesly, February, 1849; changed to Titsworth, Madison County.
Rugby: Andrew J. Vanlandingham, August, 1882; discontinued July, 1883; William J. York, December, 1885; David S. Miller, May, 1886; changed to Staunton December, 1886.
St. Patricks: George Lewis, June, 1840; James C. Dickerson, ––; discontinued January, 1843.
Sexton: William M. Goddard, June, 1882; William H. Sexton, March, 1884; John Gaylord, October, 1885; Ephraim M. Evins, December, 1885; Norman Gaylord, April, 1887; Robert C. Ridley. November, 1887; Watie Cagle, March, 1888.
Springdale: Bennett Putnam, May, 1872; William H. Lovelady, April, 1876; Christ C. Philips, May, 1877; Bemon W. Gregg, April, 1881; John B. Gill, December, 1884; Walter Y. Winton, July, 1885.
Spring Mill: Seneca Sutton, July, 1858; James T. Sutton, August, 1858; George W. Late, April, 1860; discontinued July, 1866.
Spring Valley (late Little Spring): Anderson Sanders, May, 1876.
Staunton (late Rugby): David S. Miller, December, 1886.
Steam Mill (changed to Boonsboro): Samuel Newton, April, 1839.
Strain: Joseph J. Morgan, January, 1884; Osborne L. Wilson, October, 1884; Joseph J. Morgan, November, 1885; James O. Johnson, April, 1887; discontinued December, 1887.
Strickler: Marshall N. Dale, April, 1878: John H. Worley. January, 1883; Mirander Brewster, August, 1883.
Sulphur City (late Mankins): James H. Laymon, April, 1887.
Summers: Benjamin N. Wortham, June, 1882; Henderson Elens, October, 1882; discontinued April, 1883; re-established April, 1884, John F. Summers,
Summit Home: William J. Reed, December, 1876; discontinued October. 1879; Elijah J. Woodburn, December, 1879; changed to Winslow August, 1881.
Sunset: Jerry M. Osburn, October, 1888.
Swaggerty: Gen. W. Stone, September, 1885; changed to Felix November, 1886.
Sweet Home: James C. Pittman. September, 1840; discontinued November, 1844; re-established with James C. Pittman, January, 1845; William D. Shorse November, 1845; discontinued April, 1846.
Sylva: John Cole, May, 1838; Charles I. Severs, November, 1843; Martin W. Thornberry, June, 1848; Joel P. Blair, May, 1849; Joseph M. Dickson, November, 1850; William Jones, March, 1851; Martin W. Thornberry, December, 1851; changed to Cincinnati February, 1857.
Taney: D. E. Jackson, March, 1879.
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Tansy: William D. Shores, April, 1848; John Crawford, November 1852; discontinued June, 1857; Rufus K. McCollum, April, 1857.
Tolu: Thomas B. Greer, July, 1887.
Tranquilla: Joseph Arnett, May, 1870; discontinued October, 1871.
Vineyard (changed to Evansville): Lewis Evans, February, 1829; John Latta, December, 1833.
Viney Grove: William E. Zellner, August, 1870; James B. Gillis, July 1874.
War Eagle (changed to Sevierville, Marion County): Isaac Crow, December, 1832; John Buckhanon, December, 1835.
Wedington: Joseph D. Powell, March, 1879; Robert F. Flatt, August, 1882; Dan Thomason, May, 1884; Robert M. Delozier, October, 1886; Andrew J. Webb, December, 1886.
Wesley (now in Madison County): Calloway C. Baker, September 1867; discontinued August, 1870; re-established July, 1872, Joseph B. Shannon; James McMahon, May, 1873; Keble C. Cumings, February, 1874.
West Fork: James C. Hearer, May, 1848; John W. Harer, February, 1850; James Winn, October, 1850; John W. Harer, March, 1851; discontinued March, 1852; re-established with O. L. Karnes, May, 1854; W. H. H. Nott, February, 1866; W. T. Woolsey, June 1871; H. H. Davis, July, 1878; J. W. Hughes, December, 1879; William Simco, March, 1880; S. C. Robinson, August, 1880; Harris H. Davis, September, 1880; Jefferson P. Cox, January, 1886.
Wheeler: Thomas F. Weldon, March, 1873; Seth T. Kennedy, June, 1874; John Nickols, December, 1874; Eli H. Langston, February, 1876; David C. Guthrie, August, 1876; James Hogg, December, 1876; Henry Barker, August, 1878; Lue F. Barker, September, 1878; Charles F. Overman, September, 1878; Washington Pinder, November, 1878; William I. Hogg. November, 1880.
Winslow (late Summit): Elijah J. Woolum, August, 1881; James R. Yoes, January, 1883; John B. Kelton, August, 1883; Jobe A. Williams, November, 1885.
Wyman: William L. Lively, March, 1886; Francis M. Boyd, December, 1886; discontiuned September, 1887; re-established May, 1888, Francis M Boyd; William T. Harmon, September, 1888.
The number of post-offices in Washington County now (October, 1888,) existing is forty-two, as follows: Arnett, Boonsborough, Brentwood, Carter's Store, Cincinnati, Clyde, Devore, Dump, Durham, Dutch Mills, Elm Springs, Evansville, Farmington, Fayetteville, Felix, Goshen, Harris, Hazel Valley, Hood, Howe, Hubard, Johnson, Lincoln, Maguire's Store, Morrow, Pitkin, Prairie Grove, Rhea's Mills, Sexton, Springdale, Spring Valley, Staunton, Strickler, Sulphur City, Summers, Tolu, Viney Grove, Wedington, West Fork, Wheeler, Winslow, Wyman.
TOPOGRAPHY–GEOLOGY–RESOURCES.
Location.–Carroll County is situated in the northwestern part of Arkansas, adjoining the State of Missouri, and in the second tier of counties from the line of Indian Territory, between Boone County on the east and Benton County on the west, with Newton County on the south and Madison on the south and southwest. It borders upon the Missouri line a distance of about thirty-five miles. The greatest length north and south is about twenty-five miles. The area is about 746 square miles, or in the vicinity of 500,000 acres.
Mountains.–The county occupies a position about midway between the Boston and Ozark Mountains, spurs from both of which diversify its surface. The western portion of the county is extremely broken and irregular. Gaither's spur of Boston Mountains, properly speaking a connecting link between this range and the Ozarks, extends northeasterly through Madison and Newton Counties. On the east side of the Fancher fork of Osage it is known as the Sisco Mountain, and above Dog branch bears the name of Phillips Mountain. Across Osage it becomes Morris Mountain, and thence continues in an irregular and broken trend in a general northerly direction, forming the divide between Osage and Long Creek, and known under the various local names of Long, Childer's, Bradshaw's, Jenning's, etc. In the northern part of the county, between Indian Creeks, the range culminates in Pilot Knob, the loftiest elevation along the northern boundary of the State. Crystal Mountain, detached from the main chain by the Osage River, is a conical elevation about a mile and a half [p.325] in diameter, rising gradually to a considerable altitude. Upon the top, within well defined limits, the surface to a depth not yet ascertained is composed entirely of crystals. No similar geological formation is known to exist anywhere. The Sister Knobs, one mile west of the main chain, overlook the fertile valley of Osage and the Town of Berryville.
Streams.–The entire county, being north of the Boston Mountains, is drained by White River, the largest tributary of the Mississippi between the Missouri and the Arkansas Rivers. White River flows through the extreme northwestern part of the county, in a northeastern direction. It is here a considerable stream, confined to a narrow channel by high cliffs, and presenting scenery that has not been unappreciated by the tourist. Clabbern branch flows into the river at Beaver from the northwest, and Leatherwood Creek from the southeast at the same place. Stanley branch and Clifty Creek also empty into this river in this county.
King's River, next in volume and importance to the White, rises in the Boston Mountains, in Madison County, and enters Carroll in Dry Fork Township. For some distance its course is nearly identical with the county line. Its general direction is nearly due north. The current is rapid and the water clear. Dry Fork, the first tributary of King's River in the county, rises in Newton, and pursues a southwesterly course twenty-five miles through a valley ranging from 200 yards to one-fourth of a mile in width. Piney, so named from the variety of timber that flourishes upon the hills through which it flows, drains the whole of Piney and part of Osage Townships. It is about twenty miles long, and the uniform width of the valley is 200 or 300 yards. Osage River, the most considerable tributary of King's, is third in order among the streams that flow into it in this county. It is formed by the junction of the Fancher and Kenner forks, both of which rise in Newton County, at Fairview. From this point the general course of Osage is northwest. Its entire length is about thirty-five miles. The valley begins to widen immediately below Fairview. Cultivation along the benches, or second bottoms, first appears at the Blasengame settlement in Osage Township. Osage receives a small tributary from Lundy's hollow, [p.326] seven miles north of Berryville, and also the waters of Bell's fork, near Fairview. Nearly opposite the mouth of Osage King's River receives the waters of Keel's Creek from the west. This stream rises near Clifty, and flows eastwardly.
Long Creek, a stream fifty miles in length, empties into White River near Forsythe, Mo,. and rises in Carrollton, whence it flows through Long Creek Township and Taney County, Mo. The principal branch of this stream is Yocum Creek, one fork of which rises in Prairie Township, and the other in Hickory, near Green Forest. Yocum flows northeast, and forms the boundary line between Yocum and Hickory Townships. It has but one branch of any importance, Sycamore Creek. Lipp's branch, seven miles in length, rises in Boone County, and empties into Long Creek from the east. Dry Creek, dependent upon spring thaws for its existence, rises in Carrollton Township. It is twelve miles long, and flows in the spring months into Long Creek. Big Indian Creek rises in Prairie Township, and Little Indian in Polo. After gradually converging for a distance of eighteen miles, they unite two miles south of White River. Owl Creek rises in Franklin Township, and flows north into the same stream.
Prairies.–The principal prairies of the county are the "Big" prairies in Prairie and Polo Townships, between Big Indian Creek and King's River, six miles long from north to south, and from three to five miles wide; and Scott's Prairie, in Hickory Township, about three square miles in extent. These tracts, when first known to the pioneer settlers, were covered with the long grass peculiar to similar large tracts in the West, and were without any timber growth whatever. The Hale barrens, in Yocum Township, comprise an area about ten miles square. This tract is quite as level as the prairies. It is well timbered, but the same cannot be said of the drainage. The soil differs from that of the prairies, and approximates clay in its consistency. It has been found to be well adapted to the cultivation of fruits. In the southern part of the county the arable land is confined to the valleys of the streams, which are unsurpassed in fertility anywhere.
Geology.–The following, with reference to the geology of the county, was compiled by David Dale Owen, State geologist:
One and a-half miles southeast of Charles Hutchison's farm the following succession was observed in a ravine:
1. Sandstone.
2. Chert.
3. Light-grey limestone.
The Pilot Knob, near Charles Hutchison's, has the same general geological structure as the Boat Mountain.
Four and a-half miles from Carrollton, the Archimedes limestone was observed with remains of a dark shale over it. Under this limestone comes in a sandstone, which has much the appearance of that over the grey limestone on Crooked Creek; it is not likely that they can occupy the same geological horizon, unless there has been a great thinning away of the measures that form the base of the Boat Mountain.
Some loose pieces of conglomerate were also seen between four and six miles from Carrollton.
The descent to Terrapin and Long Creeks is about 390 feet; in the bed of the former creek entrochital, cherty limestone was found.
Along with some yellow pyrites, which were submitted to me for examination by the citizens of Carrollton, there were some specimens of a bluish-black scoriaceous ore, in some of which I detected a notable quantity of copper. This ore was said to have been obtained in the Childer's Mountain, about seven miles west of Carrollton, on the waters of Cornelius or Dry Creek. This ore has the appearance of some of the Ducktown copper ores of Tennessee; and, as I found samples of that variety of Tennessee copper ore in the hands of the brother of the individual who brought the ore into town, I thought it probable that this might be a sample of Tennesse ore, which, from inadvertency, had been mixed and confounded with the pyritiferous ores of the Childer's Mountain. On this account, and as the locality of this ore was then only known to the individual who collected it, and he was from home, I concluded, as my proposed route through Carroll County lay northwest, to request the Hon. W. W. Watkins, as soon as it was convenient for him, to visit the locality on [p.328] Childer's Mountain in company with the discoverer of the ore. This he afterward did, and subsequently addressed a letter to me, dated the 6th of July last, in which he states that there was no mistake as to the ore having come from the locality, since he had now obtained specimens from the mines himself, viz.: on southwest quarter of Section 31, Township 19 north, Range 23 west, and had forwarded some specimens to await my arrival at Little Rock. These specimens I received at Little Rock, and have now had an opportunity of testing them for copper, in my laboratory, by the application of the reagents considered most delicate for the detection of that metal, without obtaining any copper reaction. If copper is to be found among these ores, in the Childer's Mountain, it can be only sparingly and locally disseminated.
Most of this ore sent to me, from this mountain, is a white iron pyrites, associated with a hydrated oxide of iron, in which yellow iron pyrites is diffused.
Where the Berryville road crosses the Childer's range of mountains, it is elevated about 370 feet above Terrapin Creek. The surface rock, at this elevation, is sandstone, overlying cherty limestone.
In the gap of the Osage Mountain the sandstone must be at least 130 feet in thickness.
About eleven miles northwest of Carrolltown, and three and a-half miles from W. Jones', on the divide between Scott's Prairie and Prairie Township, magnesian limestones, probably of lower silurian date, crop out, which are separated from the limestone and sandstone of the Osage Mountain by crisp chert. The upper beds of this lower formation have the same earthy character and checkered appearance on the surface as the strata which form the lower portion of the hills in Township 19 north, Range 17 west, and on Fallen-timber Creek, in Marion County, and are, no doubt, of the same age. Some of these limestones probably possess hydraulic properties. This change in the formations is accompanied by a corresponding change in the growth, which consists of small oaks, interspersed in groves on the hillside, with a thick undergrowth of sumach and blackberries.
Here, as in Marion County, numerous springs of water issue [p.329] from amongst these earthy, magnesian limestones, and, flowing down the slopes, render the roads wet and miry.
The crisp chert, which occurs on this side of Scott's Prairie, has a different lithological appearance from that associated with the subcarboniferous rocks on the southeast side of the same prairie, and occupies probably a lower geological position.
The hills about W. Jones' are composed of the same description of magnesian limestones, and crisp chert, with some associate sandstone. About midway of the hills, the so-called "cotton rock" is found: a white, close-textured variety of magnesian limestone, which is used for underpinning the houses and building the external walls of chimneys. If placed exposed to the direct heat of the fire it is apt to crack and give way; therefore, for the inside lining of fireplaces, another bed is preferred, which lies higher in the hills; this is, however, judging from its external appearance, a purer limestone, and, though it may not be so liable to crack by heat, it will certainly be more easily burnt to lime. Hereafter an analysis of these rocks will be made.
Several intercalated bands of sandstone occur in the hills in this part of Carroll County; most of them are below the level of the "cotton rock."
The formations here appear to be of the same character and age as those in the lead region of the eastern part of this county, and the western part of Marion, already described in the first part of this Report; it is probable, from this analogy in the two regions, that lead ore will be found, to some extent, disseminated in pockets in the calcareous members, in the same manner as it occurs in the Coka and Mitchell diggings.
Four of the most conspicuous hills of the Osage range, in the northwest part of Carroll County, in sight of Berryville, have received the names of the "Sister," "Grandfather" and "Indigo" knobs. The Sister hill, nearest to Berryville, gave a height of 370 feet above the Berryville branch of King's River. The summit rocks on this hill are the red, variegated and encrinital marble limestones; but most of the layers on this hill appear to be too earthy, and too prone to decomposition for ornamental outside work.
The "Fire-stone" was found in place about fifteen feet from the top, and the "Cotton-rock" toward the base of the principal ascent, at an elevation of about seventy to eighty feet above the branch from which the levels were taken.
In sighting with the level, across from the Sister to the Grandfather knob, a bench of rock was observed, cropping out about 80 or 100 feet from the top, corresponding, in level and position, to the red, variegated and encrinital limestones that crown the Sister-hill. By computation the Grandfather-peak must be nearly 100 feet higher than the Sister-hill.
The succession of the different beds of rock, forming the hills in Prairie Township, as far as they have yet been observed, is as follows:
1. Subcarboniferous chert.
2. Sandstone.
3. Light grey, subcarboniferous limestone.
4. Chert.
5. Encrinital, pink and red limestones; the place of the marble rock.
6. Sandstone; about seventy feet in thickness.
7. Chert.
8. Magnesian limestone and sandstone. _______________________________________
9. "Cotton-rock," a variety of magnesian limestone.
10. Magnesian limestones, some of which, probably, possess hydraulic properties.
Three or four pounds of lead ore are reported to have been found adjacent to the town of Berryville, on land owned by Berry. The remarks previously made in regard to the lead region of the eastern part of Carroll County, will apply also to Prairie Township.
Five miles northwest of Berryville, on the Osage, is a locality worthy the attention of the iron manufacturer. Iron is found here in quantities which might be sufficient to supply a smelting furnace. An attempt was made in this vicinity to establish iron works; but, in consequence of the death of Belcher, one of the principal parties interested, the enterprise was never fully carried out.
In the high ridge dividing the waters of the Osage fork of King's River from Piney, the succession was as follows:
1. Cherty sandstone.
2. Encrinital limestones.
3. A great mass of chert, replaced sometimes by sandstone.
4. Magnesian limestones, interstratified with some sandstone.
At Steven's mill, on Piney Creek, the encrinital limestone is underlaid by sixty to eighty feet of sandstone.
The soil, derived from the cherty sandstone, forming the summit of the above "divide," supports a growth of pine.
On the ridge between Piney Creek and the Dry Fork of King's River, the strata of the preceding section appear to have dipped considerably toward the southwest, so that they lie lower in the ridges, and are capped with white, subcarboniferous limestone and sandstone, overlying the cherty sandstone of the preceding section.
In descending from these strata to the Howard farm, on the Dry Fork of King's River, a great mass of chert was passed over.
No black shale was visible in any of the sections in this part of Carroll County.
The rock in the bed of the Dry Fork of King's River, at Howard's farm, is light grey limestone and chert, at least fifty feet in thickness, and apparently of subcarboniferous date; but, if so, there must be a rapid dip of the strata between the Piney and Dry Forks of King's River.
Some lead ore is said to have been plowed up in Howard's field.
A large spirifer was found in the limestone of the Dry Fork, allied to Spirifer striatus, and casts of Orthis crinistria in the overlying chert, both of which species belong to the subcarboniferous era, and therefore indicate the age of these rocks.
In passing from the Dry Fork to the main branch of King's River, a ridge of about 330 feet in height was passed over. At the base of this ridge is the aforementioned light grey limestone, fifty feet or more in thickness; over this is a slope of chert containing casts of Orthis crinistria, surrounded by sandstone, which forms the top of the ridge, where we passed over it into Madison County.
Caves.–Leatherwood, or Marley Cave, is five miles north of Eureka Springs. Its length is nearly a quarter of a mile, with [p.332] an average width of thirty feet and a height varying from six to twelve feet. Some distance from the entrance there is an apartment 60×80 feet, and at the farther end there are numerous stalactites and stalagmites. There is but one passage way so far as known. This cave was discovered in 1878.
The Davidson Cave opens about 150 yards up the mountain from Sycamore Spring. "The entrance resembles a large gopher hole, and is anything but inviting, as one has to crawl into it feet foremost down a steep descent of about thirty feet. The ceiling is arched, the walls rising straight up, with an average width of between three or four feet, and are grooved and fluted columns, magnificent in proportions. It contains only one passage, of perhaps 100 yards in extent, with several shallow pockets in the sides. It ends in a small circular room, columned and fluted, terminating in an arched, dome-like ceiling, many feet above the main passage." This is also one of the attractions of Eureka Springs.
Moore's Cave, six miles northeast of Berryville, in the mountains of Indian Creek, near the road to Springfield, Mo., known as the Wilderness route, was discovered by John Moore and his sons while prospecting for lead, in 1845. The floor of the first chamber is reached after descending 200 feet from the outside elevation, the entrance being extremely difficult. From this room a number of passages radiate, one of which leads to the shore of a subterranean lake, and another to an immense basin-like depression. Stalactites are numerous. A party of gentlemen from the Hale barrens made the first extensive exploration September 4, 1845.
The Ocean Cave is situated six miles southeast of Eureka Springs. There is a constant current of cold air from the entrance. The interior, so far as known, consists of a subterranean lake, well stocked with fish.
A cavern of considerable extent was discovered by John Hinkle in 1878, on Keel's Creek, a mile east of William's saw-mill. An entrance is effected through an opening 4×2 by feet, and after a gradual descent of fifty feet a passage 100 yards long is entered, leading to an immense chamber filled with great pillars, arches and columns. Two wide passages, leading in opposite directions, terminate abruptly 100 yards away. The main passage [p.333] continues 200 yards, opening into a small circular room. The exploration of this cave is exceedingly difficult.
Of other caverns of greater or lesser importance the Massman Cave, on Leatherwood Creek, has received some attention. Indian Cave, on the head-waters of Osage, is the only cavern of importance in that part of the county. Several skeletons, and specimens of Indian pottery, have been found in a great heap of ashes in a large apartment, a short distance from the entrance.
Mineral Development.–As early as 1834 one Col. Huff, a noted counterfeiter, extracted silver ore from Childer's Mountain, near Varmint Lick, smelted it, and carried on a vigorous business in the manufacture of spurious currency. The Jackson Mines, on King's River, and the Clebin Mines have yielded 315 ounces of silver to the ton of ore. At Trigger Hill, in the western part of the county, there is a locality known as the Indian Graves, form a number of small mounds resembling graves. It has been ascertained, however, that no burials ever occurred here, and that the earth was probably removed in prospecting for minerals. In 1850-51 Abraham Belcher established a blomary and forge on King's River, for the smelting and forging of iron. The ore was obtained in that vicinity. Belcher died in 1853, and his establishment was discontinued soon thereafter.
Timber.–There are 110 varieties of trees in Carroll County. The oak is largely represented, the principal species being the Spanish, water, black, red, burr, pine, post and white oak. The black-jack, resembling the oak in some respects, is of a scrubby nature, and is found everywhere throughout the county. The ash, elm, cherry, walnut, box-elder, sycamore, hickory, birch, maple and linn are well distributed. Pine is found in the western part of the county. Fruits, particularly apples and peaches, are here cultivated under climatic conditions more favorable.
Indian Occupation.–At the time when this county was first visited by settlers the Indian population was sparse. There was an Indian village at the site of Bellefonte, Boone County; the Delawares had a number of tepees on Long Creek, in Carroll [p.334] County, and their principal town was on the James River, in Stone County, Mo. The Cherokees, from Georgia, began their migration about 1832, and the bands were wont to proceed leisurely, and pause for awhile upon the borders of their western home. Several bands, numbering 300 or more, are mentioned by early settlers. They had with them large herds of cattle, horses, etc., and lived comfortably in their camps, one of which, in July, 1833, was situated north of Berryville several miles. A visitor to this camp says they were very hospitable; he was almost obliged to eat with them. "May be sometime I get hungry and eat with you," was the logic of his host. There were no resident Indians in this locality after 1835. Hunting parties from the "Nation" returned frequently during the winters until game became too scarce, but their relations with the white settlers were always friendly. No outrages by either party are known to have been perpetrated within the limits of the county.
Emigration to that part of Arkansas within the bend of White River, and about its head-waters, followed two distinct routes, the courses of which are best indicated by reference to previous settlements in the State, which naturally followed the valleys of the Arkansas and White Rivers. Fort Smith was the terminus of a military road. which naturally invited settlement in that direction; but it was also upon the western boundary of the State, and emigrants thither turned to the north for permanent locations. The extreme north western part of the State was also accessible from St. Louis by a direct road; and thus it happened that many of the first settlers of Carroll County came thither after a temporary sojourn in Madison or Washington.
Batesville was for a long time the limit of emigration up the White River valley. The level country to the east seems to have been considered preferable to the mountainous region at its source, which received but little attention except from the hunter and trapper. It was by this route that the first white inhabitants of what is now Carroll County entered its borders.
Early Settlers.–William Sneed and his son, Charles Sneed, originally from Kentucky, removed from White River, near the mouth of Bear Creek, to Osage Township, in the spring of 1830. They located a claim embracing several thousand acres of the [p.335] best land on Osage River. Here they had planted several acres of corn the previous spring, and were thus provided with food. They cut what was known as the old Dubuque road from Dubuque Landing, on White River, near Lead Hill; it passed through Carrollton, and thence followed an Indian trail southeast. John Boyd, one of the teamsters, is commonly given the honor of having driven the first team into Carroll County.
SETTLEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT.
Louis Russell went from North Carolina to Illinois, and thence to Arkansas; he is said to have settled on Yocum Creek, Section 20, Township 20, Range 23, in the present township of Hickory, in 1822. If such is the case, he must have been the earliest settler in the county. He was of English and Cherokee descent. In 1836 he made a journey on horseback to his former home in Illinois. He was nineteen days returning, and brought with him as many apple trees as he could carry. Notwithstanding the length of time they were out of the ground, many of the trees grew, and sprouts from their roots are still bearing. This seems to have been the first effort at orchard planting. Russell assisted in the building of Fort Smith. He died in this county in 1869.
David Williams, the first white inhabitant of the central part of the county, and therefore of its western and northern portions, came from Tennessee about 1831. He lived on Osage, about a mile and a half from Berryville, in a pole cabin, with his wife and three sons. They cleared several acres of land, but never made any permanent improvements. One of the sons married a Cherokee woman. Williams removed to Buffalo Valley in 1838. His hunting grounds had become too narrow.
John, Alexander and Bruce Boyd, and Elijah Hulsey, brother-in-law to the two last named, removed from Crowley's Ridge, near Helena, Ark., in 1832, and settled on Long Creek below Carrollton. There were then living in the vicinity of Carrollton, Martin Standridge, his father, "Shot-gun" Jerry Meeks and his brother, "Blue" Jacob Meeks, "Black" 'Squire Blevins, Richard Blevins, Sam Blevins, and others of Cherokee and English descent, whose society was not appreciated by their neighbors, as subsequent developments will show. They were from Georgia, and had not been living in this country many years prior to [p.336] 1832. George Stone, from Yellville, then known as Shawneetown, joined this community about the same time.
Robert Dawson came to Arkansas in 1832, having previously resided in Missouri and Tennessee. He owned four farms on Osage, in Prairie Township, upon one of which he lived fortynine years, dying in 1886.
William Tabor, of Macoupin County, Ill., became a resident on Dry Creek, in Hickory Township, in 1834. He made the journey out in six weeks with three yoke of oxen. Jonathan Norris was also an early settler in that township.
January 3, 1833, John Baker, with his sons, Aaron and Jonathan, arrived at the present residence of Aaron Baker, in Prairie Township, having left their former home, four miles from Marble Hill, on Crooked Creek, in Cape Girardeau, now Bollinger County, Mo., October 11, 1832. They passed through Springfield and Fayetteville, and crossed King's River on New Year's day. John Baker died in Osage Valley in 1862. Aaron Baker, who had then a wife and four children, is still living, the oldest resident of Carroll County.
In the spring of 1833 Jesse White and William Walker, brothers-in-law, removed from Washington County. The former settled at the mouth of Osage, the latter on King's River, near the crossing of the upper road to Eureka. They lived alternately in Washington County four years. Wesley Walker, John Walker, and several others of the name, came from Tennessee somewhat later.
Thomas Hall built the fourth house in Prairie Township, in 1835. He had previously lived in Wilkes County, N. C., and near Chattanooga, Tenn., from whence he removed to War Eagle, Madison County.
John Yocum, from whom Yocum Creek derives its name, settled near Green Forest about 1833. He built a mill there at an early period in the history of the county.
Jesse S. O'Niell, the first constable of Hickory Township, was an early settler on Yocum Creek.
William Wood, a native of Kentucky, removed to Morgan County, Ill., about 1834, and thence to the vicinity of Berryville, where he took up land yet owned by his descendants.
Jacob A. Meek came from Henry County, Tenn., about 1837, and settled on Dry Creek. He was a member of the Methodist Church. His father, Jeremiah, and brothers, William, Joseph and Samuel, followed him.
The Chaney family, William Chaney, Sr., Joseph Chaney and William H. Wilson, his brother-in-law, settled on Osage, in Liberty Township, in 1834. They were from Overton County, Tenn.
George Suggs, Isaiah Watkins and Britain Smith settled on Dry Fork prior to 1837. They were the pioneers of Dry Fork Township.
John Musick, from Huntsville, removed to Osage prior to 1840, taking with him 200 cattle, seventy-five horses, and a large flock of sheep. This was the first introduction of sheep.
Keel Williams, from whom Keel's Creek is named, was a brother to David Williams, previously mentioned. Daniel Bromley, of Miller County, Mo., bought his land, and was among the first prominent settlers in that part of the county.
Charles Whiteley, a Baptist preacher, from Madison County, settled in the locality that bears his name, Whiteley's Prairie, in 1837 or 1838. He was a man of public spirit, fair ability as a speaker, and character worthy of his calling. He was especially active in his support of free schools. He left the county for Texas at the opening of the Civil War.
Stephen Holmesley, of Cape Girardeau County, Mo., removed to Hindsville, Washington Co., Ark., and thence to Yocum Creek, upon which he built one of the first mills. His wife was a daughter to Samuel Vaughn, from whom the celebrated Vaughn's Valley, Madison County, is named.
William and Joel Plumlee, who emigrated from Tennessee about 1836, were the first settlers upon the site of Berryville.
Absalom Cornelius, a Missourian, settled on Dry Creek, on the farm now owned by Henry Reeves. He was among the first settlers there.
Jeremiah Hale, from whom the Hale barrens are named, located there in 1845. Wilson Butler was one of his first neighbors.
James Fancher, Thomas Sisco and James M. Kenner were the earliest settlers upon the head-waters of Osage.
Thomson Ramsay, of Rule Postoffice, and Samuel Meek, of Prairie Township, have been residents of the county since 1835. Hon. Bradley Bunch came in 1838. William Scott, an early settler in the western part of the county, died in 1887, at the age of one hundred and nine. This enumeration might be multiplied indefinitely, but it is believed that the earliest of the first inhabitants of the county have been mentioned.
Early Mills.–Several mills came into existence in the county at an early date, and it is difficult to decide the question of priority. The first in the western part was a steel mill, turned by hand, brought by John Baker. People from this section had previously been obliged to go to mill thirty miles away, on War Eagle Creek. William Wood built a small water mill with the assistance of his neighbors in 1837-38. It was on Osage, and the land is now owned by Richard Walker. Henry Klinginbeard owned a small corn mill a short distance farther down the Osage, in 1838. The first mill on Yocum Creek was built by John Yocum about 1835. It was within a mile of Green Forest. It was a log building about 14×16 feet, and stood on four posts, one of which is yet to be seen. The dam was made of logs and brush, and was constantly being repaired. It was renewed after every freshet. The water was conducted by a chute over a tub wheel, communicating by shafting with the single "runner." The bed stone was stationary. This mill had a capacity of four bushels a day. Lassiter & Crawford built a mill on a branch of Osage several years later, and Thomas H. Clarke built another on the Osage River farther up about the same time. Both of these mills were in Liberty Township. John Boyd built a mill on Long Creek about 1836, and another was built by Malachi Reeves on the same stream, near Denver Post-office, at an equally early date. One Patton built the first mill on Dry Fork, and two or three others followed it in close succession. John Denny built the first mill on King's River so far as known. Steam mills have come into existence since the war, during which nearly all the old water mills were burned. A Mr. James built the first saw-mill in 1843 on Dry Fork, and Joel Blair built another on the same stream in 1844. B. H. Hobbs & Co. erected the first steam saw-mill nine miles northwest of Berryville in 1857.
Roads.–The opening of the old Dubuque road has been mentioned. The road from Huntsville via Rockhouse Creek, through Trigger Gap, crossing Carroll County diagonally from southwest to northeast, was laid out in 1837 by Thomas Hall, under the direction of the court. A road from Carrollton through Green Forest to Springfield, Mo., and a military road from Fayetteville through Carrollton to Jacksonport, twenty-five miles above Batesville, on the White River, was laid out, or at least opened for travel, prior to 1836.
Tanneries.–Tanning was at first effected by the most simple processes. The pelts were rubbed with ashes or lime, stretched and dried. Charles B. Whiteley was one of the first men in the county who made tanning a business. E. Roper, who lived upon land now owned by Prof. A. B. Johnson, was probably the first to introduce tanning by vats. At first these consisted only of log troughs, in which the hides were placed. Roper's tannery was continued five or six years.
Stores.–At the time when the first settlement of the county was in progress the nearest trading points on the east were on White River, fifty mile away; and on the west, Fort Smith and Fayetteville, an equal distance. Powder and lead were the principal commodities of which the frontier population stood in need. Business was done principally by barter. The frontiersman exchanged pelts and honey for ammunition and other supplies. The first stores in the county were at Carrollton, and Henderson Lafferty was probably the first store-keeper. Merchandising was profitable in those days.
Regulators.–A company of regulators was organized by the citizens of Carrollton and vicinity in the spring of 1839, with Thomas A. Clarke as captain. It numbered twenty or thirty members. The object was to suppress stealing and punish the miscreants, a community of half-breed Cherokees. Several were whipped and compelled to leave the county. Two or three confessed, promised reformation, and were permitted to stay. After accomplishing the object of its organization the company disbanded.
Early Land Entries.–Four land offices were established in the Territory of Arkansas in 1832, that for the northwestern district being located at Fayetteville, and here the first entries [p.340] for Carroll County were made. The office was subsequently removed to Clarksville and Huntsville, and in 1870 was established at Harrison. The following is a list of persons who entered land prior to 1850, and between 1850 and 1855, inclusive; where more than one entry was made by the same individual, the first in order of time is given:
Township 17, Range 22: 1849: Thomas Cisco, 80.16 acres, Section 5; 1840, James Fancher, 118.26 acres, Section 6.
Township 18, Range 22: 1840, John Blevins, 160.62 acres, Section 4; 1840, John Roberts, 80 acres, Section 4; 1841, John Blevins, 79 acres, Section 5; 1841, M. Clements, 40 acres, Section 5; 1842, Hugh L. Denton, 80 acres, Section 7; 1842, Tilford Denton, 40 acres, Section 7; 1840, Charles Sneed, 80 acres, Section 9; 1841, Samuel Sneed, 40 acres, Section 9; 1840, James Fancher, 80 acres, Section 31.
Township 19, Range 22: 1847, John F. King, 40 acres, Section 6; 1844, Jeremiah Meek, 35 acres, Section 6; 1847, B. H. Berry, 122 acres, Section 6; 1843, Bruce Boyd, 40 acres, Section 15; 1840, Squire Blevins, Jr., 120 acres, Section 33; 1839, Richard Blevins, 80 acres, Section 33; 1839, Martin Standridge, 91 acres, Section 33; 1843, James Wilson, 160 acres, Section 34; 1848, William Poynor, 38 acres, Section 34.
Township 20, Range 22: 1849, B. H. Berry, 40 acres, Section 19; 1849, James Myers, 40 acres, Section 19.
Township 17, Range 23, 1843: Samuel E. Kenner, 80 acres, Section 3; 1846, Robert D. Chaney, 15 acres, Section 10; 1844, Benjamin Chote, 40 acres, Section 18.
Township 18, Range 23: 1844, Thomas Rains, 80 acres, Section 5; 1843, John Potts, 40 acres, Section 4; 1843, Simeon Moore, 40 acres, Section 5; 1849, Joseph L. Dickson, 40 acres, Section 9; 1846, Thomas H. Clarke, 80 acres, Section 9; 1847, Isaac B. Cadill, 40 acres, Section 9; 1849, Joseph L. Dickson, 80 acres, Section 15; 1849, William E. Armstrong, 40 acres, Section 22; 1847, Martin Holiford, 40 acres, Section 22; 1849, Smith S. Matlock, 40 acres, Section 24; 1844, Charles Sneed, 47 acres, Section 25; 1846, Thomas B. Fancher, 40 acres, Section 25; 1846, Peter Sneed, 40 acres, Section 26; 1844, James C. Chaney, 40 acres, Section 20; 1845, Alexander F. Miller, 40 acres, Section 27; 1844, Keziah Sneed, 40 acres, Section 36.
Township 19, Range 23:
Township 20, Range 23: 1849, Charles G. O'Neall, 40 acres, Section 9; 1845, John Hayhurst, 80 acres, Section 29.
Township 17, Range 24: 1845, Hazael A. Sugg, 79 acres, Section 1; 1844, Nancy Jackson, 40 acres, Section 10; 1846, Mary Jackson, 40 acres, Section 10; 1845, John Jackson, – acres, Section 11; 1845, Cooper Wilmoth, 40 acres, Section 11; 1845, Jesse Seitz, 40 acres, Section 11; 1845, George Brown Sugg, 40 acres, Section 11; 1846, John C. Rewes, 40 acres, Section 12.
Township 19, Range 24: 1848, Moses Garrett, 40 acres, Section 10; 1847, John F. King, 40 acres, Section 25.
Township 20, Range 24: 1847, Nealy Butler, 43 acres, Section 3; 1847, John Standlee, 43 acres, Section 4; 1848, Abram Standlee, 40 acres, Section 5; 1848, Stephen Holmesley, 160 acres, Section 18; 1847, John C. Ernest, 130 acres, Section 18; 1848, William Plumlee, 60 acres, Section 29; 1847, William Wood, 40 acres, Section 31.
Township 21, Range 24: 1847, Lorenzo D. High, 40 acres, Section 33.
Township 19, Range 25: 1847, James Simmons, 40 acres, Section 1.
Township 20, Range 25: 1848, Jonathan Baker, 24 acres, Section 2; 1841, Isaac Boren, 40 acres, Section 9; 1848, John C. Ernest, 20 acres, Section 13; 1848, Seneca Deadmon, 80 acres, Section 13; 1848, William M. Jones, 40 acres, Section 14; 1841, William K. Reid, 40 acres, Section 14; 1848, Moses Garrett, – acres, Section 21; 1841, Charles B. Whitely, 80 acres, Section 24; 1848, Mary B. Brown, 15 acres, Section 25; 1848, William P. Jones, 50 acres, Section 25; 1845, William Baker, 40 acres, Section 26; 1841, John Baker, 40 acres, Section 27; 1849, Thomas Hall, 40 acres, Section 27; 1848, John Denny, 40 acres, Section 28; 1849, Daniel Brumley, 40 acres, Section 29; 1841, John Musick, 50 acres, Section 35; 1846, William G. Musick, 40 acres, Section 35.
Township 21, Range 25: 1847, Garrett A. Justice, 20 acres Section 27.
Township 20, Range 27: 1846, Ezekiel J. A. Dickson, 91 acres, Section 2.
Entries between 1850 and 1855, inclusive.–Township 17, Range 22: 1853, A. H. Wilson, 40 acres, Section 4.
Township 18, Range 22: 1854, T. McMilon, 79 acres, Section 6; 1851, A. C. Oliver, 40 acres, Section 5; 1854, William S. Payne, 40 acres, Section 5; 1851, J. S. Dickson, 80 acres, Section 5; 1852, John G. Maples, 40 acres, Section 6; 1853, William M. Rains, 40 acres, Section 6; 1855, Henry Barr, 40 acres, Section 9; 1853, S. M. Hedgepith, 40 acres, Section 9; 1854, Telford Denton, 40 acres, Section 15; 1855, Henry Barr, 40 acres, Section 9; 1855, William Mathews, 80 acres, Section 19; 1852, John Ramsey, 40 acres, Section 31.
Township 19, Range 22: 1853, James I. Wilburn, 40 acres, Section 4; 1853, Jonathan Hicks, 81 acres, Section 19; 1853, M. C. Kirkham, 80 acres, Section 21; 1852, Oliver Sharp, 80 acres, Section 29; 1851, Mary E. Weaver, 40 acres, Section 29.
Township 20, Range 22: 1854, Thomas Potts, 40 acres, Section 3; 1853, George W. Myers, 80 acres, Section 19; 1852, Redding B. Maddox, 41 acres, Section 10; 1854, Henry Frantham, 83 acres, Section 10; 1850, John S. Frazier, 40 acres, Section 15; 1851, William Goforth, 77 acres, Section 18; 1851, Robert Donelson, 80 acres, Section 21; 1851, Joel Hampton, 40 acres, Section 22; 1853, David W. Beck, 40 acres, Section 28; 1850, William Barrington, 40 acres, Section 32; 1854, James P. Rush, 40 acres, Section 32; 1854, John P. Leathers, 40 acres, Section 32.
Township 21, Range 22: 1853, Elijah Golston, 40 acres, Section 22; 1853, Robert Braswell, 40 acres, Section 31.
Township 17, Range 23: 1853, James W. Kuhn, 40 acres, Section 3; 1854, Solomon R. Aldred, 38 acres, Section 6; 1850, James Phillips, 40 acres, Section 6; 1851, Charles Phillips, 40 acres, Section 10; 1854, Emerson Miller, 30 acres, Section 10; 1854, William Hubbard, 40 acres, Section 14; 1850, Nathaniel Bunch, 80 acres, Section 18; 1850, Bradley Bunch, 80 acres, Section 18.
Township 18, Range 23: 1852, James G. Maples, 37 acres, Section 1; 1851, Ransom Perry, 40 acres, Section 2; 1851, Nicholas Lassiter, 40 acres, Section 3; 1854, J. M. Berry and A. C Oliver, 40 acres, Section 4; 1854, Daniel Scott, 40 acres, Section 5; 1852, Joseph Holcomb, 112 acres, Section 12; 1855, Burrell [p.343] Bobo, 74 acres, Section 12; 1853, William E. Armstrong, 40 acres, Section 22; 1851, Riley Philips, 40 acres, Section 22; 1853, James W. Kenner, 40 acres, Section 34.
Township 19, Range 23: 1855, Allen R. Dewitt, 40 acres, Section 2; 1853, W. C. Callen, 40 acres, Section 4; 1853, William B. Carter, 80 acres, Section 10; 1853, Philip Askins, 80 acres, Section 11; 1855, John Frantham, 80 acres, Section 13; 1853, Alpha Orrill, 40 acres, Section 23; 1855, Thompson Ramsey, 37 acres, Section 27; 1855, Matthew Griffith, 80 acres, Section 30; 1855, Fomley D. Webb, 80 acres, Section 13; 1855, John W. Whitson, 100 acres, Section 33.
Township 20, Range 23: 1850, Augustus V. Callin, 320 acres, Section 13; 1854, John C. Turney, 35 acres, Section 22; 1850, Isaac Rush, 160 acres, Section 23; 1851, Jacob Shipman, 32 acres, Section 26; 1853, M. P. Mitchell, 80 acres, Section 26; 1853, Hugh Magill, 40 acres, Section 31; 1850, Jesse Tabor, 40 acres, Section 32.
Township 17, Range 24: 1855, William Walker, 40 acres, Section 2; 1851, Reuben S. Hawkins, 50 acres, Section 4; 1853, Jacob Owens, 40 acres, Section 7; 1855, Lewis Bohannan, 82 acres, Section 10; 1851, Jesse Seitz, 40 acres, Section 11; 1853, John C. Rewes, 40 acres, Section 12.
Township 18, Range 24: 1852, Alexander Fancher, 40 acres, Section 15; 1853, Jacob Arnott, 46 acres, Section 30; 1850, Stephen Howard, 40 acres, Section 33.
Township 19, Range 24: 1853, Seth Johnson, 40 acres, Section 3; 1852, Harrison A. Riddle, 40 acres, Section 5; 1850, John M. Perryman, 81 acres, Section 26; 1853, Oliver H. Miller, 3 acres, Section 11; 1852, Moses Crawford, 80 acres, Section 24.
Township 20, Range 24: 1852, Swift Mullen, 40 acres, Section 5; 1853, John C. Earnest, 52 acres, Section 6; 1851, Solomon Brammore, 40 acres, Section 17; 1853, Stephen Holmesley, 80 acres, Section 25; 1851, Raleigh C. Miller, 100 acres, Section 30; 1852, William Woods, 12 acres, Section 31.
Township 21, Range 24: 1853, Nealy Butler, 80 acres, Section 17.
Township 19, Range 25, 1851, Isham Burks, 40 acres, Section 20.
Township 20, Range 25, 1852, William Reed, 40 acres, Section 10; 1853, Gideon White, 40 acres, Section 11; 1854, Samuel Kay, 40 acres, Section 21; 1853, Nathan Harley, 30 acres, Section 23; 1852, Charles Dunny, 40 acres, Section 33; 1853, William C. Stephens, 40 acres, Section 35.
Township 21, Range 26: 1850, Adam Todd, 40 acres, Section 18; 1853, George L. White, 3 acres, Section 35.
Population.–The population of Carroll County in 1840 was 2,844; in 1850, 4,614; in 1860, 9,383; in 1870, 5,780; in 1880, 13,337. The apparent decrease in the decade ending 1870 is explained by the fact that Boone County was formed in 1869. The population by townships, in 1870 and 1880, was as follows:
Township.: Carrollton 1880.: 1,148
1870.: 808
Township.: Cedar
1880.: 965
1870.: 511
Township.: Eureka Springs
1880.: 3,984
Township.: Clifty
1880.: 401
Township.: Dry Fork
1880.: 274
Township.: Hickory
1880.: 1,020
1870.: 660
Township.: King's River
1880.: 410
1870.: 686
Township.: Liberty
1880.: 295
1870.: 253
Township.: Long Creek
1880.: 574
1870.: 452
Township.: Osage
1880.: 563
1870.: 842
Township.: Piney
1880.: 319
Township.: Polo
1880.: 781
Township.: Prairie
1880.: 2,190
1870.: 1,568
Township.: Yocum
1880.: 413
The White population in 1860 was 9,053; in 1870, 5,743; in 1880, 13,272. The colored population in 1860 was 330; in 1870, 37; in 1880, 60. There were five Indians in the county in 1880. The native population in 1870 was 5,771; in 1880, 13,211, of whom 5,882 were born in the State, 1,583 in Tennessee, 207 in Alabama, 156 in Georgia, 102 in Mississippi, 2,121 in Missouri, 211 in North Carolina, 542 in Kentucky, 52 in South Carolina, 187 in Virginia. The foreign born population was 9 in 1870 and 126 in 1880. Of the latter number, 24 were born in British America, 19 in England and Wales, 27 in Ireland, 6 in Scotland, 26 in the German Empire, 6 in France, 3 in Scandinavia, 3 in Switzerland. The male and female population in 1880 was 6,976 and 6,358, respectively. There were 2,219 males and 2,114 females between the ages of five and seventeen, inclusive (the school age). The number of males between the ages of eighteen and forty-four was 2,671 (subject to military service). The number of males above twenty-one was 3,229.
Slatistics.–1880, horses, 2,814; mules and asses, 817; working oxen, 120; milch cows, 2,898; other cattle, 4,182; sheep, 6,223; swine, 23,547; wool, 13,655 pounds; butter, 73,888 [p.345] pounds; corn, 22,979 acres, 582,734 bushels; wheat, 7,343 acres, 51,992 bushels; oats, 4,626 acres, 64,451 bushels; rye, 582 acres, 4,820 bushels; cotton, 982 acres, 502 bales; tobacco, 28 acres, 16,540 pounds; sorghum, 20,084 gallons. In February, 1883, the county assessor returned 3,302 horses, valued at $151,987; 8,562 cattle, valued at $105,112; 6,339 sheep, valued at $8,389; 19,032 swine, valued at $26,838; 1,038 mules and asses, valued at $62,712. The number of farms in 1880 was 1,375; total number of acres, 140,245; improved acreage, 45,707; under cultivation, 43,903 acres; meadows, pastures, etc., 1,804; unimproved, 94,538 acres; woodland and forest, 69,522 acres; unimproved, mountain and prairie, not wooded, 25,016 acres. Value of farms, including land, fences and buildings, $515,647; value of farming implements and machinery, $49,540; value of live stock on farms, $270,484; estimated value of all farm productions, 1879, $255,816. The aggregate value of real estate in the county in 1880 was $326,875; personal property, $335,631; total, $662,506. In 1883, real estate, $633,323; personal property, $722,482; total, $1,354,805. The following table shows the valuation of lands by congressional townships for the year 1888 (to which should be added ninety-eight town lots in Carrollton, seventy-six in Berryville, and fifty-six in Green Forest, valued respectively at $6,840, $19,365 and $3,438; total, $29,643):
Township.: 17 Range.: 22 Acreage.: 1,486.22 Valuation of Land.: $3,700
Township.: 18 Range.: 22 Acreage.: 5,161.71 Valuation of Land.: 16,720
Township.: 19 Range.: 22 Acreage.: 9,414.23 Valuation of Land.: 34,770
Township.: 20 Range.: 22 Acreage.: 7,295.22 Valuation of Land.: 29,320
Township.: 21 Range.: 22 Acreage.: 1,520.00 Valuation of Land.: 5,805
Township.: 17 Range.: 23 Acreage.: 1,725.13 Valuation of Land.: 9,425
Township.: 18 Range.: 23 Acreage.: 8,501.18 Valuation of Land.: 41,350
Township.: 19 Range.: 23 Acreage.: 13,497.98 Valuation of Land.: 61,075
Township.: 20 Range.: 23 Acreage.: 14,029.63 Valuation of Land.: 63,405
Township.: 21 Range.: 23 Acreage.: 5,159.16 Valuation of Land.: 18,410
Township.: 17 Range.: 24 Acreage.: 2,888.33 Valuation of Land.: 13,180
Township.: 18 Range.: 24 Acreage.: 3,689.53 Valuation of Land.: 10,000
Township.: 19 Range.: 24 Acreage.: 8,177.70 Valuation of Land.: 37,140
Township.: 20 Range.: 24 Acreage.: 12,699.71 Valuation of Land.: 76,110
Township.: 21 Range.: 24 Acreage.: 8,117.64 Valuation of Land.: 32,380
Township.: 18 Range.: 25 Acreage.: 586.63 Valuation of Land.: 1,925
Township.: 19 Range.: 25 Acreage.: 4,830.57 Valuation of Land.: 14,715
Township.: 20 Range.: 25 Acreage.: 7,595.34 Valuation of Land.: 84,890
Township.: 21 Range.: 25 Acreage.: 8,112.43 Valuation of Land.: 31,370
THE MOUNTAIN MEADOWS MASSACRE.
Acreage.: 134,488.34
Valuation of Land.: $585,695
In the spring of 1857 an emigrant train was organized in Northwestern Arkansas, and principally in Carroll County, by Capt. Alexander Fancher, and in due time set out for the journey across the plains and the Rocky Mountains to California. Capt. Fancher was a native of Tennessee; he married in Cumberland County, Ill., and settled on Osage. He had made two overland journeys to California, and was well qualified to conduct them thither. His train consisted of about forty wagons, several carriages in which some of the ladies rode, nearly a 1,000 head of cattle, several hundred horses, including a stallion valued at $2,000, and was said to have been the finest that crossed the plains in 1857. There were forty or fifty men. The entire company were in comfortable circumstances; they had with them valuables and money which, with the property referred to, has been estimated at $70,000.
Progress of the Train.–The train left Arkansas in the spring of 1857, passed through Kansas and Colorado by the accustomed route, and reached Salt Lake City in August. From here "the southern route," through Provo, Nephi, Fillmore and Cedar City, was taken, and at the last named point the party reached the Spanish trail, their road to Southern California. They had not traversed the favored land of the Saints many days before it became apparent that they were regarded with suspicion and aversion. It was in vain that supplies of food and forage were negotiated for; they were "friendless as in a voiceless desert." The Federal power was openly defied in Utah, and armed troops were on the march toward its borders. Brigham Young openly declared that his "protection" would be withdrawn from emigrants passing through the Territory, and, under a combination of the most unfavorable circumstances, Capt. Fancher and his party slowly approached the melancholy termination of their journey. They crossed the Great Basin; they climbed up the southern rim, and on this border of Mormonism they stopped for a few days, to let their cattle revel in the rank, coarse mountain grass, before they went on the "Ninety Mile Desert."
The location of the Mountain Meadows, their stopping place, [p.347] is in the southwestern corner of Utah, in the present county of Washington, about eight miles south of the village of Pinto. The place is a pass, sometimes called a valley, about five miles in length and one in width, but running to a rather narrow point at the southwest end. At about its center, lengthwise, is the "divide" between the basin and the Pacific slope, the ascents being very gradual, and at each end is a large spring. At the eastern spring was the house and corral of Jacob Hamlin, Mormon sub-agent for the Pah Utes, who, with some assistance, all Mormons, was pasturing cattle on the meadows. The train passed his place on the 3d of September, and encamped at the western spring on the 4th. This spring, which is a large one, is in the southern end of the narrow part. The bank rises from it to a height of about eight feet, and from its top there reaches a level stretch of some 200 yards, upon which the emigrants encamped.
The First Attack occurred on Monday morning, September 7, 1857, while the party were at breakfast. A volley was fired from the gully through which the waters of the spring meander, killing seven and wounding sixteen. A momentary confusion ensued; but the coolness of Capt. Fancher avoided a panic, and the women and children were soon placed within the shelter of the corralled wagons, while the men returned a vigorous fire. The attacking party drew off, and the emigrants improved the opportunity by chaining their wagons, wheel to wheel, and throwing up a breastwork. Their cattle had been driven away, and the frequent appearance of savages caused continual apprehension. One Aden and another man were accordingly dispatched to Cedar City for assistance, on Wednesday night. They were attacked by whites from that place at Richard's Spring; Aden was killed, but his companion returned to camp, and for the first time the truth dawned upon their minds–the Indians were abetted and instigated by the Mormons. A written statement was prepared, imploring assistance from good people generally, and intrusted to three of their best scouts, who set out for California. They were overtaken at the Santa Clara Mountains by an Indian party under Ira Hatch, and all three suffered death.
The Massacre.–The fifty-four white men and about 200 Indians under John D. Lee, were convinced that a direct assault [p.348] would not be successful. A meeting of the Mormons in the meadows, under Maj. John Higbee, was held: the ordersof President Height. of Cedar City, directing that the entire party should be exterminated. was read: and after prayer (?) Higbee announced in confident tones, that he had the evidence of divine approval. The "higher law," in all its naked enormity, was to be executed by treachery.
On the morning of Friday, September 11, 1857. John D. Lee and William Bateman advanced toward the emigrants with a white flag, and were met by one of the party. Lee explained that the Indians were much excited because of certain acts of violence committed by the party, and that the only way of pacifying them was a surrender to the Mormon militia. They agreed to do so. Their arms were placed in wagons brought by Lee. with the small children; the women and older children followed on foot; the men. each at the side of a Mormon, brought up the rear. The wagons had just passed over the divide toward the eastern spring, the women were a quarter of a mile behind, and the men an equal distance behind them, in the ravine. Suddenly from among the ambushed Indians the form of Higbee appeared on the divide; he motioned with his arms, and at once the work of death began. Each militiaman wheeled and shot his man. The rifle of John D. Lee cracked, and a wounded woman in the forward wagon fell from the seat. The Indians rushed upon the women. Two young girls escaped some distance, but were pursued by Lee and an Indian chief. There is reason to think they begged for more than life.
Burial.–October 2, 1857, the scene of the massacre was visited by eleven Mormons. secretly escaping from Utah. They mention two piles of bodies, one composed of women and children, the other of men. The bodies were entirely nude; all were more or less torn by wolves except one. that of a woman, which lay apart from the rest, and showed no signs of decay. In the spring of 1859 Capt. R. P. Campbell, with two companies of infantry and one of dragoons, passed through the meadows and buried the remains of twenty-six of the victims. May 20, 1859, Maj. James Henry Carlton, United States Army. buried the disjointed bones of thirty-four skeletons in a grave on the northern [p.349] side of the ditch. A rude monument, conical in form, and fifty feet in circumference at the base and twelve feet high, was erected over this grave. This was surmounted by a red-cedar cross, upon the transverse part of which was carved this inscription:
VENGEANCE IS MINE: I WILL REPAY, SAITH THE LORD.
HERE ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN WERE MASSACRED IN COLD BLOOD, IN SEPT., 1857. THEY WERE FROM ARKANSAS.
A rude slab of granite, leaning against the northern base of the monument, bore these words:
The Entire Number Killed was 121, 10 at the camp, 107 at the massacre, young Aden and the three scouts.
The Property, by direction of Brigham Young, was disposed of by Lee. A portion was given to the Indians; the money was kept by Lee and Klingensmith; the bedding and clothing were deposited in the tithing house at Cedar City, and was commonly referred to as "property taken at the siege of Sevastopol." The wagons, stock, etc., were disposed of at the tithing house, and the proceeds turned over to the Mormon treasury.
The Survivors.–The circumstances of the massacre were known at Los Angeles, Cal., the following month, and on the last day of the year 1857 William C. Mitchell, ex-clerk of Carroll County, and then a member of the State senate, apprised a friend of the death of his son and brother-in-law, with their families, numbering twenty-four persons; the Legislature of Arkansas took immediate action, as did also the National Congress. Dr. Jacob Forney, superintendent of Utah, learned the whereabouts of the surviving children June 22, 1858; they had been distributed among Mormon families of the vicinity. June 29, 1859, fifteen of them were placed in charge of Maj. Whiting, United States Army, who reached Fort Leavenworth August 25, 1859. [p.350] Here they were taken in charge by William C. Mitchell, special agent of the Government, and reached Carrollton September 16, 1859. Two other children, John C. Miller and M. Tackett, were detained in Utah as witnesses. In January, 1860, they were taken to Washington by Dr. Forney, and from there to Carrollton by Maj. John Henry, of Van Buren. The following is a list of the names, ages and residences of the children referred to:
Rebecca Dunlap, 9, ttt Females; daughters of Jesse Dunlap, deceased, of Carroll County, Ark.
Louisa Dunlap, 7,
Sarah Dunlap, 4.
Prudence Angeline Dunlap, 7, ttt Females; daughters of L. D. Dunlap, deceased, of Marion County, Ark.
Georgiana Dunlap, 4,
Elizabeth Baker, 8, ttt Heirs of G. W. Baker, deceased, of Carroll County, Ark.
Sarah A. Baker, 6,
William B. Baker, 4.
C. C. Fancher, 9, ttt Heirs of Alexander Fancher, deceased, of Carroll County.
Tryphena Fancher, 5.
John C. Miller, 9, ttt Heirs of Joseph M. Miller, deceased, of Crawford County, Ark.
Mary Miller, 7,
Joseph Miller, 4.
M. Tackett, ttt Heirs of Pleasant Tackett, deceased, of Carroll County, Ark.
William Tackett.
F. M. Jones, 4, ttt Heirs of J. M. Jones, deceased, of Marion County, Ark.
Sophronia Jones, 7.
But one of this number, Tryphena Fancher, the wife of J. C. Wilson, of Rule, is at present a resident of Carroll County.
John D. Lee was tried and convicted twenty years after the commission of his crime; he was given his choice of being hung, shot or beheaded. He preferred to be shot, and was accordingly executed at Mountain Meadows on March 23, 1877.
COUNTY OFFICERS.
County Formation.–November 1, 1833, by act of the Territorial Legislature, Carroll County was erected. The act reads as follows: "All that portion of the county of Izard west of a line commencing at a point on the State line of Missouri, where the range line between Ranges 16 and 17 west strikes the same, running south with said line twelve miles; thence west six miles to the range line between seventeen and eighteen; thence south with said line to the dividing ridge between Crooked Creek and [p.351] the Buffalo Fork, thence a direct course to the ridge dividing the waters of the Buffalo Fork and Richland Creek; thence with said ridge to the ridge dividing the waters of the Arkansas and White Rivers; thence west with said ridge to Range 25 west; thence north with said line to the ridge dividing the waters of War Eagle and King's River; thence down said ridge to the post road from Izard court-house, to Washington court-house; thence on a north course to the Missouri line, so as to include all the waters of King's River; thence east with said line to the place of beginning, shall be constituted and erected into a new county, to be called and known by the name of Carroll County." The name was conferred in honor of Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, a distinguished Marylander, or possibly in compliment to Gov. William Carroll, of Tennessee. The original territory was reduced in 1836, 1842 and 1869, upon the formation, respectively, of Madison, Newton and Boone. In 1869, in order that Carroll might not be reduced below the constitutional area of 600 square miles, the northern portion of Madison was annexed. With the exception of unimportant changes in the southwestern boundary, the territorial limits have since remained undisturbed.
The first election for county officers, held in 1834, resulted in the choice of George Campbell as judge, John Bush as clerk, Thomas H. Clark as sheriff, Abraham Shelly as coroner and William Nooner as surveyor. Their successors in order have been as follows:
Sheriffs.–T. H. Clark, 1834-36 (resigned in 1835, succeeded by N. Rudd); Charles Sneed, 1836-42; A. Thomas, 1842-44; J. L. Wilburn, 1844-52; A. C. Oliver, 1852-56; J. C. Shipman, 1856-58; R. C. Campbell, 1858-60; David Smith, 1860; R. C. Campbell, 1860-62; John Harper, 1862-64; A. S. McKennon, 1864-66; N. B. Crump, 1866-68; J. J. Grim, 1868-72; S. L. Hayhurst, 1872-76; A. C. Oliver, 1876-78; T. C. Freeman, 1878-84; Joel Plumlee, 1884-86; H. S. Shahan, 1886.
Clerks.–John Bush, 1834-36; W. C. Mitchell, 1836-40 [p.352] (the office was filled part of the year 1836 by G. F. Stallings); J. A. Hicks, 1840-46; Tilford Denton, 1846-48; John W. Peel, 1848-54; George C. Gordon, 1854-58; Samuel W. Peel, 1858-64; George J. Crump, 1864-68; W. W. Davis, 1868-72; J. P. Fancher, 1872-76; J. C. Hanna, 1876-78; J. P. Fancher, 1878-80; J. E. Jones, 1880-84; H. H. Moose, 1884-87; Len Nunnally, 1887.
Treasurers.–A. M. Wilson, 1836-38; William Beller, 1838-42; H. L. Denton, 1842-44; E. Ford, 1844-46 (resigned, unexpired term filled by Thomas Callen); Thomas Callen, 1846-48 (deceased before the expiration of his term; W. E. Armstrong appointed); John Dunlap, 1848-50; A. Hulsey, 1850-54; J. Albright, 1854-56; Jeremiah Hale, 1856-60; J. M. Haggett, 1860-62; J. F. Seaman, 1862-64; J. S. Stanley, 1864-66; Tilford Denton, 1866-68; J. H. Hale, 1868-72; A. M. Bradley, 1872-74; James Walker, 1874-76; J. G. Walker, 1876-78; S. S. Meek, 1878-80; W. H. Woods, 1880-84 (failed to give bond, H. D. Field elected February 26, 1884); H. D. Field, 1884.
Coroners.–Abraham Shelly, 1834-36; M. L. Hawkins, 1836-42 (Burts was coroner from 1836-38); Thomas Moreland, 1842-44; John T. Spears, 1844-46; A. S. Dooly, 1846-48; Jesse McKelay, 1848-50; John Bunch, 1850-52; Gideon Weaver, 1852-54; W. M. Raines, 1854-56; Jacob Riddle, 1856-58; N. P. Naples, 1858-60; Daniel Grimlin, 1860-62; W. W. Bailey, 1864-66; J. M. Pittman, 1866-68; G. D. Bull, 1868-72; William Wood, 1872-74; O. P. Crockett, 1874-78; E. Thomas, 1878-80; E. Winfield, 1880-82; C. T. Dodson, 1882-84; J. M. Mitchell, 1884-86; C. Smith, 1886.
Surveyors.–William Nooner, 1834-36; Elijah Tabor, 1836-38; John McMillan, 1838-42; T. B. Callen, 1846-48; A. V. Callen, 1848-50; Price Byrne, 1852-58; J. Bartlett, 1858-62; Henry McMillan, 1864-68; Cyrus Maxwell, 1868-72; Thomas Bunch, 1872-76; T. S. Bunch, 1876-78; J. M. Bunch, 1878-82; W. R. Phillips, 1882-86; J. W. Kenner, 1886.
Assessors.–R. L. Evans, 1868-72; H. S. Shahan, 1872-74; R. S. Nance, 1874-78; N. C. Charles, 1878-80; T. G. Norris, 1880-82; N. C. Charles, 1882-84; W. J. Callen, 1884.
The election of Thomas as sheriff in 1842 was annulled by the county court, which declared Charles Sneed sheriff. This ruling was revoked by the governor, who commissioned Thomas.
State Senators.–C. R. Saunders, 1836-40; W. C. Mitchell, 1840-54; John McCoy, 1854-56; W. W. Watkins, 1856-62; Bradley Bunch, 1862-64; J. McCoy, 1864-66; W. W. Watkins, 1866-68; M. L. Stephenson, 1868-70; William Dugger, 1870-74; Bradley Bunch, 1874-78; W. W. Watkins, 1878-82; R. B. Weaver, 1882-86;—–150; Crandall, 1886.
Representatives.–L. B. Tully, W. D. Reagan, 1836-38; T. H. Clarke, F. G. Willbourn, 1838-40; B. Gaither, 1840-42; G. W. Bains, J. Fancher, 1842-44; G. E. Birnie, T. H. Clarke, 1844-46; S. S. Matlock, J. W. Turman, 1846-48; J. H. Crow, 1848-50; B. W. Ayers, Tilford Denton, 1850-52; John H. Brittain, Tilford Denton, 1852-54; Bradley Bunch, John Haggin, 1854-56; B. W. Ayers, Bradley Bunch, 1856-58; Bradley Bunch, G. C. Gordon, 1858-60; Bradley Bunch, J. Childers, 1860-62; I. R. Holt, A. A. Baker; 1862-64; J. W. Plumlee, J. F. Seaman, 1864-66; Bradley Bunch, J. H. Berry, 1866-68; Benjamin Vaughan, J. A. Fitzwater, J. T. Hoffer, P. A. Williams, 1868-70; E. P. Watson, G. J. Crump, F. J. Eubanks, J. S. O'Neal, 1870-72; W. L. Chapman, Joseph Wright, J. M. Foster, J. F. Cunningham, 1872-74; D. G. Hart, J. M. Foster, 1874; H. H. Moore, 1874-76; W. S. Poynor, 1876-78; J. G. Morris, 1878-80; E. J. Black, 1880-82; B. W. Gowdelock, 1882-84; J. P. Fancher, 1884-86; W. R. Phillips, 1886.
Members of Constitutional Conventions.–John F. King, 1836; W. W. Watkins, B. H. Hobbs, 1861; Joseph Wright, 1868; Bradley Bunch, 1874. Not represented in the convention of 1864.
The First Court-house of Carroll County was a log building about twenty feet square, two stories high. The purchase of the site and the disposition of lots in the town of Carrollton was entrusted to three commissioners, Henry Keys, John S. Blair and Barnett Cheatham, presumably appointed by the county court, and given charge over all matters pertaining to the erection [p.354] of county buildings. Owing to the destruction of the county records, there is no certain information as to the time when this was done; but it is known that the court-house was intended to serve a temporary purpose only, and was built south of the center of the public square in Carrollton, in order not to interfere with the erection of its successor. There was a substantial stone chimney at the east end, built after the completion of the remainder of the building. There were two entrances to the lower floor, on the north and south sides, respectively. This floor was provided with benches, and was occupied during the sessions of the court. There was an inside stairway to the upper floor, which does not appear to have been used for any particular purpose. The roof was made of heavy hoop-sawed boards. The chimney was built in 1837, and the building proper the year previous, probably. The office of the clerk was usually in one of the stores at Carrollton, in which he officiated in a similar capacity.
The Second Court-house was built in 1844-45, at a cost of $3,000. It was a brick building about 30×40 feet in dimensions, two stories high, and stood in the center of the square at Carrollton. The lower floor was entered by doors on the north and south, and was used as a court-room. The upper floor was reached by an interior stairway; it was partitioned into three rooms, one of which, at the southwest corner, was used as the clerk's office, and the two others as jury rooms. The stairway was at the west end. The contractors for the erection of this building were Louis Rains and William Young; the former built the walls, the latter had charge of the wood-work. This building was destroyed by fire in the winter of 1859-60. It was supposed to have been the work of an incendiary, but no positive proof of this has yet been presented. There appears to have been but little necessity for a court-house during the Civil War.
Third and Fourth Court-houses.–Upon the close of hostilities in 1865, and the return of the soldiers to their homes, one of the first considerations that engaged their attention was the provision of what was essential to the administration of justice. A log building, closely resembling it first predecessor, was built in the public square, to the southeast of the center, and was one of the first houses built in Carrollton after the war. It [p.355] was one story high, without a chimney, and did not remain long enough to receive that necessary addition. It was destroyed by fire in 1866 or the following year, and with it such of the county records as had escaped the previous similar catastrophe. They had been removed by S. W. Peel, the clerk, to a vault in the Carrollton cemetery, and there preserved during the war. The loss of these records is most unfortunate and deplorable.
A frame store building was purchased from Crump & Berry, removed to the center of the square and, with trifling alterations, transformed into a temple of justice. June term, 1870, James Stanphill, commissioner of public buildings, was directed to purchase six chairs and have seats sufficient to accommodate jurymen before August 1, following. May 1, 1871, Lot No. 2 in Block No. 13, purchased of Crump & Berry, was sold by the sheriff, J. J. Grim, to W. W. Davis for $102.
REMOVAL OF THE COUNTY SEAT.
The erection of Boone County in 1869 placed the major portion of Carroll County a considerable distance from Carrollton, and the removal of the county seat to a more central location was at once agitated. The claims of Berryville for metropolitan honors were energetically pressed, and an election was held November 1, 1869, upon the proposition to remove the county seat thither. The result cannot be ascertained; but at September term, 1869, a petition was presented to the court alleging that the election was null and void, a portion of the county having been ignored and refused recognition by the court. A new election was forthwith ordered for November 13, 1871. At December term, 1871, of the county court, the court was petitioned by certain citizens of Carrollton "to declare the proposition for removal of the county seat to Berryville," submitted to the electors November 13, 1871, "a failure, and to put said question at rest, for a time at least," but on the following day the court refused to grant this request, upon which the question was appealed to the circuit court, with results favorable to the petitioners. What action the county court proposed to take in the matter is expressed in the following extract from the minutes: "The court took into consideration the returns of the election [p.356] held November 13, 1871; and it appearing that a majority of the qualified voters favored the change. the court appointed John S. O'Neal, George J. Crump and Dr. Isaac Plumlee commissioners to select a site at Berryville." They were directed to meet at that place on Monday, January 29, 1872.
The Final Issue.–January 5, 1875. upon petition of more than one-half of the voters of the county for the removal of the county-seat from Carrollton to Berryville. an election was ordered for February 22, 1875. May 5, 1875. the court instructed the clerk to notify all the justices of the peace in the county to sit with and assist the county judges in deciding upon the matter, on the second Monday in May. 1875. May 10, 1875, the day appointed, the election returns were laid before the court. There were 557 votes for removal, and 529 against, being a majority of twenty-eight in favor of removal out of a total vote of 1,086. E. J. Black. J. S. O'Neal and Isaac Plumlee were appointed commissioners "to aid the court in carrying into effect the will of said majority, in purchasing a site for the buildings at Berryville." June 22, 1875, the commissioners reported having purchased, for $100, a lot in Berryville, from Blackburn H. Berry, and also received from him without consideration the public square in Berryville. July 6, 1875, they reported that a suitable building had been secured, by purchase, for the court-house, and rooms for the county officers by rental; upon which the court directed the sheriff to remove the records. seals, archives, fixtures, etc., which was done July 17, 1875. The property of the county at Carrollton was sold by J. W. Freeman, commissioner, January 15, 1876. Len Nunnally bought the public square for $10; John G. Crump, the old court-house, for $100; James P. Fancher, a table, for $2.50: Lots Nos. 7 and 8, in Block 9, were sold for $62.
The Present Court-house, a substantial brick structure, was erected in 1880. R. H. Jones was appointed commissioner October 15, 1880, and instructed to prepare plans and specifications. December 6, 1880, he awarded the contract for the erection of the building to J. P. Fancher, his bid of $8,997.50 being the lowest from any responsible person. The contract, and bond in double that amount, were approved by the court. The building [p.357] is forty-six feet wide and fifty-six feet long, outside dimensions. A hall ten feet wide extends through the building in the direction of its greatest length. On one side there are three rooms, one of which is occupied as an office by the sheriff; on the opposite side there is one room, 28×15½ feet, the clerk's office, connecting with which is the vault, 10×15½ feet. A stairway ascends to the upper story from the front end of the building. This floor comprises the court hall, forty-four feet wide, and two jury rooms. The roof is flat. This building was first occupied in the autumn of 1881. The old court-house was sold by R. H. Jones to H. A. Pearce for $100, in county scrip, June 30, 1881, and Dr. W. P. George's store building was occupied for county offices, and during the session of the courts, until the completion of the new building. History of Benton County
REMOVAL OF THE COUNTY SEAT.
Jails.–The first county jail was built about 1840, and stood upon a lot in Carrollton now owned by Len Nunnally. The builder was James C. Cheney, of Osage. The jail was about twenty-two feet square and two stories high. The walls of the first story were triple thick, the logs on the outer and inner sides being built horizontally, in the usual way, with a wall of logs perpendicularly between them. The latter extended to the top of the building, making an upper story but little used. The floor and ceiling were made of twelve-inch hewed timber, securely imbedded in the walls, and the door was attached with massive iron hinges. The upper story was reached by an outside stairway. This building stood until the war, when it shared the fate of hundreds of others, and was reduced to ashes. It embodied the prevalent ideas upon jail architecture at the period when it was built, and like many others before and since was frequently left tenantless by the miscreants confided to its keeping.
There was no jail in Carroll County from this time until 1876, after the county seat was changed, and during this time prisoners were confined at Huntsville, Fayetteville or Bentonville. The contract for the jail at Berryville was awarded to W. W. Davis and Charles Byron, at their bid of $2,500, April 5, 1876. The specifications called for a brick building with stone foundations, 20×30 feet. A hall extended across the building; there were two rooms west of the hall 7×10 feet, and one room [p.358] east 10×16 feet. The ceiling was twelve feet high. There were three windows on the south side, two windows and a door on the north, and one window on each of the other sides. The contractors were released July 3, 1876, and the building was soon thereafter occupied.
"Jail delivery" has on a number of occasions been effected by other than the ordinary and lawful method. No particulars are obtainable so far as the old jail is concerned. A single instance will be given with regard to the jail built at Berryville: Wednesday night. October 10, 1883. five of the six inmates of the jail succeeded in escaping from their cells: the watchman was overpowered. his pistols secured. and himself compelled to open the door and accompany the prisoners a mile from the town. On the following day Sheriff Freeman organized a posse and started in pursuit. One of the prisoners was captured that evening near White River. and two others on Rock Creek. A fourth was overtaken Friday morning, and the fifth in the evening of that day. At 3 P. M. on Saturday all were again "behind the bars," if that phrase may be applied to the jail, sixty-six hours after their escape.
The Berryville jail was burned in 1887. and with it a singie occupant, supposed to have planned the fire in order to effect his escape. The walls are intact, but no effort has yet been made to rebuild.
Present Agitation.–The destruction of the jail and the necessity for extensive repairs to the court-house have recently induced the people of Green Forest to offer the county a liberal bonus for the removal of the county seat to that place. It is urged that since the erection of the western judicial district Berryville is no longer centrally located upon the territory within the jurisdiction of its courts, and that the change to Green Forest would greatly convenience a majority of the people. At this writing (July. 1888) the court has ordered an election in the autumn, when the matter will be decided.
No record of township organization prior to 1870 is extant, but from a comparison of traditional knowledge it is inferred [p.359] that the three original townships of what is now Carroll County were Carrollton, Osage and Prairie (said to have been known at one time as Ashley), to which Long Creek was added prior to 1850. The order of subsequent formation cannot be ascertained. The records having been destroyed it became necessary to establish township boundaries, which was done at an adjourned term of the county court, April 18, 1870; Hon. Robert Raines, judge, and Esquires Jackson Childers and lexander H. McElyea presiding. On this day the court proceeded to establish the different townships, defining their boundaries and voting places as follows, to wit:
"Long Creek Township to commence at the Boone County line, at the southeast corner of Section 27, in Township 20 north, Range 22 west, running west to the southwest corner of Section 25, in Township 20 north, Range 23 west; thence due north to the Missouri line; thence east to the Boone County line; thence south with said line to the place of beginning; and that the voting place in said township be, and the same is hereby designated at the residence of Redden B. Mattox.
"Hickory Township line to commence above and near the Dallison farm on Dry Creek, running northward to the southwest corner of Long Creek Township; thence north with said township line to the Missouri line; thence with the Missouri line to a point near and east of the residence of Thomas Wise; thence southward with the range of mountains, leaving said Wise west of said line to the Pilot Knob; thence south to the Osage Mountain; thence east with the aforesaid mountain to the southwest corner of the sixteenth section; thence east with said section line to Dry Creek, near Jeremiah Youngblood's; thence down the main channel of Dry Creek to the place of beginning; and that the voting place be, and the same is hereby designated, at the residence of John S. Shahan.
"King's River Township line to commence at the northwest corner of Hickory Township; thence west with the Missouri line to a point due north of Boat Mountain; thence south with the divide between Leatherwood and King's River to the head of the Cox and Hobb's saw-mill hollow; thence down said hollow to the Master's ford on King's River; thence by Bradley Bunch's to the [p.360] southwest corner of Hickory Township line; thence with said line north to the place of beginning; and that the voting place in said township be, and the same is hereby designated, at the frame house on the L. D. High farm, in the waxweed hollow.
"Cedar Township line to commence at the northwest corner of King's River; thence west with the Missouri line to the Benton County line; thence south with said line to the Madison County line; thence east with said line to the divide between Leatherwood and Keel's Creek; thence to the southwest corner of King's River Township; thence with said township line to the place of beginning; and that the voting place in said township be, and the same is hereby designated, at the residence of William Skelton, in said township.
"Prairie Township line to commence at the southeast corner of King's River; thence west with the said boundary line of King's River Township to the southeast corner of Cedar Township line; thence with the Cedar Township line to the Madison County line; thence with the Madison County line to the Rockhouse Creek; thence down said creek so as to include the settlements on said creek (which is to King's River); thence up King's River to the mouth of Piney; thence east to William Barkley's on Osage; thence north by the way of Benjamin Jenning's to the place of beginning; and that the voting place be, and and the same is hereby designated at Berryville.
TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION.
"Liberty Township line to commence at the southwest corner of Prairie Township; thence south with the Madison County line to Stephen Howard's; thence east by the way of the Widow Usry's on Osage, to Daniel Conner's; thence north on the divide to the Hickory Township line near the old Rush still-house; thence with said Prairie Township line to the place of beginning; and that the voting place in said township be, and the same is hereby designated, at the residence of Matthew Griffith.
"Osage Township line to commence at the southwest corner of Liberty Township, thence south with the Madison County line to the Newton County line, thence east to the Boone County line, thence with the divide between Osage and Long Creeks to the southeast corner of Liberty Township, thence west with said township line to the place of beginning; and that the voting [p.361] place in said township be, and the same is hereby designated at the residence of John P. Carter.
"Carrollton Township to commence at the southeast corner of Long Creek Township, thence west with said township line to the Hickory Township line, thence with said Hickory Township line to the Liberty Township line, thence with said Liberty Township line to the Osage Township line, thence with said Osage Township line to the Boone County line, thence with said Boone County line to the place of beginning; and that the voting place in said township be and the same is hereby designated at Carrollton."
Yocum Township.–October 7, 1873: "Ordered by the board that Hickory Township be divided as follows, to-wit: by a line beginning where Long Creek Township line crosses Yocum Creek, thence with the bed of said creek to the residence of John S. Shahan, thence due west to Prairie Township line; and that all north of said line be known and called by the name of Yocum Township; and that the voting place of said township be at the voting place of Jeremiah Hall."
Polo Township.–April Term, 1874, upon petition of a majority of the citizens of King's River Township for the formation of a new subdivision from its territory, the following line of division was confirmed: "Beginning about one mile and threequarters west of Bradley Bunch's, where said township line crosses a hollow known as Methodist Hollow, thence down said hollow to King's River about one-fourth of a mile above Crabaugh's mill, thence down said river to the Missouri line." The eastern part received the name of Polo Township, with Standlee's store as its voting place.
Clifty.–August 17, 1874, Cedar Township was divided by a line "beginning at the eastern boundary of said township, and running due west so as to divide Sections 20 and 19, Township 20 north, Range 26 west, and Sections 24, 23, 22 and 21, Township 20 north, Range 27 west, through the center of said sections to the western boundary;" that portion south of this line receiving the name of Clifty Township, with Hendry's mill as its voting place.
Piney Township.–April 5, 1875, division of Liberty Township ordered by a line "beginning at the north line of Osage Township, [p.362] near Nathaniel Rudd's, and running in a northern direction on and with the divide between the waters of the Osage and Piney Creeks to the southern line of Prairie Township;" the territory west of this line to constitute the new township of Piney. Its organization was ordered to be effected May 1, 1875, with John Gilstrop's mill as the place for holding elections.
Fork Township.–February 7, 1876: "On this day was presented a petition of a majority of the citizens of Osage Township representing that said township is too large for the convenience of a large number of citizens thereof, and praying that said township be divided as follows, to wit: Beginning at the Newton County line, on the top of the mountain or divide separating the waters of Osage and Dry Fork creeks, and running with and on the top of said mountain or divide north to the Liberty Township line." This was favorably considered, the territory west of the line described being designated as Dry Fork Township, with the place of the election at Shiloh.
July 3, 1876, by order of court the southern boundary of King's River Township was so changed as to include that part of Prairie Township north of a line "beginning at the southeast corner of said (King's River) township, thence west to the W. R. Sartain farm on King's River, thence up said river to the mouth of Osage, thence west to Cedar Township line."
Winonia Township was formed May 1, 1882, from the following described territory, formerly part of Cedar: "Beginning where King's River crosses the line between Carroll and Madison Counties, running thence west to the line between Ranges 26 and 27; thence north to the northwest corner of Section 31, Township 20 north, Range 26 west, thence east four miles; thence north two miles; thence east to King's River; thence along said river to place of beginning." At July term, 1882, the line between Prairie and Winonia was so changed as to read as follows: "Commencing at a point on the line between Sections 4 and 5, Township 19, Range 25 west, where said line crosses King's River; thence north on said line to the southeast corner of Section 32, Township 20, Range 25; thence west to the southeast corner of Section 31, Township 20, Range 25; thence north to the southeast corner of Section 30; thence west one-half mile; thence north to King's River Township line; thence east to Prairie Township line."
Franklin Township.–April 7, 1884, upon petition of thirty-one citizens of Cedar Township, its division was ordered by a line "Beginning at the northwest corner of Section 10, Township 21, Range 26, on the Missouri State line; thence south to the southwest corner of Section 27, said township and range; thence east to the southeast corner of Section 29, Township 21, Range 25; thence north to the Missouri State line; thence west to the place of beginning." The new township received the name of Franklin.
Johnson Spring election district was formed July 14, 1882, and includes "All of sections east of Eureka Springs, to the Prairie Township line; all south of Eureka Springs to Winonia Township line, Sections 9, 16 and north one-half of Section 10; all of Township 20 north, Range 26 west in Cedar Township," except the corporation of Eureka Springs.
The present number of townships is fourteen; of election districts twenty, there being five wards in Eureka Springs, each of which with each of the townships constitutes a separate district.
Formation.–The State Legislature, by an act approved March 12, 1883, divided Carroll County into two districts for judicial purposes, that portion of the county received from Madison in 1869 to constitute the western district and the residue the eastern district. The act provided that circuit, chancery, and probate courts should be established in the western district, with original and exclusive jurisdiction within its limits. The sheriff, clerk, treasurer, and probate judge are elected for the county at large.
Deputy Clerks.–The following named persons have been incumbents of this position:—–Jones, J. H. Hamilton, William McCormick, Gip Taylor.
Marriage and Divorce Statistics.–Fifty-nine divorces were granted in the district from its organization until January 1, 1887. Marriage licenses have been granted as follows: 1883, 49; [p.364] 1884, 65; 1885, 55: 1886. 92; 1887, 78; total to January 1, 1888, 339.
The debt of Carroll County January 28, 1879, wa $11,854.57; February 14, 1880, $11,961.21; October 3, 1881, $10,350.45; October 8, 1882, $14,855.74. During this time there was a general county fund: but upon the formation of the western district, in 1883, there arose a necessity for the creation of two other funds, that of the eastern and that of the western district. The general indebtedness November 19, 1883, was $19,769.00, this being the total amount of warrants called in for re-issue. The amount of warrants on record not issued was $7,915.65. The following is a statement of county finances from November 19, 1883, to February 1, 1888:
General prior indebtedness $19.769.00
Warrants not issued 7.915.65
Total allowances, general fund 11.916.12
Total allowances, western district 20.149.41
Total allowances, eastern district 30.093.50 $89.843.68
CONTRA.
County warrants canceled $11,939.30
Eastern district warrants canceled 19.386.90
Western district warrants canceled 16.122.05
Total amount $47.448.25
Outstanding indebtedness $42.395.43
The Carroll County Agricultural and Mechanical Association was organized in 1876. The fifth and last annual fair was held Thursday, Friday and Saturday, September 29 and 30 and October 1, 1881. The officers at this time were W. J. Hailey, president; J. A. Meek, vice-president; L. L. McKennon. secretary; J. W. Freeman, treasurer. The association owned sufficient land for its purposes, but was not a success financially. The annual fair was held at Berryville. During its short existence the association did much to promote the best interests of the county.
SOCIETIES.
Medical Societies.–The first medical society in the county was organized at Eureka Springs in 1881, but disbanded several years later. The second effort was made at Berryville, where the Carroll County Medical Society was organized February 4, 1884. Its existence ceased in 1887.
The Eureka Springs and Carroll County Medical Society was organized June 5, 1887, with seven members, of whom the following were officers: – Visart, president; J. O. Ducker, vicepresident; J. B. Bolton, secretary; W. A. Reese, treasurer. Examining board: An act of the Legislature provides for the appointment of three physicians as an examining board by the county court. Drs. W. P. George, D. F. Ray and W. R. Hardesty, the first board, served from 1881 to 1887. Drs. J H. Malloy, Winfield Poynor and J. B. Bolton constitute the present board. It is the duty of this board to pass upon the qualifications of all persons desiring to practice medicine in the county.
The First Court in Carroll County was held at the residence of Charles Sneed, on Osage, probably in the year 1833; Archibald Yell presided, and David Walker was prosecuting attorney. The county formed part of the third judicial circuit, of which Samuel S. Hall was the regular judge.
Circuit Judges.–The county has always been embraced in the fourth judicial circuit, to which judges have been commissioned as follows: J. M. Hoge, November 13, 1840; S. G. Sneed, November 18, 1844; A. B. Greenwood, March 3, 1851; F. I. Batson, August 20, 1853; J. M. Wilson, February 21, 1859; J. J. Green, August 23, 1860; Y. B. Sheppard, May 9, 1863; Thomas Boles, August 3 1865; W. N. May, April 24, 1868; M. L. Stephenson, July 23, 1868; C. B. Fitzpatrick, March 23, 1871; J. H. Huckleberry, April 10, 1872; J. M. Pittman, October 31, 1872; J. H. Berry, October 21, 1878; J. M. Pittman, October 31, 1882.
Prosecuting Attorneys for the fourth circuit during the same period have been as follows: A. M. Wilson, November 13, 1840; A. B. Greenwood, January 4, 1845; H. F. Thomasson, September 6, 1853; Lafayette Gregg, August 23, 1856; B. J. Brown, [p.366] December 1, 1862; J. E. Cravens, January 7, 1865; ‘Squire Boon, October 15, 1866; Elias Harrell, August 11, 1868; S. W. Peel, April 26, 1873; E. I. Stirman, October 13, 1876; H. A. Dinsmore, October 14, 1878; J. Frank Wilson, October 30, 1884; J. V. Walker, October 30, 1886.
County Judges.–George Campbell, 1834-35; William King, 1835-38; Hiram Davis, 1838-40; M. Perryman, 1840-42; W. J. Estis, 1842-44; J. D. Blair, 1844-46; Matthew Bristow, 1846-48; T. H. Clark, 1848-50; James Simmons, 1850; Samuel H. Ewing, 1850-52; Matthew Bristow, 1852-54; J. B. Turney, 1856-58; G.W. Walker, 1858-60; J. B. Turney, 1860-64; Samuel H. Ewing, 1864-68; Robert Rains, 1868-71; Cyrus Maxwell, 1871; A. Fanning, 1874-80; T. S. Bunch, 1880-82; William Walker, 1882-84; H. A. Pearce, 1884-86; R. H. Jones, 1886; Bradley Bunch, 1887.
Attorneys.–A. M. Wilson was the first resident practicing attorney at Carrollton, and seems to have been there as early as 1836. John Wilson was his brother and partner, and their office was on the southwest corner of the square. David Walker, from Fayetteville, subsequently United States Senator from Arkansas, was also an early attorney. W. D. Reagan, J. P. Neill, J. M. Pittman, the present presiding judge of the fourth circuit; James H. Berry, at present member of the United States Senate from Arkansas, and ex-governor of the State, and George J. Crump, of Harrison, one of the most prominent attorneys in the northwestern part of the State, are among the former members of the local bar. The following is a list of resident practicing attorneys in the county: O. W. Watkins, Henry Glitsch, R. H. Jones, J. H. Show, A. Davis, M. R. Baker, George Weymouth, E. R. Ray, George W. Ray, John Watkins, John B. Pendergrass, John Chiles, Joseph Maples, J. E. Jones, Charles Watson, John I. Worthington.
The First Circuit Court for the western district began its session May 7, 1883, Judge Pittman presiding. No jury commissioners having been appointed the court, as its first proceeding, directed the sheriff to impanel the grand and petit juries. These respective bodies, the first for the western district, were constituted as follows:
Grand Jury.–R. J. Insenberry, W. H. Jones, Wesley Kelley, Samuel Gregg (foreman), Bart Moore, L. B. White, F. J. Russell, F. S. Riley, Henry Arney, D. B. Jeringan, Z. P. Freeman, A. T. Wilson, D. A. Powell, Edward Pickering, W. W. Davis, James Ramey.
Petit Jurors.–L. Collins, J. V. Rawlins, Isaac Chidester, Samuel Montgomery, A. B. Combs, W. D. Ingram, I. E. Perrin, P. Landaker, E. A. Trayder, S. S. Purcell, Samuel Hollsman, J. W. Cary, L. M. Lane, H. M. White, N. B. Barfield, W. W. Hudson, David Conway, K. B. Thornton, G. A. Beaver, T. O. P. Terry, J. H. Hamilton, T. W. Norwood, Philip Noll, William Leach, impanelled May 8, 1883.
COURTS.
First Case, etc.–The first case tried was that of George P. Young vs. J. H. Nuttall, and resulted in a verdict of $68.17 in favor of the defendant. The first person admitted as an attorney after examination was John Carroll, who applied for a committee to inquire as to his qualifications May 8, 1883.
EUREKA SPRINGS.
The first murder in the county was committed by W. W. Hutson, who was confined in jail, but escaped. Louis Russell, William Goforth and Jack Musick served as coroner's jury in making the inquest. The second murder was that of Thomas H. Clark, during his incumbency as county judge, 1848-50. His brother-in-law, Rudd, and a son of the latter were accused, and a change of venue was taken to Washington County. A nolle pros. was granted in the case of Rudd, Jr., and Rudd, Sr., was acquitted through lack of circumstantial evidence. The third murder was that of Louis Williams by his father-in-law, James Shropshire. H. F. Thomasson was prosecuting attorney. W. D. Reagan and John Wilson appeared for Shropshire, who was convicted and sentenced to be hung, but escaped from jail a short time before the time set for execution. There has been a number of murder trials, and several indictments now appear upon the records, but no judicial execution has yet occurred.
This city is situated upon Sections 10 and 15, Township 20 north, Range 26 west, in the northwestern part of the county, [p.368] and upon the head-waters of Leatherwood Creek, a tributary of White River. It is nine miles from the Missouri line.
The Springs.–There are forty-two springs within the corporate limits of the city. First in importance, in the volume of its waters and the number of cures attributed to it, is the Basin Spring, so called from a circular depression eighteen inches in diameter and a foot deep in the solid limestone rock, in which a portion of the water from the cliff above was received. Twelve feet below this there was originally another basin, of similar shape, but much larger. Both have been destroyed in improving the street. On the same bench, northeast of the Basin, is the Sweet Spring, so called from the peculiar taste of its waters. Next in order and in importance to the Basin is Harding Spring. Congress Spring, in the immediate vicinity, was discovered in blasting rocks, and its entire flow is utilized by the Crescent Hotel. Continuing on Spring Street, Crescent, the Twin Springs and Dairy Spring are successively passed. The latter was formerly utilized in the business which its name implies, but has been opened to the public, and is protected from contamination. The Hollis Spring is a half mile northwest of Dairy Spring, and thence, southwest, are the Johnson and Oil Springs. The waters of the latter have peculiar oleaginous qualities. The Sycamore, Arsenic and several others are also in this vicinity. The Little Eureka, east of the Basin, remains unchanged by the heaviest rain-fall. To the northeast, in the direction of the railroad station, are the Iron and Sulphur Springs, so named from their mineral qualities. The Magnetic Spring, whose waters have the property of rendering an ordinary piece of iron magnetic, is in this vicinity.
Careful analysis has demonstrated that the waters of the various springs differ but little in their essential elements. The following is the report of the United States Government Chemist, February 15, 1887:
TOTAL SOLIDS IN PARTS PER MILLION OF THE WATER.
Crescent Spring 92.0, or 6.44 grains to an imperial gallon
Dairy Spring 108.0, or 7.56 grains to an imperial gallon
Basin Spring 119.6, or 8.37 grains to an imperial gallon
Magnetic Spring 132.0, or 9.24 grains to an imperial gallon
These waters contain mainly carbonate of lime and magnesia, with small amounts of sulphates, chlorides and alkalies. They are too weak to warrant complete quantitive analysis. They differ but slightly from one another, and the results here given show that the published analysis of the Basin Spring is sufficiently trustworthy for all practical purposes.
The Basin Spring waters, as analyzed in 1880, by Profs. Porter and Riggs, of Washington University, St. Louis, were found to contain following constituents to gallon of 231 cubic inches:
Chloride sodium grains, 0.19
Sulphate soda grains, 0.09
Bicarbonate soda grains, 0.15
Bicarbonate potash grains, 0.13
Bicarbonate lime grains, 4.43
Bicarbonate magnesia grains, 0.47
Iron and alumina grains, 0.08
Silica grains, 0.31
Total solids grains, 5.85
Free ammonia, parts in a million grains, 0.14
Albuminoid ammonia, parts in a million grains, 0.07
Carbonic Anhydrite cu. in., 10.42
Nitrogen cu. in., 11.96
Oxygen cu. in., 6.14
Total gaseous contents per gallon cu. in., 28.52
Specific gravity at 60º Fahrenheit 1,000.103
TEMPERATURE AND CAPACITY OF THE DIFFERENT SPRINGS.
Spring Temperature.: Basin, 64º
No. gallons per minute.: 11
No. gallons per diem, 24 hours.: 15,840
EUREKA SPRINGS.
Spring Temperature.: Harding, 60º
No. gallons per minute.: 10½
No. gallons per diem, 24 hours.: 15,120
Spring Temperature.: Congress, 57º
No. gallons per minute.: 4
No. gallons per diem, 24 hours.: 5,760
Spring Temperature.: Crescent, 60º
No. gallons per minute.: 11
No. gallons per diem, 24 hours.: 15,840
Spring Temperature.: Dairy, 60½º
No. gallons per minute.: 10½
No. gallons per diem, 24 hours.: 15,120
Spring Temperature.: Johnson, 67º
No. gallons per minute.: 7½
No. gallons per diem, 24 hours.: 10,800
Spring Temperature.: Sycamore, 59º
No. gallons per minute.: 28
No. gallons per diem, 24 hours.: 40,320
Spring Temperature.: Arsenic, 59½º
No. gallons per minute.: 13
No. gallons per diem, 24 hours.: 18,720
Spring Temperature.: Little Eureka, 63º
No. gallons per minute.: 5½
No. gallons per diem, 24 hours.: 7,920
Spring Temperature.: Total
No. gallons per minute.: 101
No. gallons per diem, 24 hours.: 145,440
Meteorological.–The climatic conditions prevalent at Eureka Springs constitute one of the strongest considerations in its favor. The following table was compiled from original observations by A. H. Foote, Esq., for the year 1887: [p.370]
EUREKA SPRINGS.
1887.: Highest for month
January.: 72
February.: 80
March.: 80
April.: 89
May.: 90
June.: 88
July.: 93
August.: 93
September.: 83
October.: 81
November.: 82
December.: 60
Footnote
Below zero.
1887.: Lowest for month
January.: *8
February.: 14
March.: 25
April.: 28
May.: 50
June.: 54
July.: 63
August.: 59
September.: 48
October.: 30
November.: 8
December.: 3
1887.: Highest mean
January.: 63
February.: 69
March.: 69
April.: 76
May.: 76
June.: 79
July.: 82
August.: 83
September.: 79
October.: 74
November.: 68
December.: 58
1887.: Lowest mean
January.: 5
February.: 17
March.: 32
April.: 40
May.: 52
June.: 64
July.: 67
August.: 59
September.: 53
October.: 37
November.: 14
December.: 8
1887.: Average mean
January.: 38
February.: 47
March.: 53
April.: 62
May.: 68
June.: 73
July.: 77
August.: 75
September.: 69
October.: 56
November.: 49
December.: 34
Mean temperature: Spring, 60.85; summer, 74.79; autumn, 58.01; winter, 42.08; annual, 58.93. Annual average precipitation, 32.79 inches. Relative humidity, 59.4 per cent. Average number of days per annum, clear, 209; fair, 90; cloudy, 66. Death rate per 1,000 living population, 10.33.
Discovery of Curative Properties.–Thus located in that happy mean between the extreme cold of the North western States and the tropical heat of the south, the springs existed to no purpose, apparently, until comparatively recent years. But the story of their discovery is no less interesting than the subsequent growth of the city has been remarkable.
The earliest traditional history connected with this part of the State is associated with the springs. There is reason to think that the "Fountain of Perpetual Youth," of which Ponce de Leon received such glowing accounts from the Indians of Florida, and for which he explored a large part of the southern country in vain, was none other than the Basin Spring, described with the powerful figures of the Indian language to a credulous listener. Prior to their migration westward, the Cherokees had a tradition of wonderful springs in the mountains far to the west of the "Father or Waters." They were said to possess virtue in the healing of various maladies. Years after the settlement of this tribe in Indian Territory it was their custom to hunt through the valley of White River, when such as were afflicted with various diseases drank the waters of these springs. It would also appear that similar knowledge was possessed by the savages of the north. Jean Baptiste, whose mother was the daughter of a Sioux chief, related to Col. Gilbert Knapp, of Little Rock, the following tradition of that tribe: Many years ago, during a long and [p.371] severe winter, many of them perished, and the chief, thinking to save the remainder, set out upon a journey south. They reached the forks of a great river, where game and corn bounded, and would have been supremely happy but for the fact that the daughter of this chief was blind, or almost so. Her father was told of a stream of water flowing through beds of rock to a natural basin, two days' journey distant, and prevailed upon by a medicine man to take his daughter thither. They remained six moons, when she was entirely cured. Hon. J. M. Richardson, of Carthage, Mo., in a conversation with "White Hair," chief of the Osage Indians, in 1847, learned of a remarkable spring in this vicinity, at which any Indian might be cured of sore eyes by washing and bathing a full moon. The basin was said to have been scooped out by "Black Dog," a chief, about seventy years before.
Dr. Alvah Jackson was the virtual discoverer of the springs, so far as their medicinal qualities and present wide reputation are concerned. One of the earliest settlers in this part of the county, he found little exercise in the practice of his profession among its sparse population, and turned his attention to the more exciting pleasures of the chase. It is related that while thus engaged, in the summer of 1858, he camped with his sons upon the present site of the Southern Hotel. One of the sons was suffering from a painful inflammation of the eyes, and having none of the usual remedies with him, his father directed him to bathe in the Basin Spring. He obeyed, from desperation rather than faith, and in the course of a few days was agreeably surprised at a favorable change in his condition. Having thoroughly satisfied himself of the efficacy of the water in such cases, the Doctor extended his practice in this direction. "Dr. Jackson's eye-water" acquired a wide reputation in this and adjoining States.
The springs first reached the dignity of a health resort toward the close of the Civil War. Dr. Jackson was frequently called upon by the sick and wounded of both armies, among whom was Maj. J. W. Cooper, of Cooper's battalion, Cherokee brigade, Confederate army. This officer contracted rheumatism and chronic malarial poison while ampaigning in the Southwest, and having obtained leave of absence, he came to Dr. Jackson, [p.372] in February, 1865. As this section was then occupied by the Federals it became necessary to take refuge in the mountain fastnesses; and a party, consisting of the Doctor, the Major, William Nichols, Sine Creeley, and two others, took refuge in the "rock house," near the present site of the Southern Hotel. Here they lived in archaic simplicity, and in a few months the soldiers had completely recovered.
The curative properties of the springs were not utilized from this time until May, 1879, when Judge Sanders, of the county court, who suffered from erysipelas, was induced by Dr. Jackson to test their efficiency. He did so, and in ten weeks was completely cured. He was widely and favorably known throughout this section of the State, and the fact of his recovery induced others to follow his example in coming here. It is to this remarkable cure that the existence of the city is directly traceable.
Settlement and Growth.–The region about the head-waters of Leatherwood Creek was an almost unbroken wilderness in 1878. Farther down the valley of the creek there were cultivated sections, but the whole of Cedar Township was very sparsely settled. The hills and gulches about the springs were covered with a forest of pine and oak, and with an almost impenetrable growth of scrub and bushes. Rocks of every geological formation lined the hills, and loose stones of every conceivable shape rolled down the sides of the gulch below. Within less than a decade the forests have been transformed into habitations, and the stones lend comfort and permanence to the streets of a city whose wonderful growth might well cause the sanguine observer to ascribe creative, as well as recreative, properties to its farfamed waters.
Judge Sanders built the first house July 4, 1879. The sides were formed of poles dove-tailed together at the corners, and the roof consisted of rough boards. The first team was driven to the vicinity of Basin Spring by Burton Sanders, son of the judge. The first occupants of the first house were two lady members of his family. July 6, 1879, O. D. Thornton built a rough board shanty, and occupied it as a general store. At this time there was a small band of of invalids, to the number of 150, probably, collected around the Basin Spring, and living in tents and [p.373] wagons. Before the close of July the number of houses had increased to a dozen. August 10, 1879, there was a population of 180; fifteen houses had been built, and as many more were in process of erection. The stores of O. D. Thornton and T. Jackson were in operation; there were also a meat market and a blacksmith shop. A week later the population had increased to 300. Measures were taken to have the streets laid out and passable roads opened, and to this end H. S. Montgomery, with twenty men, cleared away the trees and opened Main Street half a mile down the gorge from the Basin. William M. Sanders was one of the blacksmiths. In the autumn of 1879 a Mr. Van Winkle established a lumber yard; A. D. Mize opened a hardware store; Dr. Hoge became the first druggist; one Jefferson opened a saloon, and a Mr. Wahlquist introduced himself as a tailor. The first bath-house was established in August, 1879. Dr. McCarty was the first resident physician, and likewise the first postmaster. William Conant was the first liveryman. A Mr. Cook, a helpless invalid and cripple, with no other tool than a jack-knife, began the manufacture of canes, and did quite a business. The first death occurred August 8, 1879. Prof. I. A. Clarke. of the Berryville Academy, was among the early visitors, and his wife was killed by the falling of a tree that had been burned at the roots by a camp-fire.
The nearest railroad point in 1880 was Pierce City, Mo., on the St. Louis & San Francisco Railway, fifty-five miles distant. Liverymen here did a thriving business, and a line of coaches, known as the "Nine-hour line," was established in 1880. The fare was $3.00. In a distance of nine miles this road crosses Roaring River nineteen times. There was also a regular line of coaches from Ozark, Ark., eighty-five miles distant. This journey required nineteen hours, and the fare was $8.00. After the extension of the Frisco line to Fayetteville, Seligman, Mo., eighteen miles distant, became the nearest railroad point.
Population.–In May, 1881, Mayor Carroll had a census taken, when the population was found to exceed 8,000. The Federal census of the previous year showed a population of 3,984. The number of visitors in 1883 was estimated at 9,000, and the actual resident population at about the same. Under the severe [p.374] police regulations, and from other causes, the town has been relieved of an undesirable element. The permanent inhabitants number 5,500, with a steady and substantial growth. "Life at the Springs," says a writer in 1881, "is to a great extent most primitive. The furniture is of the rudest, the accommodations few, and the inconveniences many. The cooking is much of it done out of doors, in the old-fashioned skillet and bake-oven. Many wealthy families prefer tent life, and the site is peculiarly favorable for the experiment. The loan of a drinking cup at the spring, or a fire-brand at the camp, often leads to a lasting friendship. There is little conformity to fashion, though many stylishly dressed people throng the streets. You speak to evervbody you meet, whether you know them or not, and are sure of a courteous, cordial return. * * * * * * * The preliminary teps at meeting are the questions as to whence you came, when you arrived, how long you will stay, your malady, and your name. To some, this wholesale prying into your affairs may seem impertinent; but to the lonely camper, miles and miles away from familiar faces, sick and longing for sympathy, it is very pleasant."
The town is thus described: "Everywhere that a human abode could be constructed, houses of every description, tents and shelters, sprang up all over the mountain tops, hanging by corners on the steep sides, perched upon jutting boulders, spanning the gulches, or nestling under crags and in grottoes. It is a most peculiar looking place, presenting an apparent disregard to anything like order and regularity of arrangement, with its ‘two-story’ streets, its winding thoroughfares and circular pathways."
Fires.–A destructive fire broke out at 4:50 A. M., November 3, 1883, in a building claimed by one Cushingberry, whose right was disputed by his son. The origin was undoubtedly incendiary. The burnt area extended on both sides of Mountain and Eureka Streets, covering five acres, and involving a loss of $25,000. Vigorous preventive measures were at once taken, and no similar catastrophe has since occured.
Municipal Organization.–Town committee: August 8, 1879, Hugh Montgomery, T. Montgomery, Jacob Mills, Q. Bennett, J. [p.375] Hooker, Alderson, McGuire, Nuby, Hardin, Tatum, Cook and another were elected at a public meeting a committee for the general management of such affairs as concerned the public in the incipient period of town development. The most important act of this committee was the appointment of I. N. Armstrong, of Benton County, town surveyor. Under instructions from the committee, a reservation of 100 feet around the basin spring was laid off, from which an avenue sixty feet wide was surveyed to the intersection of Main Street. Maj. Armstrong continued his work until the middle of the winter, laying out the principal streets of the town. The original committee was superseded by another, which dissolved without transacting any important business.
Incorporation: October 8, 1879, the petition of twenty citizens of Eureka Springs was filed in the county court of Carroll County, for incorporation as a town. January 2, 1880, the petition was dismissed, because there was not the required number of voters within the proposed limits. January 9, 1880, seventy-one qualified voters signed a second petition, which was favorably considered by the court February 14, 1880. Section 15 and the south half of Section 10, Township 20 north, Range 26 west, thus became the incorporated town of Eureka Springs. The first election of town officers occurred April 6, 1880. In 1882, the population having sufficiently increased, Eureka Springs, became a city of the first class. The mayor was thus given enlarged powers, and the number of aldermen increased to ten. There are five wards.
City Officials.–Mayors–Elisha Rosson, 1880; John Carroll, 1880-84; A. Davis, 1884-87; F. M. Lawson, 1887.
Clerks–F. A. Packard, 1880-82; John H. Hamilton, 1882-83; W. F. Daugherty, 1883-87; R. H. Du Bois, 1887.
Police Judges–E. R. Ray, 1882-83; F. C. Drennon, 1883; Larkin Collins, 1883-84; A. T. Wilson, 1884-87; J. P. McLaughlin, 1887.
Chiefs of Police–Joe F. Ivey, 1882-83; S. L. Hickerson, 1883-85; W. B. Smith, 1885-87; L. H. Park, 1887; W. M. Dale, 1888; J. C. Higgins, 1888.
Town Council, 1880–Jasper Hooker, R. R. Pace, George Beavers, W. H. Jones, John Holden.
1881–J. S. Tibbs, J. G. Breeding, Zeb. Pettigrew, J. T. Gooding, J. H. Pickett.
Aldermen, 1882–First Ward, T. O. P. Terry, J. H. Dolen; Second Ward, R. W. Luther, J. W. Cary, Levi Fuller (vice R. W. Luther, resigned); Third Ward, E. I. Putnam, L. Collins; Fourth Ward, E. Jenkins, R. H. Du Bois; Fifth Ward, Isaac Chidester, Z. P. Freeman.
1883–First Ward, Peter Landale, T. S. Spear; Second Ward, J. P. McLaughlin, L. Waite; Third Ward, E. I. Putnam, L. Collins; Fourth Ward, J. G. Breeding, L. D. Brown, R. H. Du Bois (vice J. G. Breeding, resigned); Fifth Ward, L. H. Park, W. R. Dye.
1884–First Ward, W. A. Broad, T. J. Atchison; Second Ward, J. P. McLaughlin, Lee Waite; Third Ward, E. I. Putnam, Robert Cuthbertson; Fourth Ward, J. G. Breeding, R. H. Du Bois; Fifth Ward, L. H. Park, W. R. Dye.
1885–First Ward, W. A. Broad, R. H. James; Second Ward, J. P. McLaughlin, G. W. Martin; Third Ward, E. I. Putnam, Robert Cuthbertson; Fourth Ward, W. R. Conant, R. H. Du Bois; Fifth Ward, T. F. Hawley, L. H. Park.
1886–First Ward, W. A. Broad, H. Davey; Second Ward, G. W. Martin, J. P. McLaughlin; Third Ward, Robert Cuthbertson, James Smith; Fourth Ward, W. R. Conant, R. H. Du Bois; Fifth Ward, T. F. Hawley, J. B. Mitchell.
1887–First Ward, W. R. Nichols, H. Davey; Second Ward, J. W. Newport, J. B. Sanford; Third Ward, H. Seidel, James Smith; Fourth Ward, T. J. Pointer, J. H. Martin; Fifth Ward, J. B. Mitchell, T. F. Hawley.
1888–First Ward, W. R. Nichols, J. H. Holleman; Second Ward, J. W. Newport, J. B. Sanford; Third Ward, H. Seidel, W. H. D. Brown; Fourth Ward, T. J. Pointer, Joseph Maddox; Fifth Ward, A. Smith, J. W. Hyatt.
Treasurers–Bart. Moore, 1881; H. D. Field, 1882-85; J. F. Fowler, 1885-87; E. L. Marsh, 1887.
Attorneys–P. H. Trone and —– Cordell were elected to this office by the town council in 1880, but each resigned after a short term of service. H. Glitsch was appointed the same year, and was subsequently elected by popular vote for several successive terms. The office is now vacant.
Marshal–The town council elected William Kimbrough to this office at its first meeting, April, 1880. John Carroll and J. J. Kirk were the incumbents until 1882, when this office was merged into that of chief of police.
The offices of city surveyor, street commissioner, coroner and health officer existed in the first years of the city government, but have since been abolished.
City Finances.–The immense expense necessarily incurred in street improvement, and in prosecuting the litigation to secure title to the territory upon which the city is built, have severely taxed its resources. Prohibited from issuing bonds by the State Constitution, and from assessing a tax higher than a certain rate, inadequate to provide sufficient revenue, the city council was forced to the unfortunate expedient of issuing city warrants at from 50 to 85 per cent. less than their face value. The amount of outstanding warrants April 18, 1882, was $71,651.24; April 1, 1883, $75,816.30 the revenue for the intervening period being $36,679.10. This is a summary of the financial condition at the close of the first year of the city government. Much of the indebtedness had been incurred without adequate returns, and in 1883 the board of aldermen made an effort to effect a compromise with the holders of the "scrip." It was partially successful; but Samuel Ashley, the holder of warrants approximating $46,000, declined to compromise on the terms proposed by the city, and instituted proceedings in the United States District Court for the recovery of his claim. The case is still undecided. Exclusive of this claim, the city indebtedness April 1, 1884, was $38,066.45, and has not been materially reduced.
The Town-site Land Litigation.–Since 1879, and during the period of most rapid growth, public interest and the attention of the municipal authorities have been centered upon this subject, one of vital importance to every citizen. The large population which arrived in 1879, and the succeeding two other years, were of that class generally termed "squatters." The first arrivals staked off their locations, and the Basin Spring was the center around which village indications were first apparent. The committee elected in September, 1879, was charged with the duty of adjudicating differences between rival claimants; they [p.378] authorized the surveyor, Maj. Armstrong, to lay off lots forty feet square upon the different streets as they were laid out, and through the autumn, as fast as lots were numbered, claimants appeared with the fee of $1, and received from the surveyor a record of entry in the following form:
Eureka Springs, Section No. 15, Township 20. Range 26 west. Carroll County, Arkansas, Lot. No. -, west side of — street, taken by ——.
_______________________________________
Received payment.
I. N. ARMSTRONG. Recorder.
No individual was allowed to enter more that two lots, and failure to improve a claim within a specified time involved forfeiture of title. Frequent disputes arose, but the judgment of the committee was supreme and final. Lot No. 1, on the south side of Main Street, was the first surveyed for individual occupancy, and was entered by O. D. Thornton.
Application for Town Site.–While thus providing for the peaceable distribution of land among themselves, the citizens were not negligent in securing their titles against outside claimants. May 10, 1880, Mayor Rosson made application at the land office at Harrison, to enter as a town site for the people of Eureka Springs the whole of Section 15, the south half of Section 10. and a portion of Section 14, for a portion of which he appeared as contestant.
Private Entries.–Prior entries had been made in the following order:
September 12, 1879, by Franzisca Massman, cash entry No. 400, northeast quarter of southwest quarter of Section 3, and southwest quarter of northeast quarter of Section 10.
February 23, 1880, cash entry No. 475, northwest quarter of northeast quarter of Section 10.
September 10, 1879, by William Evans, cash entry No. 398, southwest quarter of southeast quarter of Section 10.
October 16 and 27, 1879, cash entries Nos. 408 and 413. northwest quarter of southeast quarter, and east half of southwest quarter of Section 10.
January 2, 1880, by L. M. Lloyd and E. M. Chapman, cash entry No. 432, southwest quarter of southwest quarter of Section 10.
August 15, 1879, by J. K. Northcutt, homestead entry No. 4884, northwest quarter of southeast quarter, and north half of southwest quarter, and southeast quarter of northwest quarter of Section 15.
August 15, 1879, by Robert J. Alexander, homestead entry No. 4885, southwest quarter of northwest quarter, and north half of northwest quarter, and northwest quarter of northeast quarter of Section 15.
January 27, 1880, by Benjamin Woodruff, cash entry No. 453, southwest quarter of southwest quarter of Section 15.
October 27, 1879, by D. C. Bays, pre-emption entry D. S.65, southwest quarter of northwest quarter of Section 14, northeast quarter of northeast quarter of Section 15, south half of northeast quarter of Section 15, southeast quarter of southwest quarter of Section 15; patented to J. L. Cox and B. N. Hobbs, January 21, 1861, but patent never issued.
January 23, 1880, by Peter Van Wynkle, cash entry No. 446, southwest half of southeast quarter, and northeast quarter of southeast quarter of Section 15.
Mineral Claimants.–There were a number of mineral claims, those of W. R. Conant, George W. Daly and Conant & Daly, filed July 19, 1880, being the most important.
The mineral and agricultural claimants were at this time in litigation, The Land Commissioner in April, 1881, rendered a decision adverse to the agricultural claimants, declaring certain portions of the town site mineral, and deciding that the applications of both the lode claimants and of the town-site applicants should be allowed. This was highly satisfactory to the latter; but in March, 1882, the Secretary of the Interior reversed this decision, declaring the lands agricultural in character, and remanding the case to the general land office. The commissioner directed the local land officers of the district to take testimony, which was begun September 4, 1882. Mayor Carroll had, in the meantime, twice applied for town-site entry, February 24, 1881, and June 10, 1881. The first application had been refused on the ground that legal proceedings were then in progress to determine the character of the land in question.
Decisions of the Commissioner and Secretary.–The hearing before the Register and Receiver at Harrison was concluded October 12, 1882. A decision from that office was rendered November 25, 1882, and, with the testimony and papers in the case, immediately transmitted to the general land office. The decision of Commissioner McFarland was promulgated July 19, 1883, deciding the question of priority of right in favor of the city authorities. The case was appealed to the Secretary of the Interior by the agricultural claimants, and in the following year his decision was rendered, affirming that of the commissioner, except in so far as the latter related to portions of Section 10 which were conceded to the agriculturists.
The Final Compromise.–February 16, 1885, an act of the [p.380] Arkansas Legislature, to authorize and regulate the manner of disposing of the town-site lands, was approved. It was made the duty of the council to appoint one person from each ward to grade, classify and price the lots, at values ranging from $1 to $20. Evidence as to title was to be presented to the mayor, and upon his certificate of genuineness the city treasurer was authorized to receive payment, upon receipt of which the mayor should issue a deed.
It was upon a different basis, however, that the final settlement was reached. In February, 1885, the Eureka Improvement Company, successors to the agricultural claimants, instituted proceedings in the United States Court for the western district of Arkansas to test the legality of the town site title. The city treasury was empty and its credit impaired, while there was a general disposition among the citizens in favor of a compromise, the litigation of five years having discouraged many. The city council requested the citizens to meet en masse, and appoint a committee to co-operate with them, which was done, Joe F. Ivey and J. H. Cameron being respectively chairman and secretary of the meeting. The committee thus chosen met with the council in February, 1885; a proposition from the Improvement Company was received, but not favorably considered, and an abrupt termination of the negotiations was imminent, when the president of the company suggested that the matter be laid over until after the annual meeting of its directors. March 11, 1885, pursuant to adjournment of February 24, the city council and citizens' committee again met, John Carroll, chairman, and J. H. Cameron, secretary. They were met by representatives of the Improvement Company, and after a conference, that continued from 4 P. M. to
4 A.M, a basis of settlement was at length reached. March 19, 1885, the report of the conference was submitted to a meeting of citizens in Downie Hall, by which it was referred for reconsideration to a committee, consisting of John Carroll on behalf of the city, and Powell Clayton as the representative of the Improvement Company. No essential changes were made. The compromise measures were submitted to a vote of the citizens, who declared in their favor by a practically unanimous vote. April 6, 1885, a decree of the United States District Court was [p.381] promulgated, ratifying the compromise, the main features of which were the following: The Improvement Company was invested with the title to that part of Section 10 entered by George Penn, upon condition that deeds should be executed to the lotholders thereon at the city appraisement, and that the Dairy Spring should be free to the public forever. The title to the Northcutt and Alexander entries was vested in the mayor of the city, the president of the Improvement Company and John Carroll, by whom deeds should be executed to lot-holders at the city appraisement, to churches without compensation, and all reservations to the city, all property unclaimed within a certain period to revert without compensation to the Improvement Company. A commission was provided for, to consist of one person representing the city and Improvement Company, respectively, and a third, mutually chosen by them, to have jurisdiction in widening of the streets, abatement of nuisances, removal of unoccupied houses, etc., and the Improvement Company was granted the right to operate street car lines, gas and water pipe lines, for a period of fifty years. This compromise, honorable and just to all interests involved, removed the incubus of uncertain title which had so long interfered with the prosperity of the city, while its provisions for public improvements insured a realization of those conditions which attract a desirable class of citizens.
Eureka Springs Railway.–This road extends from Seligman, Mo., to Eureka Springs, a distance of 18.50 miles. The grade from Seligman, for some distance, is 138 feet to the mile. The general direction of the line is northwest and southeast. There is down grade thirteen miles to White River from the northwest, and six miles from the southeast. A two-span Howe truss iron bridge crosses the White River.
The road was chartered February 27, 1882, and opened to travel February 1, 1883. It was built by the Western Construction Company, of Little Rock, Ark. The building of an extension to Harrison, Ark., 49.25 miles, is in contemplation. The officers are as follows: President and manager, Powell Clayton; vice-president and treasurer, Logan H. Roots; secretary, A. H. Foote; directors, R. C. Kerens, St. Louis, Mo.; Logan H. Roots, Little Rock, Ark.; E. W. Taylor, Jefferson, Texas; Nathan [p.382] Herrmann, N. Y.; P. K. Roots, Little Rock, Ark.; C. H. Smith, St, Louis, Mo.; Powell Clayton, F. M. Richardson, A. H. Foote, Eureka Springs.
The operations for the year ending December 31, 1887, are, here enumerated: Train mileage (passenger, 13,505; freight 13,885), 27,390 miles. Passengers carried, 27,783; tons freight moved, 24,900. Earnings: Passenger, $35,011.52; freight, $39,597.74; mail, $1,459.68; express, $1,415,70; miscellaneous traffic earnings, $18,793.65; total, $96,278.32. Operating expenses: Transportation, $8,194.23; motive power, $5,767.84; general repairs, $2,355.98; maintenance of way, $5,848.39; general expenses, $9,153.68; total $31,320.12. Net earnings from traffic, $64,958.20. Payments: Interest on first mortgage bonds, $30,000; on debt, $30,000; other payments, $542.40; total, $60,542.40; balance surplus, $4,415.80.
Financial statement December 31, 1887: Capital stock (par value $100), $500,000; funded debt, first mortgage 6 per cent. fifty-year bonds, due February, 1933, interest payable February and August, $500,000; second mortgage income 6 per cent. non-cumulative bonds, dated February 1, 1883, $500,000; current accounts, $5,774.67; profit and loss, $8,921.60; total, $1,514,696.27. Contra: Cost of roads, franchise, equipment, etc., $1,500,000; due from other railroad companies, $3,568.33; from agents, $64.48; materials and fuel on hand, $3,112.24; other assets, $7,951.22; total, $1,514,696.27. Securities mostly held by construction company.
Rolling Stock: Locomotives, two; cars–passenger, one; baggage, etc., one; platform, six; service, eight; total, sixteen. Other rolling stock is furnished by St. Louis & San Francisco Railway company.
Business Interests.–First merchants: O. D. Thornton, the first merchant, established his place of business July 6, 1879, with a stock of goods worth about $200. September 13, 1879, Montgomery Bros. opened a grocery on the opposite side of the street, with a stock worth $150. Mrs. Massman supplied the lumber used in the early building operations from her saw-mill on Leatherwood Creek. William Conant was the first liveryman. The "King House," built by a Mrs. King, of Washburn, Mo., across the [p.383] gulch from the Basin Spring, was the first hotel. The number of business places in the summer of 1881 is given as 100. The first shipment over the Eureka Springs Railway was several cars of hay, of which S. C. Mills was the consignee. Spring and Main Streets, and particularly the immediate vicinity of Basin Spring, have always been the most active business portions of the town, and will doubtless continue so.
The following is a classified list of business places at the present time:
Grocers–E. S. Timmons, A. L. Baker, Harper & Smith, W. H. Kaylor, McLaughlin & Robinson, J. S. Alexander, Martin & Co., Joseph Geck & Son, Hudson & Henson, Edward Haigler, H. N. Childers, S. T. Dickens, J. M. V. Shreve, H. D. Field, G. S. Brown, G. W. Finn, C. W. Smith, Packard & Gammon, D. H. Hopper, G. W. Malcolm, Joe F. Ivey & Bro., Levi Fuller & Son, Samuel Hays, S. J. Moore & Son, E. O. Freeman & Co., Mark Dean, —– Adams, S. Carrell.
Dry Goods–Montgomery & Riley, S. Turner, Sam. Fyfe.
General Stores–T. E. Clark, W. W. Davis & Co., A. J. Ray, Davis & Champlin, Wilson Riley, Nichols & Smith, Cuthbertson & Co., B. N. Nichols, Payne & Haman, R. L. Meaders.
Hardware–Joseph Breeding, W. G. Jenkins & Co., A. N. Matthews & Co., J. G. Breeding.
Furniture–W. S. Wadsworth, Sutliff & Bradey.
Druggists–E. E. Brim, F. Bellchamber, H. T. Pendergrass, T. L. Milner, N. Gibson.
Undertakers–Z. B. Drummond, W. S. Wadsworth.
Books and Stationery–H. Fitch & Son, Geo. Baldridge.
Jewelry–J. P. Shepherd, H. T. Shepherd, H. Fitch & Son.
Butchers–Lawson & Whitehead, H. O. Kinser, G. & C. Pendergraff, Fanning & Co., F. M. King, Thomas Banham.
Confectioners–Blockson & Young, Caldwell Bros., Snavely & Bro., G. W. Swett, J. W. Whitten, C. H. Young, Maggie Kimball, W. S. Edwards.
Gents' Furnishers–John Tobien, Bayless & Ross, James & Beck.
Ladies' Furnishers–Appie Lee, Mrs. J. G. Cunningham, Mrs. E. W. Roe, Mrs. M. E. Boyd, Bertie Barnett.
Flour and Feed–W. V. Crow, G. W. Martin, S. C. Mills, G. H. Keeler.
Miscellaneous–Woodruff & Co., lumber; L. E. Lines, sewing machines; Neill & Co., boots and shoes; M. M. White, notions; John S. Tibbs, Eureka Water Company, water shippers; H. A. Rogers, harness; H. I. Seidel, produce, etc.; W. W. Bell, paints, etc.; J. W. Hill, Charles Hurlburt, Jacob Everman, livery and sale stables.
The Board of Trade was organized February 24, 1888. President, R. H. James; vice-president, Z. P. Freeman; secretary. J. B. Bolton; directors, A. H. Foote, H. I. Seidel, T. D. Wickersham, F. A. Packard, B. J. Rosenwater, Norbert Valin, J. T. Spring, G. W. Malcolm, J. T. Champlin, G. W. Sweesy.
Hotels have always been a prominent factor in the business of the town. After the first, built by Mrs. King, several others came into existence in rapid succession. The City Hotel. by Mrs. Charles, on Spring Street, the Gilmore House, Planters' House and Eureka House were among the first. Conner's Hotel on Main Street, known as the Grand Central, was the stopping place for new arrivals by the "nine-hour line" from Peirce City. The Mountain House, by Smith & Jackson, and Col. Zeb. Pettigrew's hotel were also in a flourishing condition at this time. The following is a list of hotels in 1881: Southern, Metropolitan, St. Charles, Grand Central, Pettigrew, Mountain, Hancock, St. James, Eureka, Kentucky, Ohio. The Perry House was built in 1881 by Joseph Perry, Esq., of Colorado. W. E. Beatty is the present proprietor of the Southern.
The Crescent Hotel was first opened to the public May 10, 1886, under the management of G. W. Kittelle. The building is five stories high, and is built of a variety of white stone, obtained at quarries on White River. The dining-room is 100×40 feet. The building is practically fire-proof. The Waring system of sewerage is adopted. A park of fifteen acres, presenting many attractions, surrounds the hotel. The Crescent was formally opened May 20 and 21, 1886, with an attendance of 400 guests and appropriate exercises.
The Eureka Improvement Company was incorporated January 15, 1883. The original organizers were Logan H. Roots. P. [p.385] K. Roots and W. P. Davison, and a temporary organization was effected January 11, 1883. The permanent organization occurred in August, 1884, when the present officers were elected, as follows: President, Powell Clayton; secretary, A. H. Foote; treasurer, Logan H. Roots. The present directory is constituted as follows: Powell Clayton, R. C. Kerens, Logan H. Roots, A. H. Foote, F. N. Richardson, John O'Day, H. N. Morrill, D. H. Nichols, James Dunn. The company has a paid up capital of $269,100. Its property consists of several hundred acres of land, a large part of which has been laid off into streets and lots, and the Crescent Hotel, described above.
The Inter-state Gas Company, Theodore Platt, president, has succeeded to that part of the Improvement Company's franchise which relates to gas pipe lines. A gas plant has been constructed and is in operation.
The Citizens' Bank, authorized capital $10,000, was organized February 15, 1887, with J. T. Waddell, president, John T. Champlin, cashier, and R. J. Gray, vice-president. J. W. Freeman was elected president in March, 1888. The office of assistant cashier was created in March, 1888, with D. F. Powell as its first incumbent. The banking house of John H. Cameron & Co. was established in March, 1881, and subsequently suspended.
Steam Mills. Webb & Brown's steam flouring-mill was built in the winter of 1887-88. The building is frame, three stories high; it is equipped with three double sets of rolls for wheat and one for corn. The engines are of twenty-five-horse power.
The corner-stone of the Co-operative Milling Company's mill was laid July 21, 1887, with impressive ceremonies. James W. Hart is superintendent, and L. H. Winchell, president.
Societies.–Bethesda Lodge No. 10, Knights of Pythias, was instituted December 5, 1880, with the following officers: I. A. Newman, P. C.; A. J. Gibbs, C. C.;–Howell, V. C.; – Owens, P.; John Tobien, M. of E.; T. E. Clark, M. of F.; M. Harrison, K. of R. & S. Present membership, forty. Connected with this is a section of the endowment rank, instituted March 26, 1881; President, Joe F. Ivey; Secretary, T. E. Clark.
Eureka Division, U. R., K. of P., was instituted with twenty-eight members, J. T. Waddill, S. K. C.; Joe F. Ivey, S. K. L. C.; J. H. Edmonson, S. K. H.
Eureka Springs Lodge No. 83, I. O. O. F., was instituted March 24, 1881, with the following members and officers: S. W. Damon, N. G.; J. Q. Cowles, V. G.; Wilson Broyles, Secretary; Joseph Willett, D. C. Boswell, Edward Eads. Present membership, fifty-nine.
Basin Spring Lodge No. 386, F. & A. M., was instituted November 23, 1881. First officers: E. T. Walker. W. M.; H. H. Moose, S. W.; H. Glitsch, J. W. Present membership, sixty.
Eureka Chapter No. 82, R. A. M., was chartered November 27, 1884, and was organized under a dispensation granted April 9, 1884, to H. H. Moose, J. W. Cary, Peter Lamlaker, Henry D. Field, J. S. Tibbs, F. F. Hastings, S. L. Hickerson, R. W. Goudelock, D. B. Lukey, J. C. Cunningham, R. J. Gray, S. C. Reading, F. Bellchamber, W. C. Pendergrass, J. B. Fulton.
Cyrene Commandery No. 9, K. T., was constituted July 15, 1885; first officers, J. W. Cary, E. C.; H. D. Field, G.; S. C. Reading, C. G.
The Order of the Eastern Star is represented by two organizations.
Ruth Lodge No. 10, I. O. O. F., was instituted October 25, 1886, and numbers sixty members.
The W. C. T. U. was organized April 21, 1886; first officers, Mrs. C. C. Cook, president; Mrs. Miner Davis, vice-president; Miss Kate Richardson, secretary; Mrs. L. M. Himes, treasurer. Present membership, 100. Ms. J. C. Fraker is the present efficient president.
The Y. W. C. T. U. was organized May 9, 1886; reorganized October 31, 1887, with thirteen members, the officers being Miss Appie Lee, president; Miss Hattie Fraker, vice-president; Miss Mollie Gird, secretary; Miss Maggie Moore, treasurer.
Newspapers.–The Echo. In November, 1879, T. J. Hadley removed his printing outfit from Olathe, Kas., to Eureka Springs, and issued the first number of the Echo February 21, 1880. This was the pioneer newspaper of the city. A. B. Adams was in partnership during the first four months of its history, when he [p.387] retired. In September, 1880, Hadley disposed of the paper to H. A. Nickell and J. B. Lowe, by whom it was continued until October, 1882. Nickell had become individual proprietor by this time, and moved the office to Ozark, Ark. In August, 1883, A. B. Adams brought a printing outfit to Eureka Springs, and Volume I, No. 1 of the Echo appeared September 5, 1883. It was a three-column, four-page paper. The Daily Echoing Nemesis first appeared Thursday, April 23, 1885. D. P. Cloyd was associated with Mr. Adams in this enterprise for a time. The name has since been changed to the Daily Echo, in connection with which a weekly edition is published, both under the proprietorship and management of Mr. Adams. The paper is Democratic in politics.
The Times. The original predecessor of the Times was the Republican, established in 1881 by Murphy & Penn, who retired at the end of nine months, when the paper was run in the name of S. K. Morgan for a time. Perry & Spears were the next proprietors, and assumed control February 15, 1882, changing the name to the Times and politics to Democratic. June 20, 1885, the Times was consolidated with the Bulletin, established April 15, 1881, by Lucius Hitchcock, the consolidation taking the name of Arkansaw Times-Bulletin. Don J. Perry had previously retired from the Times. May 15, 1884, H. A. Cook succeeded Spear & Hitchcock, and in November, 1887, Sweeney & Weymouth, the present proprietors, took charge. The name has been changed to the Times, and, under the present management, the paper has returned to its original political faith.
A number of definite journalistic efforts have been made at various times.
The annual meeting of the Arkansas Press Association was held at Eureka Springs in May, 1884.
BERRYVILLE.
page 388
Berryville, the county seat of Carroll County, is situated in Prairie Township, on a branch of Osage River, about the center of the county. The Congressional township is No. 21 north, Range 24 west, and the town plat forms part of the northeast quarter of Section 30. The place has the advantage of an elevated [p.388] location. It is distant from Eureka Springs fourteen miles, from Carrollton twenty miles, and is conveniently accessible from all parts of the county.
The town site was originally entered by Joel Plumlee, one of the early settlers of this part of the county. He built a house near the large spring north of the town proper, and cleared a small farm. The surrounding prairie was covered at this time with heavy forest undergrowth, and there was nothing to indicate that a town would come into existence.
In 1850 Blackburn Henderson Berry, of Gunter's Landing, on the Tennessee River, in Northern Alabama, purchased Plumlee's farm and opened a store near the "branch." In the same year Dr. A. A. Baker removed from Carrollton to the site of his present residence, and engaged in the practice of his profession; he also opened an apothecary shop. The idea of founding a town seems to have occurred to both about the same time; and under their direction Arnold Champlin, a school teacher and surveyor, laid out the town in the autumn of 1850. The principal streets were named Main, Church and Forsythe, and the entire number of lots was twenty-four. Berry built the first business house on the northeast corner of the public square. One Brown established the first blacksmith shop, near his former location at the "branch." Thirteen lots were sold at the first sale. Isaac J. Thorn and Samuel Karns were among the first merchants after Berry. Benjamin Hailey built the first hotel, which still stands, not having yet been retired from active service. Within two or three years Berryville had become quite a trading point; and at the opening of the Civil War it contained fifty-one houses, with a population of more than 200.
During the war it was the rendezvous of the military forces formed on both sides in the county. It was occupied for some time by Federal forces, and the aid and comfort thus involuntarily afforded rendered it the special object of attention from the bushwhackers. At the close of the war but one house remained, that of Mrs. (Hailey) Hubbard. The population had been scattered. The town was gradually rebuilt, but more slowly than at first. Dr. Baker was probably the first to return and rebuild; he had spent the last year of the war at Springfield, [p.389] Mo. The first merchant after the war was Frank Hoggs, an ex-Federal soldier. He was son-in-law to Mr. Walker, hotel proprietor of what was lately known as the Southern House. William Sartain and P. Packwood were the next to engage in business. The removal of the county seat to Berryville in 1876 gave to the place a great impetus, and considering the disadvantages entailed by a long distance from railroads, the growth of the town has been encouraging. The population in 1880 was 253. There are now seventy-three families, indicating about 400 inhabitants.
Present Business.–W. P. George, J. H. Malloy, druggists; Freeman & Bobo, O. D. Thornton & Son, K. J. Hodge, Shaver & Neff, general stores; Lincoln Phillips, Henry Wood, W. T. Cartwright, grocers; Mitchell & Ferree, Nunnally & Pearce, hardware; F. S. Kirtley, harness, etc.; A. C. Hailey, jeweler; James McCleary, hotel.
The Berryville Canning and Evaporating Company, incorporated in 1888 with an authorized capital of $20,000, was organized in June, 1888, with the following board of directors: W. P. George, president; W. H. Ross, vice-president; Len Nunnally, secretary; C. W. Hamilton, treasurer; J. W. Freeman, A. S. Bobo. A three-story frame building, 24Ö50 feet and twenty-four feet high, was completed for the company in July, 1888. The plant, consisting of a Plummer evaporator with a daily capacity of 150 bushels of apples or 100 bushels of peaches, was placed in operation in August, 1888.
The flouring mill of J. W. Freeman & Co., with engines of twenty-five horse power, has a large and increasing trade.
Newspapers.–The Carroll County Farmer, published at Bentonville by Robert S. Hines, originator of the Grange movement in this part of the State, and distributed at Berryville, was the first newspaper bearing a local name. It began and was discontinued within the short space of one year, 1874. About the same time W. S. Tilton and E. R. Marvin established the Carroll County Boulder at Carrollton. They had local correspondents in nearly all the different townships, and had a fair circulation. But Marvin, although the son of an ex-president of the State Senate, was not gifted with any great amount of industry, and [p.390] Tilton found a more congenial location in Kansas, where he is now editor and proprietor of the Wa Keeney World. W. W. Moore & Son, proprietors of the Fayetteville Democrat, established the Carroll County Advocate at Berryville upon the suspension of Hines' sheet. It passed into the control of J. C. Hanna within a few months, and in 1875 was merged with the Boulder, under Tilton's proprietorship, and so continued until finally suspended in 1877. For a short time the county was without an "organ;" but in 1879 Jones Bros. established the Enterprise at Berryville. In September, 1880, it became the Weekly Eagle. Charles & Pittman and C. T. Moore were successively proprietors for a short time, and in April, 1881, W. J. Hailey assumed journalistic responsibilities as its proprietor. His knowledge of the "art preservative" was acquired under his own tuition. In September, 1881, the name was changed to Carroll County Intelligencer. December 10, 1884, the present style, Carroll County Progress, was adopted, when the paper reached its present style, a seven-column quarto. J. D. Hailey acquired an interest in 1884. The paper is Democratic in politics.
In 1883 the Berryville Enterprise, a Republican organ, was established by a joint stock company, with Clark W. Harrington as editor. J. C. Grim succeeded him. Jones Bros. purchased the plant in 1884, when the politics of the journal became Democratic. This paper was suspended in 1885.
Incorporation.–Berryville was incorporated March 11, 1876. The organization is no longer actively sustained, but its existence has not been without good results, as the improvements to the streets and public square sufficiently indicate.
Societies.–The secret societies are Ashley Lodge No. 56, F. & A. M., Carroll Chapter R. A. M., and Berryville Lodge, I. O. O. F.
This town is situated in Carrollton Township, in the southeastern part of the county, about a mile from the Boone County line, in the valley of Long Creek. It is almost surrounded by hills.
The first settler upon the site of the town was one James [p.391] Jones, of English and Cherokee descent, who arrived about 1833. About 1838, when the congressional survey of this territory was begun, he secured a pre-emption title to eighty acres, embracing the site of the town. Among his neighbors was Henderson Lafferty, a pioneer Methodist preacher, but a man of shrewd business instincts. His extensive knowledge of the large territory embraced in Carroll County enabled him to perceive the central location of this point, and he secured Jones' eighty acres by purchase. When the time came to select a location for the county seat, he impressed the eligibility of this location upon the county commissioners so successfully as to influence its selection and purchase for the sum of $1,000, a large sum for a tract of that size in those
days. The town was surveyed by Dr. Saunders, of Huntsville, under the direction of Henry Keys, John S. Blair and Barnett Cheatham, county commissioners. A square of ample proportions was reserved for the county buildings. Lots fronting on this were sold for $25, and others in the rear for less. Notes were given by the purchasers, which were tendered Lafferty in payment. William C. Mitchell, H. L. Denton and John S. Blair were among the first purchasers of lots. Thus placed in existence and named under county auspices, the town early attracted population. It derived an impetus as the location of the county seat, and at the beginning of the Civil War was in a flourishing and prosperous condition.
Business Interests.–Henderson Lafferty was the first merchant of Carrollton, and therefore of Carroll County. He remained in business but a few years. H. L. Denton & Co., Tilford Denton, now living three miles from Carrollton on the border of Boone County, being the junior partner, opened a store m 1837. John W. Peel, formerly of Batesville, and afterward county clerk; Henry Keys, from Washington County; John S. and Joel D. Blair, were also in business prior to 1840. Failures were numerous, notwithstanding the wide margin for profit. Numerous changes occurred, and in 1857 the four stores of the town were those of W. S. Poynor, J. F. Seaman, Berry & Massingale, and Samuel Crenshaw. H. Ratcliff and Joseph Childers were hotel proprietors. Both hotels were substantial two-story structures, as were also the principal stores and several private residences.
Growth Since the War.–At the close of the war there were but two buildings standing in what had previously been known as Carrollton, and both of these were stables. The people returned slowly, and families were sheltered in truly primitive style. One man hauled the material of an old stable that had been left standing in the mountains, and rebuilt it as a house. The first dwelling-house built after the war is still standing on the southeast corner of the square. It was built in 1866 by I. W. Wann, a blacksmith newly arrived from Tennessee, and L. J. Blankenship. Mr. Wann's smith-shop adjoining was next built. Edward Norris, a Missourian, opened the first store. I. W. Wann & Bro. and Crump & Berry were among those who engaged in business within a few years. Houses of a substantial character were built, and by degrees the business of the place and its general appearance improved. After the erection of Boone County, in 1869, it became evident that the removal of the county seat to a more central point must inevitably occur, and the growth of the town was correspondingly affected. At length, in 1878, the removal was consummated, and in the decade that has since passed away Carrollton has not perceptibly improved. It is still the center of a fine agricultural district, and commands a large local trade. The present population is about 250.
Business.–Nunnally & Kirkham, hardware and implements; Leathers & Shipman, J. N. Cardwell, Edward Mitchell, general merchandise; W. M. Watkins, drugs; H. Ratcliff, O. P. Crockett, hotels. Cincinnati Mills, Nunnally & Kirkham, proprietors, were placed in operation June 12, 1883. Engines of twenty-five horse power supply the power. The mill has a capacity of 100 bushels of wheat and 250 bushels of corn, per day. There is a sawmill and cotton-gin attached. The gin has a capacity of six bales a day.
GREEN FOREST.
Societies.–Yell Lodge No. 64, F. & A. M., was instituted November 10, 1853. The first officers were J. F. Seaman, W. M.; M. Holeford, S. W.; A. A. Baker, J. W. Finley Chapter No. 83, R. A. M., was instituted December 10, 1887, with the following officers: I. W. Wann, H. P.; Kinsey Hulsey, E. K.; O. P. Crockett, E. S. Carrollton Chapter O. E. S.; U. D. The Masonic bodies erected a substantial hall in 1876, used also for school and church [p.393] purposes. Adjoining is the cemetery, inclosed with a neat wire fence.
This village is situated in Hickory Township, Section 4, Township 19, Range 23 west. The principal street follows the east and west line through the middle of the section.
When first visited by white settlers this locality was a prairie, and hence attracted settlement earlier than the surrounding timbered region. William Martin and —– Yocum were living here as early as 1836. John Scott, maker of sheep and cow bells, from whom the prairie became known as Scott's prairie, was probably an earlier settler. They no doubt left when the country became more thickly settled, as their life was that of hunters rather than farmers. In 1851 the northeast fourth of the southwest fourth of Section 4 was entered by one Callin. This comprises that part of the town site south of the public road. The forty-acre tract opposite, being the southeast fourth of the northwest fourth, was patented to George L. White May 1, 1861.
The first house on the site of the town was a log church and school-house, near the present location. There were stores here prior to the war, during which they were destroyed. In the spring of 1870 W. M. Ward, a farmer on Osage, built the first dwelling house on the site of its successor; the latter was put up in 1887. He also opened a store in a building still standing. The next house was built several years later by George Shahan, and is now owned by George Crump. Shahan never lived here. Alexander Hale succeeded to his business. In May, 1874, Dr. William Thomas built the house opposite that owned by Hale; while yet in an unfinished condition it was bought by Dr. J. E. Harbert. The three houses mentioned constituted the town in 1874. A fourth was added in 1875 by L. E. Harbert, and the number slowly increased. There was but ne painted house in the town in 1880. Improvement has received a great impetus within the past few years, and fewer towns in this section of the State present a more favorable appearance. The present population is about 250.
Business Interests.–The first store was opened in 1870 by W. M. Ward; the second by George Shahan; the third by T. O. [p.394] Walker, who was followed successively by Norris & Ely, Cox, Cox & Galloway, and E. S. Foreman, the present proprietor. The only fire which the town has yet known burnt the stores of L. E. Harbert and Dr. Ray. The following is a list of business men at present: W. M. Ward, general store; J. E. Harbert, druggist; Cuthbert, Son & Co. (J. H. Holder, manager), J. A. Buell, J. P. Oliver, George Cramp, E. S. Foreman, J. H. Ramsey, general stores; Merritt Stroud, grocery; A. A. Pickens, hotel. J. R. Hanby is the proprietor of a flour and saw mill and cotton-gin, erected in 1887 and placed in operation in September of that year. The engines have a capacity of forty-horse power. The building is a three-story frame structure, 40×36 feet. The cotton gin has a capacity of five bales per day.
Societies.–Green Forest Lodge No. 404, F. & A. M., was instituted November 29, 1882, with the following officers and members: J. W. Wann, M.; J. A. White, S. W.; W. P. Kerby, J. W.; Thompson Ramsey, J. J. Grim, D. H. Smith, W. E. Graham, W. H. Bunch, J. L. Graham, James H. Winning, J. P. Fondren, W. F. Jones, K. D. Cottrell, J. P. Harbert, J. E. Harbert, W. M. Ward, J. H. Norris, Martin McNiell, J. J. Dixon, Joseph Farming. Green Forest Chapter No. 39, O. E. S., was instituted October 28, 1885. First officers: Queen Ray, W. M.; J. W. Wann, W. P.; Elizabeth Graham, A. M. History of Benton County
OTHER VILLAGES.
Fairview is situated at the junction of the Kenner and Fancher forks of Osage, in Osage Township. The name was conferred by J. F. Sisco, who rolled the first house on trucks drawn by oxen from a point several hundred yards distant. The next building, the school-house, was erected by Isaac M. Hoyle, who taught school four years. Sisco & Bro. were the first merchants. The town comprises four residences, the general store of Frank Shubert, the two drug stores of Drs. Poynor, and the school-house. The post-office is known as Osage. There are lodges of Masons and Odd Fellows.
History of Benton County
Winonia Springs is a village of about twenty houses, situated in Winonia Township, in the midst of a valuable timber district. There is a large steam saw-mill, and lumbering is the principal industry.
Beaver and Gaskins, stations on the Eureka Springs Railway, are places of three or four houses each. At the former there is a dwelling house built in 1836.
Mexican War.–At the opening of the war with Mexico the President called for one regiment from Arkansas, and the governor of the State issued a call for ten companies of mounted riflemen, to be accepted in the order in which their services were offered to the State. In due course of time the governor's proclamation reached Carroll County, and with characteristic promptness a company was organized, equipped and mounted at Carrollton. One Gregory was then dispatched post-haste to Little Rock with the muster-roll of the company, to secure it a place in the regiment. He was just too late; the regiment was full, and the Carroll County company was obliged to satisfy its military aspirations by the maneuvers necessary to disbanding.
THE CIVIL WAR.
The Old Militia.–In ante bellum days there were two battalion and four company musters every year, the former at Carrollton and Crooked Creek (Stroud's store, now in Boone County), the latter in the respective townships. These occasions were largely attended, the battalion musters particularly. The only instance in which the militia of this county was called out occurred early in "the fifties." Marion County became involved in a fight between the Tutt and Everitt factions, and the militia of the adjoining counties was called out to quell the disturbance. Carroll furnished two companies, under Cols. Tilford Denton and William C. Mitchell, the former from Carrollton. It was in the autumn that this occurred, and the companies were gone about six weeks.
Public sentiment at the opening of the Civil War was almost unanimously opposed to secession. The number of slaves and of slave-holders in the county was not large; the people were almost entirely of Eastern Tennessee descent, and inherited the ardent patriotism that has distinguished that section. When the time came to elect representatives to the secession convention, Dr. Dijon and E. G. Mitchell appeared as secession candidates, [p.396] and W. W. Watkins and B. H. Hobbs as Union candidates. The former received but thirty-six votes in a total poll of 1,500. The convention was earnestly desirous of taking a neutral position, and uniting with the other border States in an effort to effect a compromise. It soon became apparent, however, that this was impossible, and the call of President Lincoln for troops from Arkansas forced the issue. The delegates from Carroll met their constituents in mass-meetings, and, finding that there was but little disposition to take up arms against the section to which they naturally belonged, cast their votes for the secession ordinance, which passed with but a single dissenting voice.
Home Guards.–Four companies of home guards were organized in what is now Carroll County, to repel the threatened invasion of the State by Gen. Lyon. H. B. Fancher was captain of the company recruited "Up Osage;" Capt. J. M. Pittman's company was formed at Carrollton; Capt. John Denny's and Leander Hayhurst's companies at Berryville. The four companies proceeded individually to Camp Walker, Benton County, and with seven others from different parts of the State were organized into the Fourth Arkansas Infantry Regiment, under the command of Col. J. D. Walker, forming part of Gen. Pierce's brigade. Maj.-Gen. Ben. McCulloch was in command. The enemy was met at Wilson's Creek, near Springfield, Mo., August 10, 1861, and defeated with severe loss. The Fourth Arkansas Infantry was stationed upon a hill across the creek from the principal fighting, supporting Capt. Reed's battery, and took no active part in the battle. It suffered no loss. Within a few days the regiment returned to Benton County and was disbanded, after a term of service of less than two months.
Regular Confederate Troops.–Company E, Sixteenth Arkansas Infantry, was the first company of regular Confederate troops formed in Carroll County. It was organized in October, 1861, at the militia muster at Green Forest, and numbered ninety-three men. The officers were Captain, W. S. Poynor; first lieutenant, A. S. McKennon; second lieutenant, W. W. Wilson; junior second lieutenant, James H. Berry. This company, with one each from Searcy, Conway and (at present) Boone, rendezvoused at Carrollton, and were there organized as a battalion, [p.397] under Lieut.-Col. Moore, ignorant of the fact that they lacked one company of having the required number for this. The "battalion" proceeded to Fayetteville, and reported to Gen. McCulloch, who declined to recognize their organization. They were detailed to Trott's store, Benton County, and there organized, with three companies from Johnson, one from Washington, one from Madison and one from Pike, into the Sixteenth Regiment of Arkansas Infantry, under Col. John F. Hill.
The regiment was in winter quarters at Elm Springs, Benton County. It was actively engaged at the battle of Pea Ridge or Elk Horn Tavern, March 7, 1862, and was stationed on the extreme left, opposed to Sigel's command. It was the charge of this regiment that recovered the body of Gen. McCulloch, which was carried off the field by several men from Company E, with others. The army moved east of the Mississippi via Van Buren and Memphis within a short time afterward. Company E participated in the battles of Farmington and Iuka, Miss. At Corinth the Sixteenth Arkansas formed part of the First Brigade of the First Division of Price's corps, and was stationed on the left wing, which stormed the breastworks to the north of Corinth. In three hours Company E lost one-third of its men. Among the wounded was James H. Berry, afterward governor, and at present a member of the United States Senate.
The Sixteenth Arkansas was reorganized in 1862, when J. M. Pittman, formerly a private in Company E, became lieutenantcolonel.
In November, 1862, as part of Gen. Beall's brigade, the Sixteenth was detailed to fortify Port Hudson. July 9, 1863, this post surrendered to Gen. Banks, when the privates were paroled. Capt. Poynor and Second Lieut. Wilson escaped in a commissary wagon, returned to Carroll County, and reorganized the company, which subsequently participated in the battles of Poison Springs, Mark's Mills and Jenkins' Ferry, and finally surrendered, as part of Dockery's brigade, at Shreveport, in 1865.
Capt. Goodnight's company, recruited principally in Conway County, included about twenty-five Carroll County men. It was also in the Sixteenth Arkansas, and participated in the engagements above noted, to the fall of Port Hudson.
Company E, First Arkansas Cavalry, originally numbered 178 men, and was mustered at Carrollton with the following officers: Captain, J. W. Bishop; first lieutenant, William Gregory; second lieutenant, S. G. Sneed; third lieutenant, Robert Clark. The term of enlistment was three years, or until the close of the war. The company marched to King's River, where it encamped for the night. Here seventy-eight men withdrew, and elected —– Dawson as captain. Capt. Bishop reported to Col. Adams at Prairie Grove, and his company became part of the Third Arkansas Infantry, which was stationed on the extreme left, near the church, during the battle here, December 7, 1863, and bore the brunt of the battle. Capt. Bishop's company lost fourteen men at one charge. After the retreat to Van Buren, Gen. Hindman directed Capt. Bishop to return to Carroll County and mount his company. It then became Company E, First Arkansas Cavalry, Harrell's battalion of Cabell's brigade, and took part in the battle of Poison Springs. Capt. Bishop was promoted to a majority on that battle-field, and John Rosson succeeded him as captain. The company was stationed at Camden and Washington, and passed the winter of 1864-65 at Marshall, Tex., where it was disbanded.
There were other companies formed in the county at various periods during the war; but the frequent reorganization of the Confederate forces renders it impossible to give an account of their services.
Regular Federal Troops.–March 29, 1862, while the "Army of the Southwest" was lying at Cross Timbers, Mo., M. La Rue Harrison, of the Thirty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, was given authority to recruit a company for the Sixth Missouri Cavalry, and proposed to enlist citizens of Arkansas, many of whom had escaped the Confederate conscription and fled into Missouri. The facility with which this was accomplished prompted the organization of the First Regiment Arkansas Cavalry Volunteers, which was effected August 7, 1862. Company G of this regiment was made up almost entirely of Carroll County men. Rowan E. M. Mack was captain; Joshua S. Dudley, first lieutenant. Hiram S. Shahan, of Carroll County, was quartermastersergeant. Nearly all the men were enlisted in July and August, [p.399] 1862. Company K, Theodore Youngblood, captain, Dr. F. Youngblood, first lieutenant, was also largely made up of Carroll County men. The regiment constituted the advance guard of Gen. Schofield's command, the Army of the Frontier, during the campaign of 1862. It was stationed for a time at Elk Horn Tavern and Cassville, under Lieut.-Col. A. W. Bishop. Col. Harrison assumed command December 5, and under him the regiment participated in the battle of Prairie Grove. January 8, 1863, a detachment under Lieuts. Thompson and Vaughan participated in the defeat of Marmaduke at Springfield; and later in the same month another detachment was actively engaged in the vicinity of Van Buren. The regiment, with others, constituted the post of Fayetteville, and successfully withstood an attack from the Confederate Gen. Cabell April 18, 1863. October 3, 1864, a similar attack from greatly superior numbers was also repelled. Throughout the remainder of the war the regiment was engaged in suppressing the guerrilla bands that infested the northwestern part of the State. It was mustered out August 23, 1865. The Second Arkansas Cavalry, in which were many Carroll County men, was originally organized as the First Arkansas Mounted Rangers, and was formed at Helena by Col. W. James Morgan, in 1862. In August, 1863, the regiment not having yet been filled, it was transferred to Col. John E. Phelps, who rendezvoused at Springfield and Cassville, "recruiting with such energy and success that, on the 18th of March, 1864, he was mustered in as colonel, twelve full companies having been formed." The regiment was afterward in active service in Mississippi and Tennessee. It was mustered out August 20, 1865.
In various Missouri regiments and several regiments of Arkansas infantry Carroll County was also represented. It is not possible, however, to go into detail in this matter.
Operations in the County–The first armed force that appeared in Carroll County was that of Brig.-Gen. McBride, Confederate, en route from Batesville to Elm Springs, Benton County, with his command, numbering 4,000 or 5,000 men. Passing through in June, 1861, they encamped for the night at Green Forest. Their progress was not marked by any violence. After the battle of Wilson's Creek numerous small bodies passed through the county frequently.
A strong Federal force was thrown into Southwestern Missouri in the spring of 1862, and, aware that a decisive battle was approaching, an effort was made to prevent the enemy from concentrating his forces, and to divert his attention from the actual point of attack. A movement of this character, executed by Col. C. A. Ellis, is thus described by him in reporting to his superior officer:
HEADQUARTERS FIRST MISSOURI CAVALRY. ttt
Camp on Sugar Creek, Ark., March 9, 1862.
General: In obedience to your order of the 2nd instant, to proceed to Keetsville and send forward a commissary train reported to be there, and then to make a reconnaissance of the country east of the position occupied by our forces, I marched with 140 men on the morning of the 3rd, accompanied by Col. Pease, of your staff, to Keetsville, and forwarded the train as directed. I then proceeded east to the Roaring River, and north eight miles northeast of Cassville, Mo., and finding no appearance of the enemy, bivouacked for the night. At daylight of the morning of the 4th I again moved forward in the direction of Morris' Mill, on the White River, where a camp of the rebels was reported to be in that vicinity. I reached the mills about 4 P. M. Finding no enemy there, I at once moved forward in the direction of Berryville, over the most broken country it is possible to conceive, crossing the White River six times in traveling eight miles. At 10 P. M., having found forage for our horses, I camped for the night, and again, at daylight of the 5th, moved forward on the road to Berryville. When about two miles, I arrested two men of suspicious appearance, and from them obtained information that a company was organizing at Berryville to leave on the following morning.
Moving forward as rapidly as the nature of the ground would admit, I soon came to the suburbs of the town, and observed a body of horsemen moving north on the road leading in that direction. Taking two companies, I went in pursuit; Col. Pease, with the balance of the command, in the meantime surrounded the town, taking some fifty prisoners, twenty-two horses and fifty stand of arms.
My horses being much worn, I was unable to undertake those that had left, and after destroying three wagons partially loaded with stores belonging to the enemy, I returned to King's River and bivouacked.
At early dawn the next morning the command was ordered to saddle, and, as men and horses were exhausted, and a snow-storm prevailing, I concluded on returning to camp, which I reached at 2 A. M. on the morning of the 7th. I found forage exceedingly scarce, failing to secure sufficient over the whole region I scoured in that direction to supply the immediate wants of my command.
C. A. ELLIS, Colonel, Commanding First Missouri Cavalry.
BRIG.-GEN. JEFF. C. DAVIS, Commanding Third Division.
E. B. Brown, brigadier-general commanding Southwestern division of Missouri (Federals), states in his dispatches that six squadrons of cavalry left Cassville June 12, 1862, to break up a camp of 400 near Berryville. It is extremely improbable that there was any such camp there at the time. The result of the expedition is not known.
Gen. Herron, with his command, numbering about 20,000 men, marched through the county in December, 1863, after the battle of Prairie Grove, en route for Forsythe, Mo. This army encamped at Carrollton about a week. Gen. Blount, in command of 3,000 Kansas troops, encamped there the previous spring. It cannot be said that this visitation is remembered with gratitude by the people of the vicinity.
The only skirmish in which any considerable body of men was involved occurred April 16, 1863, on a farm now owned by Martin Trantham, a quarter of a mile from Yokum Creek. Companies G and K, First Arkansas Cavalry (Federal), under Capts. Roan Mack and Theodore Youngblood, with a number of non-combatants whom they were conducting from the State into Missouri, with personal property of some value, were pursued by about 700 Confederates under Capts. Bailey, Dillon and others. Seven of the latter were killed, including the gallant Capt. Dillon. The Federal loss was one killed and nine wounded, of whom seven died. The advantage was with the Confederates.
In April, 1864, Capt. George E. Gaddy, Federal, encountered Capt. McFarland on Race Track hollow. Lieut. Jesse Patty, Federal, was killed.
A skirmish occurred at Carrollton August 14, 1864, in which several were killed.
It would be futile to attempt an enumeration of all the various encounters that occurred throughout the war. Warfare became predatory. Armed bands of robbers infested the country, the terror of those they pretended to befriend no less than those they openly attacked.
The following hitherto unpublished account of the manner in which a company of guerrillas was disposed, is presented through the courtesy of A. H. Foote, Esq.; it was prepared by S. C. Mills, Esq.:
"In the early part of the winter of 1863, while the First Regiment of Arkansas Cavalry was quartered at Lebanon, Mo., word was brought to headquarters that a band of bushwhackers were robbing the Union people in Stone County, Mo., and all along the Missouri line in that vicinity. Company F, Second Arkansas Cavalry, having been recruited in Stone County, Mo., and [p.402] Carroll County, Ark., was selected to drive out Capt. Railey and his band of thirty-five bushwhackers. After reaching Stone County, Company F, Captain Berry in command, was not long in finding out where Capt. Railey and his band were, and were soon in hot pursuit. Railey, finding himself pursued, started for Leatherwood ford, on White River, at the mouth of Leatherwood Creek. Upon his arrival at the river, he found it rising rapidly, and crossed with his command and their plunder as rapidly as possible, starting up Leatherwood Creek to find shelter for the night. Thinking that the river would be impassable by the time his pursuers reached the ford, he had no further fears of pursuit. They went about three miles up the creek to Skelton farm, and went into quarters for the night, occupying the two farm houses. When Company F reached the ford it was found that Railey and his band had crossed, and that the river was past fording. Night coming on, the commanding officer did not think it safe to attempt to cross that night. First Lieut. John Williams, with Privates Samuel Gaskins and James Hobbs, were detailed to cross the river and keep the trail, these three men having been brought up on the creek, and get all the information possible. Swimming their horses across the river above the ford they followed the trail. Before reaching the Skelton farm they found that Railey and his band had taken possession of the houses and were then eating supper. It was nearly dark and they had not been discovered. They concluded to charge Railey and his men at once, which was done in splendid style. With a revolver in each hand, firing as they came, they completely surprised Railey and his men, who jumped out of the windows and took to the brush, bare-headed and unarmed. Railey and four of his men were wounded and one killed. This was doubtless one of the boldest and most successful charges against the greatest odds during the war. The next morning, while in pursuit of Railey and his scattered band, they overtook the notorious guerrilla, Calvin Dunaway, killing him in a hand-to-hand fight, and shooting him eighteen times before he gave up; he lived but a few minutes after doing so. His wildcat fur cap was sent to headquarters at Lebanon, Mo. After the death of Dunaway Railey discharged his men, and all was quiet in this vicinity during the remainder of the winter.
Col. John E. Phelps, of the First Arkansas Cavalry (Federal), occupied Berryville with his regiment in 186-. Companies A, E and G, Second Arkansas Cavalry (Federal), under the command of Capt. A. Roberts, took possession of Berryville in February, 1864. Capt. George E. Gaddy was organizing a company of home guards on Long Creek at this time; it was mustered in at Fayetteville, February 28, 1864. A similar company, recruited by Capt. Joseph G. Walker, was attached to the Federal force at Berryville. In April, 1864, Company G was ordered to Easley's Ferry on the White River. June 8, 1864, Capt. Gaddy reported at Berryville with his company; Capt. Walker's company disbanded and re-enlisted in Companies A, E and G, and Capt. Gaddy's; June 10, 1864, Companies A and E, and Capt. Gaddy's company, evacuated Berryville, the former to proceed to Cassville, the latter to re-enforce Company G at Easley's Ferry, and thus ended the Federal occupation of Carroll County.
The population of the county in 1860 was about 10,000, of whom it is reasonable to suppose that 3,000 were capable of bearing arms. Few able-bodied men remained at home. Such as were not received as regular soldiers, from old age or other causes, followed the different armies as sutlers, commissaries, etc. The exact number of men furnished each side cannot be definitely ascertained, but the general impression seems to be that the total number of soldiers furnished during the war from what is now Carroll County was about 2,000. History of Benton County
CHURCHES.
Pensioners.–The report of the commissioner of pensions for November, 1886, shows that in Carroll County there were 121 invalids, receiving $1,344.25; twenty-three widows, receiving $280; one minor, receiving $16; four dependents, receiving $36; one survivor of the War of 1812, receiving $8; six widows of the War of 1812, receiving $48; total number of pensioners, 156; amount dispensed per month, $1,732.25. There were more pensioners than in any other county in the State.
Eureka Springs.–The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1880 by Rev. O. P. Bryant. The erection of a church building was begun in the same year. The present [p.404] membership numbers 115. The pastors in order have been as follows: O. P. Bryant, 1880-81; —– Hood, 1882-83; C. E. Cunningham, 1884; LeRoy Bates, D. D., 1885-87; Newman P. Tedrick, 1888. There is a flourishing Sunday-school of 100 members.
The First Baptist Church was organized in the summer of 1880 by Elders J. R. Chambers, P. J. Jack, D. C. Boswell and four other members. J. K. Northcutt was made moderator, and James Isaac, clerk. Pastors: P. J. Jack, C. W. Callahan, 1882; C. N. Ray, J. C. Grosh, Judson Taylor, the present incumbent, who took charge February 1, 1888. The church building was erected in 1881-82. The membership is about 150.
Pine Street Methodist Episcopal Church, South. This society was organized in 1879 by Rev. Warren Brooks. The Sundayschool was organized in 1880. The present church edifice, a frame structure 32×35 feet, was erected in 1887 by a building committee consisting of W. H. Johnson, John Davis and E. S. Weyand. It was first occupied in May, 1887. The membership has increased from twenty at the beginning to 150 at the present time. A revival under Rev. Thrower's administration resulted in 150 conversions. About 700 individuals have been connected with this organization at various times. Pastors: Warren Brooks, 1879-80; S. N. Burns, 1880-82; H. C. Jolly, 1882; B. K. Thrower, 1883; W. T. Keith, 1884-85; B. Williams, 1885-86; H. J. Brown, 1887—.
Footnote
Contributed by W. W. Johnston, M. D.
First Presbyterian Church.* The first Presbyterian services at Eureka Springs were conducted by Rev. W. B. McElwee, in the autumn of 1880. In the following spring he preached in a tent large enough to seat 300 people, at the corner of Mountain and Spring Streets. Although seated with rough plank benches, the tent was usually well filled, until cold weather compelled the discontinuance of the services. Northern, Southern and Cumberland Presbyterians wereamong the worshipers. During the winter of 1881-82 the members of the different branches, after conferring upon the subject, decided to unite in one organization and attach themselves to whichever of the general bodies offered the most liberal assistance. After preaching a week Rev. J. J. [p.405] Marks, D. D., presbyterial missionary of Ozark Presbytery, North, effected an organization March 1, 1882, in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Of the twenty-eight constituent members, four were Cumberland Presbyterians, two Congregationalists, four Southern and eighteen Northern Presbyterians. The first session consisted of W. F. Daugherty, J. L. Baker and W. W. Johnston, M. D., elders. By unanimous vote the new organization was connected ecclesiastically with Ozark Presbytery, North. Since the organization there have been added to the session Elders William L. Lee and L. N. Stockton, May 1, 1884, and Horace B. Claflin, March 14, 1887. James L. Baker removed June 10, 1883, and W. F. Daugherty ceased to act in June, 1884. A. J. Gibbs and F. A. Pickard were elected deacons July 21, 1883; I. D. Stewart and E. L. Marsh, March 7, 1885; G. W. Lynn, March 14, 1887. F. A. Pickard resigned March 7, 1887. D. R. Whitcomb, G. W. Lynn and H. N. Brim compose the board of trustees. Rev. W. B. McElwee was pastor from March 1, 1882, to October 31, 1887. Rev. W. Scott Lowry assumed the pastoral duties November 1, 1887.
The tabernacle church was again occupied in the spring of 1882, with such additional comforts as a board loor and chairs. In October the basement of the Jones building on Short Street was occupied for a month, when the room above was secured and retained until the completion of the present edifice. In 1883 the ladies organized the "Extra Cent Society," gradually accumulating a fund of $1,400. It was resolved to build in 1885, and a lot was donated by the Improvement Company on condition that a stone building should be erected. The foundations were laid in the fall of that year. May 13, 1886, the corner-stone was laid with impressive ceremonies. The completed structure was dedicated on the third Sabbath of November, 1886, Rev. Thomas Marshall, D. D., officiating. It is built of stone; the auditorium has a capacity of 300, and the lecture room is of the same size. William L. Lee's munificent contribution of $3,000, and the courtesy of the Improvement Company in donating the lot, will always be remembered gratefully.
The Christian Church, Rev. Giddings, pastor, is among the older religious organizations of the city. The first sermon here was preached by a minister of this denomination. Rev. L. W. Scott was one of the first pastors.
St. James' Protestant Episcopal Church, Eureka Springs, originated in the efforts of Rev. J. J. Vaulx, of Fayetteville, who held services once a month for several years, and during this period a frame chapel was built on Mountain Street. A regular organization was effected September 15, 1887, the first vestry being constituted as follows: J. C. Cunningham, J. Congdon, M. O. Hines, G. W. Malcolm, F. Bellchamber. The present vestry is composed of Powell Clayton, J. C. Cunningham, G. W. Malcolm, F. Bellchamber, and the membership numbers about thirty. Rev. D. S. C. M. Potter, D. D., the present rector, asssumed charge December 14, 1887. The parish has recently been presented with an eligibly located building, now being transformed into a church.
Roman Catholic.–Rev. Smythe, of Fort Smith, during a temporary stay at Eureka Springs in 1881, began the erection of a Roman Catholic Church, but left before its completion or the organization of a parish.
Prairie.–One of the first churches in this part of the county stood on land now owned by one McKeen, a mile and a half from Berryville. It was built on vacant land, and there was a campmeeting ground in the vicinity. It was erected in 1848 as a Methodist Church. One Lively and James Jones were the first preachers.
A Union Church building was erected at Berryville in 1851, and dedicated in October of that year by Rev. Pleasant Bascom. This was burned during the war, but rebuilt in 1868. The present Union Church was built in 1882, mainly through the efforts of Dr. A. A. Baker.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Berryville, was organized in October, 1853, with thirty-one members, A. A. Baker and W. J. Ruth, elders, by Rev. John F. King, the first pastor. Among his successors have been Revs. Ruth, Ray, Kendall, Bell and Nashburn.
Berryville Church, M. E., South, Rev. David C. Ross, pastor, numbers fifty-three members. The circuit has a membership of about 200.
The Christian Church, Berryville, was built in 1879. Rev. Charles B. Whiteley built the first church in the central part of the county in 1841-42 at Pleasant Valley. It was burned down during the war and rebuilt in 1876, burned in 1885 and again rebuilt as a Methodist Church. Whiteley removed to Texas in 1861; he preached his own funeral sermon here before leaving. He was somewhat eccentric, but very active in building churches and schools.
Carrollton.–The first religious services in this township were held in the court-house by Rev. Henderson Lafferty. Revs. John F. Seamen, – Cook and Thomas Tanford were preachers prior to 1845, when Dr. A. B. Baker was appointed to this circuit, then comprising all the territory between Crooked Creek and King's River. Rev. W. B. Williams was recently the pastor. Pleasant Valley, Wright's Chapel, Black Jack School-house and Zion Hill Churches form part of Carrollton Circuit. There is an organization of Free-Will Baptists at Big Spring, of which Rev. J. W. Cannt has been pastor many years. Rev. Bartlett is pastor of the Missionary Baptist Church at Carrollton, and Sherwood Pursley at Pursley's School-house. A Cumberland Presbyterian organization at Carrollton was effected in 1839 by Revs. Pearson aud Buchannon, of Cane Hill,
Hickory.–William Martin organized a Methodist Church prior to 1850 of which Rev. – Keeton is the present pastor. Fair Grove Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1871 or '72. Isaac Stanley and Martin Butler organized New Hope United Baptist Church in 1852, and Palestine Church in 1853. New Home United Baptist Church, three miles north of Green Forest, on Section 20, Township 20, Range 23, was organized in 1882 by Rev. E. J. Hagan, with eighty members. R. E. Martin is pastor at present. A Presbyterian Baptist Church was organized in 1876 in the southeastern part of the township. O. A. Mayberry is pastor.
Long Creek.–Salem United Baptist Church, at the mouth of Dry Creek, was organized in 1853 by Isaac Stanley, George E. Gaddy and Martin Butler. Gaddy was pastor many years. The present pastor is R. A. Martin. Center Point Methodist Church was organized about 1853, and has a large membership. Revs. Obar, Mattox, Hughes and Keeton are among the recent pastors. Yocum.–Mount Zion Baptist Church was organized about 1868 by Revs. Gwaltney, Beddingfield and Stanley. William Bailey is the present pastor. The Methodist Church was organized about 1871 by Rev. Obar.
Liberty.–The Free-Will Baptist Church at Rule was established in 1884 by Rev. W. R. Miller. Sherwood Pursley is the present pastor. The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, is attached to Berryville Circuit, Rev. David C. Ross, pastor. It is known as Mount Zion.
Osage.–The Cumberland Presbyterian Church is an old organization, and shared in the labors of Revs. John F. King, Matthew Holford and Fleming Sanders forty years ago. Revs. – Stockton, Jasper Henry, Amos Kendle, Hugh J. P. Rudolph and F. McCracken have been the pastors in order since the war. Live Water Methodist Church is one of the oldest preaching points on Carrollton Circuit.
Dry Fork.–Shiloh Methodist Church, originally a part of Carrollton Circuit, was subsequently transferred to Berryville, and in 1887 to Kingston. In 1845 a small log building was occupied during inclement weather and an arbor at other times. Camp meetings were held every year on King's River, five miles distant. A Cumberland Presbyterian Church was organized in 1886 by Rev. J. S. Rudolph. Rev. Albert Gregg, of Kingston, is pastor of a Baptist Church.
Piney.–Upper Piney Methodist Episcopal Church, South, is a part of Berryville Circuit. Riley Miller and Gregg and Bradshaw are the pastors respectively of the Free-Will and United Baptist churches of Lower Piney.
Polo.–Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church was organized in 1852-53 by Revs. Isaac Stanley, Martin Butler, Thomas Chrisope, Brantley Wright and Dyson Wright. Stanley is the present pastor. Antioch United Baptist Church was instituted by Revs. John, David and Isaac Stanley in 1876. John Stanley is the present pastor. Brigman is pastor of Stony Point Free-Will Baptist Church. Antioch Methodist Episcopal Church, South, is included in Berryville Circuit.
King's River.–Isaac Stanley, Joseph Stanley, E. Chappell and —– Lindsay are respectively pastors of hite Elm, Rock Spring, Grenada and Shady Grove Baptist Churches. Rev. Watson is pastor of a Christian Church at Walker's.
Franklin.–There is a United Brethren Church at Hostetter's school-house.
The Berryville Academy was originally established by James Rhea in 1855. He was educated at Mechlin Institute and Arkansas College, Washington County, and had great natural ability as a teacher. The school at Berryville was conducted in a building erected for general school and church purposes by the community, and embraced such studies as usually form an academic curriculum. Prof. Rhea was assisted by different persons at various times. Among the students who have done honor to this school may be mentioned James H. Berry, successively judge, governor and United States Senator. The school was suspended during the war, when the building was also burned.
January 14, 1867, Prof. Isaac A. Clarke opened the academy that bears his name, with twenty-five pupils, which number increased to about 100 before the conclusion of the first session. The school was conducted in a commodious building about a mile southwest of Berryville until 1873, when this was burned. The large brick building within the corporate limits of Berryville was erected in 1874, and here the school has since been conducted, with a patronage from all parts of Arkansas and adjoining States. Prof. Clarke is eminently endowed with the rare qualifications necessary to inspire students with a desire for advanced culture and thorough education. He has, through his personal influence and the influence of his school, done more to advance the educational interests of the county than any other individual.
SCHOOLS.
The following statistics, from the last biennial report of the State superintendent of public instruction, fairly represent the condition of the public schools of the county: [p.410]
STATEMENT OF THE PUBLIC-SCHOOL FUNDS OF CARROLL COUNTY FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1885.
Amount Received.: Balance on hand June 30, 1884 Total.: $ 4,262 88
Amount Received.: From Common-School Fund, State Total.: 5,137 06
Amount Received.: From district tax Total.: 3,008 26
Amount Received.: From poll tax Total.: 2,017 70
Amount Received.: From other sources Total.: 66 50
Amount Received.: Total Total.: $14,492 40
Amount Expended.: For teachers' salaries Total.: $ 6,272 52
Amount Expended.: For purchasing houses or sites Total.: 161 56