Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Western Arkansas

LOOAN COUNTY – LOCATION – AREA – LANDS – TOPOGRAPHY – MOUNTAINS – STREAMS – DERIVATION OF NAMES–TIMBER–MINERALS–AGRICULTURE–HORTICULTURE–GRAPES AND NATIVE WINES–PARIS NURSERY–RAISING OF LIVE STOCK–TRANSPORTATION LINES–SETTLEMENT–DE SOTO'S EXPEDITION–MOUNDS CONTAINING HUMAN HONES–SUPPOSED

FIGHT WITH INDIANS–EARLY SRTTLERS MENTIONRD – AN ANCIENT GRAVE–COUNTY ORGANIZATION – BOUNDARY LINES–FIRST COUNTY SEAT–SROOND AND FINAL COUNTY SEAT–BURNING OF COURT-HOUSES–COUNTY BUILDINGS–CHANGE OF NAME OF COUNTY FROM SARBER TO LOGAN–COUNTY OFFICERS – POLITIOAL ASPRCT – ELECTION RETURNS – CIRCUIT COURT – LOGAN COUNTY LEOAL BAR–CRIMINAL EXECUTIONS–CIVIL WAR–HAOUEWOOD FIGHT–ATTACK ON ROSEVILLE–TOWNS, VILIAGES AND POST-OFFICES–PRESS–EDUCATION–CHRISTIANITY–VIEWS FROM SHORT MOUNTAIN.

M. M. Wyatt needs no special introduction to the inhabitants of Johnson County, Ark., for he is the well-known proprietor of an excellent saw-mill at Silex. He was born in the Hoosier State, being one of five children, two of whom are living–himself and William T. –born to James A. and Malinda (Shien) Wyatt, they being also born in that State. The subject of this sketch came to Arkansas with his parents when about nine years of age, and after the father had been engaged in cutting timber in Clay County, Ark., for about one year he removed to Pope County and homesteaded 160 acres of land, on which he remained about five years, clearing, during this time, about twenty acres, upon which he built a good residence

and other necessary buildings. He then purchased eighty acres adjoining his home tract and eighty acres in Hickory Township, Johnson County, and at the time of his death on November 22, 1887, he was the possessor of a good patrimony. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity. When about nineteen years of age M. M. Wyatt began farming for himself in Kansas, where he remained one year, returning to Johnson County, Ark., at the end of that time and engaging in operating a sawmill, being a joint owner with J. J. Colwell. This mill is an excellent one, and has a capacity of 8,000 feet of lumber per day, for which they find a ready sale. Mr. Wyatt is polite in his manners to all, is devoted to his friends, and is one of those gentlemen who is seldom duplicated in any community. He belongs to Silex Lodge No. 474, of the A. F. & A. M. He is a man on whom one can rely at all times, and his friends are many and his enemies few, for he is warm-hearted and true as a magnet to the pole.

"Build yet, the end is not, build on; Build for the ages unafraid. The past is but a base whereon These ashlcrs, well hewn, may be laid. Lo, 1 declare I deem him blest Whose foot, here pausing, findeth restl"

THE county of Logan in the west-central part of Arkansas, is bounded by Franklin, Johnson, Pope, Yell, Scott and Sobastian Counties, and along the northern boundary flows the Arkansas River. It lies in latitude 36° north, and in longitude 94° west from Greenwich, England. The area of the county is 672 square miles or 430,080 acres. Of this originally about 12,800 acres were prairie, and 417,280 were timber-lands; 341,100 acres constitute the assessed acreage of the county on deeded lands, as shown by the tax books; there are over 100,000 acres of Government and State lands subject to pre-emption and homestead entry, of which about one-half is covered with inchoate homestead and pre-emption claims, leaving the balance still subject to entry.

The following table indicates the natural divisions and distributions of the Logan County lands in a topographical view: Acres.

: Arkansas River, bottom : 25,000

: Six Mile Creek, bottom : 10,000

: Short Mountain Creek, bottom : 9,200

: Cane Creek, bottom : 6,400

: Shoal Creek, bottom : 10,000

: Delaware Creek, bottom : 4,500

: Pelit Jean River, bottom : 22,400

: Sugar Creek, bottom : 3,840

: Uplands : 200,000

: Hill lands : 108,740

: Mountainous and unfit for cultivation : 30,000

: Total area of Logan County : 430,080

The county is somewhat mountainous, but the greater portion of its area is bottom, table and hill lands, as shown above. Short Mountain, a magnificent [p.323] and nearly round mountain, covering about two sections of land, lies northwest of Paris, its base being one mile distant from the court-house. Its summit is about 500 feet above the surrounding country, or 800 feet above sea level. The top is nearly level, and contains some very productive farms. West of this, with only a narrow valley intervening, lies Upper Short Mountain, similar in size and formation. These are frequently called Twin Mountains. Pine Ridge, a range of dignified hills or low mountains, extends east and west clear through the county in Township 7 north. It averages from one to two miles in width, and its base is about a mile south of Paris. Flattop and Calico Mountains lie south of Pine Ridge in the central part of the county. These are benches of the Magazine Mountain, lying still farther south, its western extremity being about two miles west of the line dividing Ranges 25 and 26 west. A spur of this mountain, sometimes called Blue Mountain, extends in a northeasterly direction east of Flattop Mountain. The dividing Ridge between Yell and Logan Counties in Ranges 23 and 24 west, is commonly called Spring Mountain. Along the southern boundary of the county south of the Petit Jean, is another mountain range. Of all these mountains the Magazine is the largest and most important.

Footnote

There is some controversy about the highest point in the State, it being claimed for Rich Mountain in Polk County, but the writer is of opinion that Magazine has the highest elevation.

Its highest point, which is in Sections 22 and 23, in Township 6 north, Range 25 west, is 3,275 feet above sea level. This is claimed to be the highest point in the State.* From this point, it is said, upon good authority, that the most extended and most picturesque view of the surrounding country of the State is obtained.

The Arkansas River, on the northern boundary, gives to the county forty-two miles of river frontage, and the advantage of a navigable stream for small vessels the year round, and for larger vessels from six to nine months in the year. The tributaries of this river, flowing from Logan County, are Short Mountain, Cane, Shoal, Delaware, and some smaller creeks. Short Mountain Creek rises from springs on Magazine Mountain, in Township 6 north, Range 25 west, being in the south-central part of the county, and flows thence in a northwesterly direction, between Flattop and Calico Mountains, and by way of Paris and Short Mountain to the north side of the latter, where it turns to the eastward and northeastward, and empties into the Arkansas near the middle of Range 25. There are several important tributaries of this creek, the principal one being Six Mile Creek, which rises near the southwest corner of Township 7 north, Range 27 west, and flows thence in a northeasterly direction to its junction with the main stream, on the north side of Short Mountain. Cane Creek rises in the northeast part of Township 7 north, Range 25 west, and flows thence in a general northeasterly direction to the Arkansas, in the southwest part of Township 9 north, Range 23 west. Shoal Creek rises from springs on Magazine Mountain, near the southern boundary of the county in Range 24, and runs thence in a northeasterly direction between Blue and Spring Mountains, and through a gap in Pine Ridge, and finally empties into the Arkansas in the eastern part of Township 8 north, in Range 23 west. Delaware Creek drains the extreme eastern portion of the county, and empties into the Arkansas near the northeast corner of the county.

The Petit Jean River enters the county about four miles north of its southwest corner, and flows easterly through the southern tier of townships. Its principal tributary is Sugar Creek, which flows into it from the south. The Magazine Mountain, with the territory west of it in Township 6 north, forms the dividing ridge, or watershed, between the Arkansas and Petit Jean Rivers.

According to tradition this river derived its name from the following circumstances: When the Territory was under the dominion of the French, a party of explorers or hunters visited the head of the stream, having with them a small man whose name was Jean in French, or John in English. Petit means little, in French, and being a small man they called him Petit Jean (Little John). While there they had a fight with the Indians, and Petit Jean was wounded, and afterward died [p.324] from the effects of the wound as the party was returning down the river, hence the name Petit Jean River. Cane Creek took its name from the bundance of cane along its route, and Shoal Creek took its name from the many shoals in its course.

One of the most valuable resources of Logan County, when developed, will be its timber. At least one-half its ares is yet covered with virgin forests, containing vast quantities of the most valuable woods. In the bottoms are walnut, white oak, the red and black oaks, gum, mulberry, hickory, white ash, cottonwood, box elder, and a variety of others. On the uplands are post oak, hickory, cherry, pine, red and black oak, etc. On the north side of Magazine Mountain are found immense quantities of wild cherry and black walnut, of immense size, from three to five feet in diameter, and straight as an arrow for many feet without limbs. There is perhaps a larger quantity of oak than of any other timber; the pine is not abundant. The demand for lumber is only local yet, very little being cut for shipment. Pine and oak lumber can be bought for building purposes almost anywhere in the county at $10 to $12.50 per thousand feet.

The mineral wealth of Logan County is very great, though as yet undeveloped. The whole northern side of the county is underlaid with coal of the finest quality, and coal has also been discovered on Canthron Prairie, in the southwestern part of the county. In the immediate vicinity of Paris, coal to supply the local demand is mined. The veins vary in thickness from twenty-eight inches to four feet, and lie near the surface. A much thicker deposit has been reached at a depth of about eighty feet, but it has never been developed. The area of the coal fields is estimated at 75,000 acres.

Iron ore is found in large quantities in several localities. Near Paris are extensive deposits of brown hematite, and the same ore is found in the ridges south of the Petit Jean River. Some lands on which deposits of iron are found have recently been purchased by eastern parties for the purpose of developing the iron.

Building stone of the finest quality, and in inexhaustible quantity, is found in the ridges all over the county. It is chiefly a gray sandstone, easily dressed and very durable. Granite of fine quality is abundant in the southern range of mountains.

Fire clay and brick clay are found in great abundance, and of excellent quality.

Gold has been found at Golden City, near the southern line of the county, and a mining camp has been established there. Considerable work has been done there in the way of sinking shafts etc., but at this writing it has not been disclosed whether or not the "find" will prove a profitable one. Copper and galena have also been found in the same locality, but they are yet undeveloped.

The alluvial soils along the rivers and creeks are as fertile as any in the world. The uplands are of various grades in different sections of the county, but consist mainly of hematitic clay, with a substratum ranging in depth from two or three to fifteen feet. The new grounds are overlaid with a mold from a few inches to a foot in thickness. Most of the upland is highly productive in its natural state. A remarkable feature of the mountain lands is that on many of them, particularly on the Magazine Mountain, the vegetation and the soil present the same characteristics as the alluvial river bottoms.

As to the agricultural products of the county, cotton holds the first place. The average yield per acre of the fleecy staple is higher in Arkansas than in any of the other cotton-producing States, and Logan County will compare favorably with any section of the State. The yield may be counted with reasonable certainty to average about a half bale per acre on uplands, and a bale on bottom lands. It is not uncommon to see a bale per acre from the uplands in many sections of the county.

Corn is the next crop in point of acreage, and, of course, first in importance. The yield is from twenty-five to seventy-five bushels per acre. Since corn is the life of the farmer and of the farm, it will be a source of gratification to those in search of homes to know that with early planting and good cultivation, the corn crop never fails in this [p.325] section. In the two protracted drouths that have visited this region in the last fifteen years, all who had planted early crops and cultivated them well, had corn to spare to their less fortunate neighbors.

Wheat is another crop which yields reasonably well. More attention has been paid to the growth of wheat of late years than formerly, and the yield has been materially augmented by the introduction of better methods of cultivtion. The yield of wheat is from seven to thirty bushels per acre;

Oats, rye and barley are all cultivated, and make good crops. Oats is an important crop, and recently the acreage has been largely increased.

The great abundance and variety of native grasses, which the "public range" furnished while the country was sparsely settled and but little fenced, obviated to a very large degree the necessity for cultivating the tame grasses; but where tried many of them have done well. Clover, timothy, red top, orchard grass and millet, all yield large returns, while some native grasses yield fine pasturage and good hay. Clover will yield two crops of hay per year, but as yet only a little has been raised. It ought to be extensively raised, both for pasturage and for fertilizing the soil and killing out the weeds which grow so luxuriantly here. Farmers would find their milk and butter of much better quality if they would keep their milch cows off the wild range and pasture them on clover fields. This will be an excellent grazing county when the tame grasses are generally introduced and raised to the proper extent. A valuable addition to the range of late years is the wide distribution over the county of the Lespidesa, or "Japan clover," which now covers a large percentage of the open land.

The attention of the whole country has been attracted by the wonderful display of fruits made by Arkansas at New Orleans, Boston and other places. Logan is not behind her sister counties in the production of fruit, though she has as yet no very extensive orchards. Peaches, apples and all the small fruits grow to the greatest perfection, the uplands being the best for their production. Grape culture, while yet in its infancy, has been tried sufficiently to demonstrate its success. The hills and mountains abound with wild grapes of several valuable kinds, many of them being equal in size and flavor to favorite varieties of cultivated grapes. One variety is about the size of the well-known Concord, and equally as good. Another variety is a large and excellent white grape, and another is larger than either of these, but it has a tough skin and is not so good in quality. The native grapes, being very abundant, are extensively gathered by the citizen and manufactured into wine of excellent quality.

One of the enterprises to which the people of Logan County can point with pride is the Paris Nursery, located on Short Mountain, two miles northwest of Paris. It was established in 1879, by J. W. Ayers, who was its principal manager until his death, which occurred but recently. Mr. E. G. Butler purchased an interest in the business some years ago, and it now belongs to him and the Ayers estate. Mr. Butler a practical nurseryman, lives upon the farm and superintends the business together with the administrator of the Ayers estate, the Hon. J. H. Wilkins. Commencing with a small stock, and a business confined almost entirely to Logan County, this nursery has steadily grown until it is now one of the largest in the State, employing canvasers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas and the Indian Territory. Mr. Butler devotes his whole time to the business and understands it thoroughly, and will continue the business. Every bill of trees sent out from this nursery is just as represented, a fact to which the many customers willingly testify. The elevation, and the character of the soil on Short Mountain, make it one of the best locations in the State for a nursery. There are now in the Paris Nursery a fine stock of healthy young trees, many of the one year old apple trees being from four to six feet in height.

The compiler of this work has had experience in the fruit-tree nursery business in another State, and sincerely recommends the patronage of the home nursery, not alone for the purpose of fostering a home institution, but for self protection, for the purpose of getting acclimated trees and plants, that will succeed in growing and be [p.326] true in name of variety. Buy trees of kinds of fruit the success of which has been proven in your latitude.

The Logan County Bureau of Immigration, in a pamphlet published recently, speaks as follows concerning the raising of live stock:

"In the old ante bellum days the energies of the South were entirely concentrated on cotton, and every other enterprise sank into insignificance before the one absorbing idea that "cotton is king." So it was, that until a very late day no attention has been paid to stock-raising. Our mountain sides are covered with deer, and hogs unclaimed fattened in our forests: our prairie lands furnished a pasture in summer, and the canebrakes in the bottoms were a never-failing winter pasture for cattle. But the march of immigration has caused cities to spring up in our midst, and the demand for beef and meats of all kinds has greatly augumented, and there can be no doubt that stock raising can be made very profitable here, especially by those who understand how to handle stock. We have only a few citizens who have turned their attention to graded cattle, and they find the business very profitable. Our meats are at this time to a great extent furnished us from the north, and in the towns of much consequence they buy from the north large amounts. After a glance at our list of grasses and never-failing supply of the purest water, we see no reason why stock-raising could nut be made largely profitable here. The northern markets would have their freight to pay in order to compete with the home producer, and there is no question about the local demand here. People who understand stock-raising are especially invited to come and he with us, they will receive a special welcome; they would be useful to us, and we will encourage their enterprise. We would rather spend our money at home.

"Horse and mule raising would also be a good business here. As large farms are being opened an animal is in demand here that can pull a heavy plow. The mustang pony must go. As yet there have been very few good general-purpose horses raised here; they are purchased from the north, and are now in great demand. Money invested in a stock farm in one of the fertile valleys, watered by a mountain stream, in Logan County, would be a paying investment. In this we are sure no mistake can be made, no money lost; and he who embarks first will get the cream of the enterprise; though this business is bound to last and prosper in this country while water runs and grass grows.

"Until the last few years the wolves and other wild animals have kept the sheep pretty well thinned out, but now, as our country is filling up very fast, these destructive animals, like the buffalo, are seeking a more congenial clime. Sheep can be raised here now with certainty, and from under the eye of the shepherd, with very little expense to the farmer, and would yield a large profit. Our mountain sides could be especially utilized in this enterprise, and a pleasanter or more profitable business could not he embarked in. It is an established fact that sheep are not so susceptible to destructive diseases here as in many localities where their culture is an acknowledged success. The wool fiber is finer and longer and the yield greater than in less healthy localities; hence, inducements, from every point of view, preponderate in favor of this locality, with its short, mild winters, early springs, temperate summers, and late falls, for this particular industry."

The following statistics will show what has actually been done in the county–numerically at least–in the way of live-stock raising in the last few years. In 1886 there were 4,710 horses, 1,900 mules and asses, 19,212 head of cattle, 4,070 sheep, and 24,784 hogs, listed for taxation in Logan County, and the number of these animals listed for taxation in 1889 was as follows: Horses, 4,357; mules and asses, 1,988; cattle, 23,331; sheep, 5,934; hogs, 31,611. This shows a decrease in the number of horses during the three years of 353, and a gain of 88 mules and asses, 4,112 cattle, 1,864 sheep, and 6,827 hogs. These figures are taken from the county records and are therefore reliable. There was a fair gain in the number of mules and asses, and large gains in the number of cattle, sheep and hogs, but it seems strange that there should be such a falling off in the number of horses as shown by the figures.

The territory composing Logan County was formerly dependent upon the Arkansas River, and latterly upon the Little Rock & Fort Smith Railroad for transportation facilities. But little is now transported by way of the river. The line of the proposed Fort Smith & Dardanelle Railroad passes east and west through the county by way of Paris. This road has been chartered, the route surveyed and the right of way secured, and some work on the west end at Fort Smith has been done. Nothing is being done at present, but the prospects for business along this line will probably cause the road to be constructed at no distant day. This line, eighty miles in length, passes through the richest coal fields in the southwest, and as fine an agricultural region as can be found in the country. There is talk of building a branch railroad from Coal Hill in Johnson County, on the Little Rock & Fort Smith line, to Paris. In all probability it will not be long before the county will have a railroad.

It is most probable that the first white men who ever visited the territory now composing Logan County belonged to the exploring expedition of Heruando De Soto, who, in 1541, crossed the Arkansas River, going southward, at some point between the present cities of Dardanelle and Forth Smith. The following facts are circumstances in evidence of his having stopped here with his men for a time. At the crossing of Six Mile Creek on the Fort Smith road, eight miles west of Paris, are five mounds supposed to have been constructed by Indians. The mounds stand on the west bank of the creek. Three have been opened, and in two of them the bones of individuals belonging to a giant race of Indians, probably the Big Osages, and in the other the bones of white men of ordinary size have been found. Evidently a fight has occurred here some time between the Indians and a band of white men, and it is believed that the latter belonged to De Soto's expedition, though historians do not place his line of march quite so far to the west. The evidences of a fight are, that in one place near the mounds flattened bullets, and in another place numerous flint arrow heads have been found, which circumstances lead to the conclusion that the Indians fought from the place where the flattened balls were found, and the whites from the point where the arrowheads were found. Many of the bones and skulls found in the mounds were broken, indicating that the contending parties finally closed in and had a hand-to-hand encounter. In another place, not far from the mounds, round bullets have been found, and here it is supposed that the whites had their camp. Bars of lead and pieces of iron bars, probably cudgels and other warlike implements have also been found. Hemispherical iron balls, about a dozen in number, that would fit a three-pound-ball cannon, were also found here. The bones of the Indians would indicate that they were from six to seven feet in height.

Subsequent to De Soto's explorations, and prior to 1800, the Arkansas River and the territory adjacent thereto were frequently explored by the subjects of France and Spain in their search for valuable metals. Many marks made by them still remain upon the rocks in Logan County. The permanent white settlement, however, did not begin here until about the beginning of the present century. It seems to have begun here earlier than at many points farther down the river.

A man named Noaks settled as early, perhaps, as 1806, at a point one mile southeast of Roseville, and Noaks Creek was named after him. Soon thereafter a Polish Count Don Stein, an exile from his country, settled just north of Short Mountain, and led a wild and reckless life, hunting and sporting with the Indians, fighting duels, etc. After the lands were surveyed in 1825, he entered the tract on which his cabin stood, and soon thereafter sold out and left. Col. John Tittsworth settled near Short Mountain about the year 1814, his sons, David and Gabriel, having settled here some time earlier. John Fort came from Missouri in 1826, and settled in McClain's bottom. His mother came the next year with the balance of her large family including her son William, who still survives and resides about three miles west of Paris. Among other prominent citizens who located here in the twenties, some of them perhaps a little later, were George Hicklin, who settled on or near the present [p.328] site of Paris; a Mr. Davis and Mr. McClain (or McLean) who settled on McClain's bottom; Mr. Hixson, Anthony Brown, James Carpenter, Samuel Rose, John Drennon (who afterward owned a steamboat on the river), and George Gill, all of whom settled at and in the vicinity of Roseville; William Raney, Mr. McClain and a Mr. Scott, all of whom settled on McClain's bottom; the Nesbits who settled in the lower end of the county; Mark Cravens, who settled near Morrison's Bluff, also Lorenzo Clark, a very noted and wealthy man and politician. Thomas Cochran settled and named Cochran's Prairie south of Booneville as early and not later, perhaps, than 1810. About 1830 Col. James Logan settled on Sugar Creek south of the Petit Jean River, and about the same time a Mr. Scott settled on the river. A number of persons came from the New Madrid country soon after the earthquakes of 1811 and 1812, and settled in what is now Logan County.

The persons named in the foregoing were among the most noted early settlers. There was a class of settlers here before them, some of whom remained but a short time, and none of whom gained notoriety. There were rough times here in the"early days." Fighting duels was a common practice, and the notorious John A. Murrell, with his gang of counterfeiters and robbers, made this county one of his places of rendezvous.

The first steamboat that ascended the Arkansas River as high as this county is said to have been the "Cotton Plant," which came up in 1847. The items pertaining to the permanent settlement of the county have been furnished the writer by Judge Theodore Potts, who in some instances gave only approximate dates. For further particulars and more definite dates pertaining to individual settlers the reader is referred to the biographical sketches of the leading citizens.

While a number of citizens were cleaning up the Raney graveyard in Clark Township in August, 1890, an old grave was discovered that attracted unusual attention. On examination the grave was found to be nine feet long with head and footstones of hard sandstone. The head stone was taken down and closely examined, and upon it was the following inscription, which was covered over with moss: "John McDaniel, Ju. 4. 1817." The oldest inhabitants have no tradition about the grave, save that some of them remember having seen the grave when they were boys. It is supposed that his death occurred in June or July of that year.

Logan County, originally call Sarber, was organized in accordance with the provisions of an act of the General Assembly of the State, approved March 22, 1871, and was called Sarber in honor of Gen. J. N. Sarber. The first three sections of the act reads as follows:

SECTION 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas, That all that portion of the counties of Yell, Johnson, Franklin and Scott included within the following boundaries, to wit: Commencing at a point in the channel of the Arkansas River where the line dividing Ranges 21 and 22 crosses said river; thence running south on said line to the line dividing Townships 6 and 7; thence running west on said line to the boundary between Yell and Johnson Counties; thence west and south with said boundary line to the line dividing Townships 24 and 25; thence south on said line to the line dividing 5 and 6; thence west on said line to the boundary line between Yell and Scott Counties: thence south on said boundary line to the line dividing Townships 4 and 5; thence west on said line dividing 4 and 5 to the boundary line between Scott and Sebastian Counties; thence north on the line dividing Ranges 28 and 29, to northwest corner of Township 6, Range 28; thence east on said line dividing 6 and 7, to the line dividing Ranges 28 and 27; thence north on said line dividing Ranges 28 and 27, to the line dividing Townships 7 and 8; thence east on said line dividing Townships 7 and 8, to the line dividing Ranges 25 and 26; thence north on said line dividing Ranges 25 and 26, to the channel of the Arkansas River, thence with the channel of said river to the place of beginning.

SEC. 2. Be it further enacted, That the temporary seat of justice of said county shall be at Reveille.

SEC. 3. Be it further enacted, That the Governor shall appoint all county and township officers in said county of Sarber hereby established, who shall hold their respective offices until their successors are elected and qualified, as provided for by the constitution, at the next general election for the same class of officers in other counties.

Section 4 appoints C. P. Anderson, James M. White and James L. Garner as a board of commissioners to locate the seat of justice for the county, purchase the site thereof and perform certain other duties. Then follow sixteen other sections] pertaining to the organization of the courts, the duties of officers, etc.

It will be observed that the first section of the act bounds a certain tract of territory, but fails to say that it shall be formed into a separate county, and fails also to name the county. Section 3 speaks of "said County of Sarber" the same as though it had been named. Thus it is seen that the county was not really named at all, but was called Sarber by implication. However, it was organized under the act, imperfect as it was. As soon as the commissioners appointed to locate the seat of justice were informed of their duties, they met and selected a site on Red Bench*, of Flattop Mountain, about six miles southeast of the present town of Paris, and here the county seat was first located. The place was named Anderson, and a small frame court-house and a small log jail were erected there. The temporary seat of justice remained at Reveille but a short time.

The county seat remained at Anderson until after the passage of the following act entitled, "An act to amend an act to establish and organize the County of Sarber, and for other purposes," approved February 27, 1873. Section 1 of this amendatory act reads as follows:

"That all that portion of the counties of Yell, Johnson, Franklin and Scott included within the following boundaries, to wit: Commencing at a point in the channel of the Arkansas River, where the line dividing Ranges twenty-one (21) and twenty-two (22) west, crosses said river; thence running south on said line to the line dividing Townships six (6) and seven (7) north; thence west on said line to the boundary line between Yell and Johnson Counties;thence west and south on said boundary line to the range line dividing Ranges twenty-four (24) and twenty-five (25) west; thence south on said line to the line dividing Townships five (5) and six (6) north; thence west on said line to the line dividing Ranges twenty-five (25) and twenty-six (26) west; thence south on said line to the dividing line between Townships four (4) and five (5) north; thence west on said line to the line dividing Ranges twenty-eight (28) and twenty-nine (29) west; thence north on said line to the line dividing Townships six (6) and seven (7) north; thence east on said line to the line between Ranges twenty-seven (27) and twenty-eight (28) west; thence north on said line to the line between Townships seven (7) and eight (8) north; thence east on said line to the line dividing Ranges twenty-six (26) and twenty-seven (27) west; thence north on said line to the channel of the Arkansas River; thence with the channel of said river to the place of beginning, be and the same is hereby formed into a separate and distinct county, to be known and designated the county of Sarber, to have, enjoy and exercise, as a body politic and corporate, all the rights, priviliges and immunities of a separate county."

By the second section of this act James R. Laffery, Daniel R. Lee and James A. Shrigley were appointed commissioners to locate the se****t of justice for the county, to purchase lands for the same and lay it out into town lots, to sell the lots to secure funds to be applied toward the erection of public buildings, and to perform other specific duties.

This act gave a more definite description of the boundary lines of the county, named it Sarber (as it was originally intended to be named), and enlarged its area by adding thereto all that part of Townships 8 and 9 north, in Range 26 west, which lies south of the Arkansas River. The new commissioners appointed by this act to locate or relocate the seat of justice, met and selected Ellsworth, a place on the old Little Rock & Fort Smith military road, about ten miles east of the present county seat. Here a small, frame court-house, or clerk's office, was erected, to which the county records were removed in 1873, and for the time being Ellsworth became the county seat. The people were not satisfied, however, and much contention now arose about another location for the county seat, and strenuous efforts were made by the party in power to locate it at a point three miles west of where Paris now stands. The new site was selected and a contract for the building of a new court-house was let and the county court was about to issue bonds for a large [p.330] sum of money to secure funds for the improvements at the proposed new county seat, but was prevented from so doing by the armed uprising of the citizens opposed to such measure.

Early in 1874 an investigation of the county records was ordered, and on the night of February 17 the court-house and all the public records excepting the register of county scrip and the county seal were consumed by fire. It is claimed by the parties favoring the investigation that the court-house and records were burned to prevent such investigation. To settle the contention about the permanent location of the county, the Legislature of 1874 passed an act authorizing an election to be held whereby the electors of the county might, by a majority vote, select a site for the seat of justice. An election was accordingly held, and the site of Paris was selected by a majority of the electors. A one-story frame court-house, containing four offices and a court-room was erected, and in September, 1874, it was occupied by the county officers, and Paris be came the permanent seat of justice, and as such it still remains. This first court-house at Paris stood on the public square, directly southwest of the present court-house. It was consumed by fire in October, 1877, having been fired by one Biggs, who at the time was resting under an indictment for larceny. Biggs was afterward indicted for the new offense, was tried, found guilty, and sent to the penitentiary for a term of years. In the burning of the court-house at this time the newly accumulated records were also destroyed. The present court-house, which stands in the center of the public square, was erected in 1879-80, at a cost of about $8,000. It is a plain and substantial two-story brick structure, 50×50 feet in size, with the ****all and county offices on the first floor and the court-room on the second.

The first jail at Paris was built of logs. In about 1886 it was replaced with a two-story stone jail which is still standing.

The county was organized in reconstruction times, and as many citizens were not satisfied with the name, a pressure was afterward brought to bear upon the Legislature, which resulted in the passage of an act approved December 14, 1875, which changed the name from that of Sarber to Logan – the latter name being selected in honor of James Logan, one of the pioneer settlers of this part of the State. The boundary lines of the county remained the same as described in the act of 1873, aforesaid, until an act was passed and approved March 21, 1881, the first section of which reads as follows:

"That the boundary line between the counties of Scott and Logan, in the State of Arkansas, be, and it is hereby changed, and all that portion of Scott County comprised within the following limits, to wit: Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, Township 4 north, Range 26 west; and Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, Township 4 north, Range 27, west; and Section 1, Township 4 north, Range 28 west, be, and the same is hereby detached from the county of Scott, and attached and added to the county of Logan."

No other changes have been made, consequently the territory included within the boundaries described in the act of 1873, together with the sections attached by the act of 1881, constitute the whole area of the county, amounting to 672 square miles.

The following is a list of the names of the county officers of Logan County with dates of their terms of service annexed, from the organization of the county to the year 1890:

Judges.–Nathan Ellington, 1871-72; board of supervisors, 1872-74; Theodore Potts, 1874-78; J. H. Luman, 1878-80; T. C. Humphrey, 1880-82; M. P. Blair, 1882-86; E. B. Casey, 1886-88; C. R. Sadler, 1888-90.

Clerks.–J. A. Shrigley, 1871-72; W. E. Griffith, 1872-74; Thomas Cauthron, 1874-76; C. B. Harley, 1876-78; H. G. Sadler, 1878-86; J. W. Poyner, 1886-88; W. R. Cherry, 1888-90.

Sheriffs.– J. S. Garner, 1871-74; A. S. Cabell, 1874-80; W. C. McCubbin, 1880-82; J. P. Grady, 1882-84; A. S. Cabell, 1884-86; Richard Garner, 1886-88; O. C. Wood, 1888-90.

Treasurers.–D. R. Lee, 1871-72; W. C. McCaslin, 1872-74; Silas Shirley, 1874-78; T. L. Fuller, 1878-86; W. H. Pearson, 1886-88; T. L. Fuller, 1888-90.

Coroners.–Henry Wilson, 1872-74; G. Humphrey, 1874-76; W. H. Fort, 1876-78; – Lowery, 1878-80; P. M. Clark, 1880-82; W. R. Lee, 1882-84; J. L. Moffit, 1884-86; W. A. Heartsill, 1886-88; John Carr, 1888-90.

Surveyors.– W. E. Griffith, 1871-72; L. Wear, 1872-76; H. M. Youegblood, 1876-78; G. R. Brown, 1878-84; G. J. Harvey, 1884-86; J. F. Billingsly, 1886-88; G. R. Brown, 1888-90.

Assessors.–R. B. Chitwood, 1871-74; S. R. Low, 1874-78; F. J. Plunkett, 1878-80; T. R. Low, 1880-82; E. J. Plunkett, 1882-84; H. T. Hampston, 1884-88; E. Schneider, 1888-90.

State Senators.–District composed of Newton, Johnson, Yell and Sarber, Thomas A. Hanks, 1873-74; district composed of Yell and Sarber Counties, J. W. Toomer, 1874-76; district composed of Yell and Logan, B. B. Chism, 1876-80; same district, J. T. Harrison, 1880-84; Theodore F. Potts, 1884-88; Dr. W. A. Clement, 1888-92.

Representatives in Legislature.–District composed of Newton, Johnson, Yell and Sarber Counties, John N. Sarber, P. H. Spears and James A. Shrigley, 1872-73; same district, A. D. King and M. Hixson, 1873-74; the county alone after 1874–Seth Spangler, 1874-76; B. Priddy, 1876-80; J. J. Boles, 1880-82; B. Priddy, 1882-84; M. C. Scott, 1884-86; E. C. Burchett****, 1886-88; H. Stronp, 1888-90.

The county was represented in the Constitutional Convention held July 14 to October 31, 1874, by Ben B. Chism,

delegate.

The political aspect of the county is shown by the following: At the September election in 1888, James P. Eagle, Democratic candidate for governor, received 1,945 votes, and his opponent, C. M. Norwood, candidate of the Union Labor party and combined opposition, received 1,553 votes, the whole number of votes cast being 3,498, and Gov. Eagle's majority being 392. At the presidential election in 1888 the several candidates for the presidency received votes as follows: Cleveland (D.) 1,799, Harrison (R.) 1,034, Streeter (U. L.) 120, Fisk (Pro.) 7–whole number of votes cast, 2,960; Cleveland's majority over all, 638. This shows that a light vote was cast at this election. At the September election in 1890 James P. Eagle, Democratic candidate for re-election to the office of governor, received 2,055, and his opponent, N. B. Fizer, received 1,468 votes – whole number of votes cast, 3,523; Eagle's majority, 587. This shows a gain in the Democratic majority over that of 1888 of 195, while the gain in the whole number of votes cast amounted only to 25.

The following gives the number of the votes cast in each municipal township of the county for the candidates for the office of county judge.

TOWNSHIPS.: Delaware

G. J. Harvey.: 63

W. H. H. Harley.: 72

TOWNSHIPS.: Shoal Creek

G. J. Harvey.: 124

W. H. H. Harley.: 81

TOWNSHIPS.: Cane Creek

G. J. Harvey.: 103

W. H. H. Harley.: 80

TOWNSHIPS.: River

G. J. Harvey.: 107

W. H. H. Harley.: 19

TOWNSHIPS.: Logan

G. J. Harvey.: 67

W. H. H. Harley.: 6****

TOWNSHIPS.: Ellsworth

G. J. Harvey.: 46

W. H. H. Harley.: 87

TOWNSHIPS.: Clark

G. J. Harvey.: 106

W. H. H. Harley.: 92

TOWNSHIPS.: Roseville

G. J. Harvey.: 127

W. H. H. Harley.: 92

TOWNSHIPS.: Bix Mile

G. J. Harvey.: 142

W. H. H. Harley.: 54

TOWNSHIPS.: Washburn

G. J. Harvey.: 98

W. H. H. Harley.: 94

TOWNSHIPS.: Boone

G. J. Harvey.: 328

W. H. H. Harley.: 81

TOWNSHIPS.: Cauthron

G. J. Harvey.: 99

W. H. H. Harley.: 80

TOWNSHIPS.: Sugar Creek

G. J. Harvey.: 108

W. H. H. Harley.: 25

TOWNSHIPS.: Petit Jean

G. J. Harvey.: 120

W. H. H. Harley.: 22

TOWNSHIPS.: Reveille

G. J. Harvey.: 171

W. H. H. Harley.: 161

TOWNSHIPS.: Driggs

G. J. Harvey.: 47

W. H. H. Harley.: 99

TOWNSHIPS.: Mountain

G. J. Harvey.: 47

W. H. H. Harley.: 47

TOWNSHIPS.: Johnson

G. J. Harvey.: 21

W. H. H. Harley.: 57

TOWNSHIPS.: Bear Wallow

G. J. Harvey.: 13

W. H. H. Harley.: 47

TOWNSHIPS.: Short Mountain

G. J. Harvey.: 250

W. H. H. Harley.: 164

TOWNSHIPS.: Totals

G. J. Harvey.: 2,088

W. H. H. Harley.: 1,466

All the other candidates for county officers received nearly the same number of votes in each township. The following persons, all Democrats, were elected to the office mentioned with their names, by majorities indicated by the figures annexed. H. F. Thomason, circuit judge, 455; W. B. Jackson, representative, 431; G. J. Harvey, county judge, 622; C. P. Trimm, circuit clerk, 621; H. Stroup, county clerk, 783; O. C. Wood, sheriff, 605; T. L. Fuller, treasurer, 475; E. Schneider, assessor, 529; J. H. Carmichael, surveyor, 599; J. C. Jewell, coroner, 558. A few townships gave a majority in favor of liquor license, but the whole number of votes cast in the county for such license was 1,385, and the number cast against such license was 1,750, a majority of 365 opposed to the "traffic."

.

Logan county belongs to the Twelfth Judicial District, composed of the counties of Scott, Sebastian, Crawford and Logan. Hon. John S. Little, of Greenwood, in Sebastian County, was elected judge of this district in 1886, his term expiring October 30, 1890. His successor, Judge H. F. Thomason, was elected at the September election, 1890. Prosecuting Attorney J. B. McDonough, of Fort Smith, was elected in September, 1888, his term expiring also October 30, 1890. His successor, Prosecutor O. L. Miles, was elected at the September election, 1890. The Logan Circuit Court convenes on the twelfth Monday after the last Monday in February and August of each year, and the length of term allowed by law is three weeks. From the organization of the county to the fall of 1890, the same individual held the offices of county and circuit court clerk. At the September election, 1890, C. P. Trimm was elected circuit court clerk, and on October 30, 1890, if living, he will open his office, taking from the county clerk's office all records pertaining to and belonging to the circuit court.

The Logan County legal bar consists of the following named attorneys: C. B. Fountain and W. B. Jackson of the firm of Jackson & Fountain, Theo. F. Potts, Anthony Hall, J. H. Wilkins, J. H. Evans, W. H. H. Harley, G. S. Evans, E. Hiner, James Cochran, J. F. Keith, C. P. Trimm (clerk elect), O. L. Miles (prosecutor elect), H. Stroup, T. P. Manning and B. B. Chism, the latter being now the Secretary of State. Several of these men are young "limbs of the law" just entering the profession.

In the prosecution for crimes only one man has suffered the death penalty in Logan County, and that one was James Tucker, colored, who was executed on the gallows in 1884, for the murder of Barker, also colored. In 1878, one Smith, a white man, committed suicide in the jail while under sentence of death for the murder of a young man. The criminal record of Logan County is similar to that of other counties of its size and age. The people are very civil, and good order prevails.

At the beginning of the Civil War of 1861-65 a very strong Union sentiment existed with the people of the territory now comprising Logan County. Men were not so enthusiastic and eager to join the Confederate Army as in many other parts of the State. When the Confederate conscript act was enforced several Union men were forced into the Confederate Army; others fled the country and enlisted in the United States armies at different points, and others, with their families, hid away in the mountains. During the early part of the war, and as long as the territory was wholly within the lines of the Confederate armies, it was overrun by guerrillas and bushwhackers, who preyed upon and severely punished the Union people wherever they could be found. After the Union armies advanced, and the territory fell within their lines, it was overrun, to some extent, by marauding parties, guerrillas and scouts from both sides. Retaliatory measures were resorted to in some instances by Union troops, and the families of those favoring and assisting the "Southern cause," became the sufferers. In this way–this system of guerrilla warfare–much damage was done, untold and indescribable suffering was caused, and lives were sacrificed.

The action known as the Haguewood Fight took place in September, 1863, at a point one-half mile east of the present town of Paris. On this occasion Company H, of the First Arkansas (Federal) Infantry, commanded by Capt. Parker, was escorting a wagon train returning from Dardanelle to Fort Smith, from which place it had previously gone to Dardanelle with a load of supplies for the Federal troops at that port. It was attacked by Joe Shelby with his regiment of Confederate Cavalry. Company H of the First Arkansas was largely composed of men whose homes were in the immediate vicinity of the place where the fight occurred, and a number of them had left the camp of the train and escort to visit their homes, and were absent when the fight occurred. Many of the company engaged in the action had previously been prisoners of war in the hands of the Confederacy, and, knowing the hardships of prison life, they fought with unusual desperation, secreting themselves behind the wagons as best they could. Although fighting against great odds, they held the enemy at bay for nearly two hours, and then were completely routed. Two Federal soldiers, B. F. [p.333] Wilkins, father of Hon. J. H. Wilkins, now of Paris, whose home was only about four miles from the scene of action, and –– Hawkins, were killed; others, together with a few wounded, were captured, and others escaped. Several Confederates were killed and wounded, their number not now being known. The train of wagons, of course, was captured.

A Federal force was stationed at Roseville to guard that post and landing, and on one occasion, in the fall of 1863, the pickets stationed on the Tittsworth farm below the post, were driven in by Confederate scouts and one Union soldier was killed. The scouts then retired. Some time thereafter the post at Roseville was attacked by a force of Confederate cavalry. The latter was repulsed and compelled to retire with considerable loss. It is claimed by persons whose homes have been here since a time before the war, that the territory now embraced within the county, furnished nearly an equal number of soldiers to the contending armies. As soon as the war closed, and the smoke of its clouds cleared away, the soldiers returned from the contending armies, buried the hatchet of warfare, resumed their avocations of life, have lived in peace, and now entertain kind feelings one for the other. There are at this writing four posts of the G. A. R. within the county, one at Paris, one at Corley, one at Booneville, and one at Ellsworth, and by the time this work reaches the reader there will probably be a camp of S. of V. at Ellsworth. The Confederate ex soldiers have an organization at Paris.

The town of Paris had its origin when its site was selected for the seat of justice, in 1874. It has all been built since that date, and it has now a population of about 800. It is situated about five miles south of the Arkansas River, and twelve miles by wagon road from Altus, the nearest station on the Little Rock & Fort Smith Railroad. It has 9 general stores, 4 family groceries, 2 drug and 2 harness stores, 2 furniture and 2 millinery stores, 2 livery stables, 3 blacksmith and wagon shops, 1 meat market, 1 shingle and planing-mill, 1 flouring-mill and cotton-gin, 1 corn-mill and cotton-gin, 3 hotels, 3 church edifices–Methodist, Baptist and Catholic–one school-house–Paris Academy–3 resident ministers, several lawyers, 4 physicians, a lodge each of Masons and K. of P., a post of the G. A. R., an association of ex-Confederate soldiers, 2 weekly newspapers, etc. Paris is connected with Altus and Fort Smith by daily back and mail lines. From four to five thousand bales of cotton are handled here annually. Paris was incorporated February 18, 1879. At this writing its corporate officers are as follows: William M. Greenwood, mayor; C. B. Gray, recorder; T. J. Connelley, Jr., treasurer; Z. P. Pillgreen, marshal. There are five aldermen. The town is out of debt and has some money in the treasury.

The Paris Express, an eight-column folio, published by William M. Greenwood, is now in its eleventh volume. having been established in 1880. The Paris Tribune, a six-column folio, now in its sixth volume, is published by its proprietor, L. B. Gamble, and edited by W. H. H. Harley. Both of these papers are neatly printed and well edited, the former advocating Democratic and the latter Republican principles.

Roseville, an old steamboat landing, and the oldest town in the county, is situated on the Arkansas River, at the ferry on the Altus and Paris mail line road. It contains 2 general stores, 1 drug and 1 grocery store, a grist-mill and cotton-gin, 2 blacksmith shops, and a school-house and church combined. Prior to the Civil War, and up to the completion of the Little Rock & Fort Smith Railroad, Roseville was a place of considerable importance, doing a large amount of business, having the river for its transportation.

Booneville, with a population of about 500, is situated in the southwest part of the county, on the Petit Jean River. It is a good business point, and ships annually from 1,500 to 2,000 bales of cotton. It has 8 general, 4 grocery, 1 drug and 1 millinery store, 1 livery barn, 2 blacksmith shops, a schoolhouse, the Fort Smith District High School, 1 church, 1 grist-mill, planing-mill and cotton-gin combined, the Booneville Enterprise, 5 lawyers and 5 physicians. The Booneville Enterprise was established in 1878, being the first newspaper published in the county, by Moore & Co., who still own it. It was suspended from 1880 to 1884, when its [p.334] publication was renewed. It is edited by J. F. Keith, is a seven-column folio, and labors in the interest of the people and the Democratic party. Booneville is one of the oldest towns in the county.

Magazine, twelve miles southwest of Paris, with a population of about 400, is beautifully situated on a high plateau, just west of the Magazine Mountain, in the center of a fine farming country, and does a large business. It is connected with Paris by telephone and a daily mail line. It has 5 general stores, 2 drug and 1 grocery store, a grist-mill, cotton-gin and woodwork establishment combined, 3 blacksmith shops, 1 school-house, 2 churches (Baptist and Methodist) and 5 physicians. The finest residence in the county, that of Mr. E. D. Hooper, merchant and farmer, is at this place.

Chismville, in the western end of the county, sixteen miles from Paris, has two general and two drug stores, a grist-mill and cotton-gin, a blacksmith shop, school-house, and 3 physicians, and does a a considerable amount of business.

Caulksville, eight miles west of Paris, contains two general and three grocery stores, a grist-mill and cotton-gin, blacksmith shop and a school-house, the latter being used also as a church.

Driggs is a small village consisting of two general stores, a grist-mill and cotton-gin, blacksmith shop, a school-house and two physicians.

National Springs, ten miles west of Paris, is noted for its mineral springs.

Corley (Burnett Springs) on Flattop Mountain, about eight miles southeast of Paris, is a pleasure or summer resort.

Ellsworth, ten miles east of Paris, has one general store, a blacksmith shop, Masonic hall, a grist-mill and cotton-gin and one church-Methodist.

Prairie View, three miles northeast of Ellsworth, contains three general stores, a drug, grocery and milliner store combined, a blacksmith shop, a school-house and Masonic hall and a grist-mill and cotton-gin.

Shoal Creek, situated in the eastern end of the county, has a general store and a grist and saw-mill and cotton-gin.

Morrison's Bluff on the Arkansas River in Range 24 west, is an old steamboat landing. It has two general stores, a drug and grocery store, a grist-mill and cotton-gin, blacksmith shop, school-house and Catholic Church.

Patterson's Bluff is a steamboat landing on the Arkansas River in Range 25 west. It has a general store, a grist-mill and cotton-gin and a school-house.

At each of the forogoing places there is a postoffice in addition to what is mentioned, and the other post-offices of the county are Blaine, Briar Creek, Carolan, Delaware, Dublin, Flat, Golden City, Hobart, Idell, Money, Patsie, Revilee, Spielerville and Sugar Grove. Some of these are hamlets, consisting of the post-office, a store, blacksmith shop, etc.

In regard to the public schools and the working of the free-school system in Logan County, but little more need be said than what was so well said two years ago by the school examiner of the county in his letter to the State superintendent of public instruction accompanying his annual report. The following is a copy of the letter.

"PARIS, ARK., September 20, 1888.

"Hon. W. E. Thompson, State Superintendent,

"DEAR SIR–The figures below are from the reports of directors for the year ending June 30, 1888. The reports are incomplete, nine districts making no annual report and many others only partial ones. The following is as nearly correct as can be made from date so inadequate:

Amount expended for schools $7,964.90

Amount paid teachers $7,741.77

Average wages paid teachers per month, male $38.74

Average wages paid teachers per month, female $34.89

Number of teachers employed, males ln='3'>63

Number of teachers employed, females ln='3'>13

Number of teachers employed*, total ln='3'>78

Number of teachers employed, white ln='3'>70

Number of teachers employed, colored ln='3'>6

Average term of schools, months ln='3'>37

Number of districts ln='3'>86

Number of districts voting tax ln='3'>50

Number of districts voting no tax ln='3'>27

Number of districts not reporting vote on tax ln='3'>9

Average tax voted, mills $0.00486

Number of school-houses ln='3'>93

Value $17,095

Number of private and denominational schools ln='3'>11

Number of children not attending public schools 3,747

"The free-school system is gaining in favor with the people, notwithstanding the loss of the local school fund, more than $10,000, by robbery of the county treasury, which greatly crippled the operation of the schools for the year herein reported.

"Three prominent defects in our school system are: 1. The employment of untrained and incompetent teachers because they are cheap. 2. The shortness of terms. 3. Non-attendance of pupils.

"In regard to the first, there has been decided improvement in the last few years, due largely to the good results of teachers' institutes. If the office of the county examiner were replaced by that of county superintendent the efficiency of the schools could be doubled. ‘As is the teacher so is the school.’ An efficient county superintendency would in a few years develop a corps of trained teachers in every county.

"A second great need is more money. Last year our schools averaged only three and two-thirds months in duration. The State school tax ought to be at least 5 mills, with another 5 mills at the option of the electors. It is cheaper to educate than to punish. Schools are better protection than courts, school-houses better than jails.

"Lastly, of 7,682 persons of school age, but 3,935 were enrolled in the public schools, and of these the average attendance only 1,926. Thus of 100 scholars only fifty-one are enrolled, and the average attendance is but twenty-five; so that the benefits of our free schools reach effectively only one in four of our school population. A reasonable compulsory attendance is no more oppressive than compulsory taxation. If the one is right for property holders, the other is equally right for parents, and so large a proportion of children growing up in ignorance demands it.

"Respectfully submitted, J. S. SHIBLEY,

"County Examiner, Logan. County."

The State superintendent's report for the years of 1889 and 1890 has not been published at this writing, but the writer is informed that an increasing interest is being taken in educational matters. County and district normal institutes have been held and attended by teachers.

There are two chartered schools in the county having a collegiate course of instruction–the Fort Smith District High School, at Booneville, with a building valued at $4,000, and the Paris Academy, at Paris, with buildings valued at $10,000. Both these schools have a good patronage from this and the surrounding counties, and are doing excellent work in the cause of education. Good schools are also maintained for from nine to ten months at Magazine, Ellsworth, Prairie View and other places in the county, and the German Catholics maintain parochial schools at Paris, and at St. Benedict's, seven miles east of Paris.

The various religious denominations have churches within easy reach of every neighborhood in the county. The Methodist Episcopal Church South has five circuits in the county, the Methodist Episcopal Church has two, and the Baptist, Cumberland Presbyterian and Christian Churches have a large organization and regular preaching in all parts of the county. The German Catholics have churches and regular services at Paris, Shoal Creek, Morrison's Bluff, and St. Benedict's.

Sunday-schools are maintained in the churches at the towns and villages and the closely settled neighborhoods. The church organizations are doing good work in the cause of Christianity, the people are generally moral and Christian in character, and no home-seeker need fear that he will not find here both church and school facilities, and a kind and hospitable people to live with. The county has voted "no license" for the last eight years.

A splendid view of the county and surrounding territory is obtained from the top of Short Mountain. Facing northward the beholder first sees the valley of the Arkansas, the winding of the river and villages thereon. Beyond the river in a direction about eighteen degrees west of north, the town of Ozark, county seat of Franklin County, is plainly visible, and in a direction about seven degrees west of north the college and elevated portion of Altus, in the same county is in plain sight. Looking farther to the right, other towns on the Eittle-Rock & Fort Smith Railroad can be seen, and as a background to this picture are the Boston Mountains in the distance. Looking eastward the valley of the Arkansas can be seen for many miles, and in a direction [p.336] about ten degrees south of east, Mount Nebo in Yell County is in plain view. Just to the right of this appear the Blue and Spring Mountain ridges in Logan County. Facing southward the beholder first sees the beautiful valley and its neat little farms at the foot of the mountain, and in a southeast direction, and near by he looks down upon the town of Paris. Just beyond the first valley he sees the extensive Pine Ridge, and from a point due south to southwest he beholds the Petit Jean Mountains beyond the river and valley of the same name. Looking southeastward over and beyond Pine Ridge, Calico to the right and Flattop Mountain to the left, being divided by Short Mountain Creek, are plainly seen. Looking south and east of south over and above the mountains just mentioned, the viewer sees the highest and most magnificent mountain of all–the Magazine–its most elevated point being south about thirty degrees east. To the west the mountains in Sebastian County can be seen, and a little north of west the city of Fort Smith shows its steeples and towers. About fifty degrees west of south Pilot Mountain in Scott County is plainly seen.

The varied scenes are grand, magnificent, awe-inspiring.

"God hath infinite power. And that ye may see In the fold of the flower, The leaf of the tree,

"In the wave of the ocean, The furrow of land, In the mountain of granite, The atom of sand.

"Ye may turn your face From the sky to the sod; And where can ye gaze That ye see not God?"

J. M. Agnew, merchant and postmaster at Roseville, is a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth Agnew, of Walker County, Ga. The parents emigrated to this State in the fall of 1869, and here the father died in the summer of 1871, when our subject was twenty-one years of age. The latter was reared to the arduous duties of the farm, and on account of the breaking out of the war he received a rather limited education. After the death of his father he remained with his mother, working the farm, until twenty-eight years of age, and then bought and located upon a tract of land which he cultivated for two years. He then moved to Roseville and embarked in the grocery business which he still continues. In 1888 he was appointed postmaster at this place, and has since discharged the duties of that office in a creditable and satisfactory manner. Mr. Agnew was born on August 80, 1850, and has been in public life for several years. He has gained for himself a reputation as a solid and reliable tradesman, and one whose energy and enterprise must of necessity materially develop this enterprise. His mother still lives in Clark Township, this county, and although sixty years of age she is strong and hearty. She is the mother of eleven children, eight of whom grew to maturity, and she now resides with her youngest son on the homestead. Mr. Agnew is a member of the A. F. & A. M. lodge at Roseville, and he is also a member of the K. of P. of this place. He has remained single. He is a hard worker, is honest and upright in his dealings with the public, and gets a good share of the trade.

Acknowledgments–The writer and compller of the history of Logan County has received much assistance and valuable information from Judge Theodore Potts and other individuals, the county officers, and the Express and Tribune officers, to all of whom proper acknowledgments are due.

John B. Bailey, liveryman, Booneville, Ark. Among the active enterprises of a city like Booneville the business of liveryman occupies, necessarily, an important place, contributing, as it does, to the pleasure, convenience and actual necessities of the community. Among the most notable establishments of this class in the city is that conducted by Mr. John B. Bailey. Though but recently established, this stable is becoming very popular, and is one of the best in the city. Mr. Bailey was born in Tennessee, May 4, 1847, and is a son of Stephen and Nancy (Jones) Bailey, both natives also of the Big Bend State. The parents were married in Hawkins County of that State, in 1828, and of the eight children born to this union (three sons and five daughters) seven are now living: Louisa Ann [p.337] (wife of Cregg Brown), Sarah (wife of Riley Killday), Jane (wife of William Minard), Orville, James (deceased), Francis and Eales. The father was justice of the peace for a number of years. The parents both died in Tennessee, the father in 1856 and the mother in 1853. Both were members of the Baptist Church. John B. Bailey attained his growth in Greeue County, Tenn., and in 1866 was married to Miss Nannie Murphy, a native of Tennessee, and daughter of James and Jane (Crawford) Murphy, the father a Methodist minister. Her parents are both deceased, the father on February 28, 1879, and the mother in 1889. They were the parents of these children: Mahaley, Kate, William, Elber, Andy, Betty, Ike, George, Becky and Chaplin. To Mr. and Mrs. Bailey have been born an interesting family of six children: Thomas G. (married Miss Minty Gideon, March 17, 1889, and have one child, Gusey), James E., Georgia, Orville, Maggie and Lula M. Mr. Bailey has been a farmer all his life, and is now the owner of 520 acres of land, with 250 acres cultivated. He moved to Booneville in 1890, and in June of the same year he built a livery barn, which business he has since carried on, his main object in moving to town was to educate his children. Politically he is a Republican. He is a member of the Baptist and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

Henry Bangs, planter, Booneville, Ark. For a number of years, or since his residence in this county, the reputation which Mr. Bangs enjoys has been not only that of a substantial and progressive agriculturist, but of an intelligent and thoroughly posted man in all public affairs. He was born in the Old Dominion on January 6, 1828, and is a son of Jacob and Abigail (Lawrence) Bangs, both natives of Virginia. The father was a soldier in the Florida War, in which he was killed by the Indians. The parents were married at Fortress Monroe, and to them were born three children, of whom our subject is the eldest. The other two, Benjamin and Stephen, are both farmers, and are living in this township. The mother died about 1843. Henry Bangs, at the age of thirteen years, joined the Florida troops, and was in service for five years. He came to Arkansas, and was married in what is now Logan County, in 1850, to Miss Sarah Walton, a native of Kentucky. Of the twelve children born to this union–six sons and six daughters–seven are now living, viz.: George, Emily (wife of John Basinger), Levenia (wife of Andrew Smith), Adelia (wife of A. Starns), Elizabeth (wife of S. Suttles), Franklin and Robert. The mother of these children died in the year 1882. She was a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Bangs married his second wife, Mrs. E. C. Barlow, in 1886, she being a widow with five children, viz.: Alonzo, Ida (wife of Joseph Stanfield), Looney (wife of B. Foster), Callie and Asa. Mr. Bangs has 240 acres of good land, has 80 acres of this under oultivation, and raises corn and hogs principally. He is a member of the Christian and his wife a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

J. W. Barnett, farmer and ginner, Magazine Ark. Mr. Barnett's parents, J. W. and Elizabeth (Yearout) Barnett, were natives of Tennessee, in which State their nuptials were celebrated, and there they resided until 1869, when they moved to Arkansas. Their son J. W. Barnett, the subject of this sketch, was born in the Big Bend State also, in 1832, and like the average country boy of that day, his educational advantages were limited. He was partly reared in that State, and when twenty-one years of age he began farming on his own account, that having been his principal occupation up to that time. Agricultural pursuits have since continued to be his chosen calling, and his advanced principles and progressive ideas have

had much to do with the success that has attended his efforts. Aside from this he is the owner of a good gin valued at about $3,000 and in this occupation be has also been quite successful. He entered the army in 1863, and was for the most part in active service until the close of the war. He was captured at Jenkins' Ferry and was kept a prisoner at Tyler, Tex., for ten months. He had his nose shot in two while in service. Mr. Barnett has been twice married, his first union being with Miss Mary Fitzgerald, who bore him two children: Tennessee and John. His second marriage, which occurred in 1867, was to Mrs. Permelia Underwood and to [p.338] this union were born six interesting children, all living and in the enjoyment of the best of health. They are named, Candonia, A****na, Lillie, Wyoma, Edna and Ore. Mr. Barnett is a Republican in his political preferences, and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church.

Isaiah Beck was born in Lumpkin County, Ga., in December, 1846, and is one of the prominent farmers and stock-raisers of Logan County, Ark. He began life for himself at the age of twenty years, and as he had been reared to farm life, it was but natural, perhaps, that he should choose agricultural pursuits as his occupation in life. He has since closely applied himself to this calling, and with what success, may be inferred from a glace at his present place. In 1869 he was wedded to Miss Lucinda C. Fox, daughter of Henry Fox of Logan County, and they are the parents of eight children: Joseph M., Marion J., Charles P., Leona Etter, Benjamin M., Archie G. and John H. and Maggie (twins). Joseph M. (married Josephine Brice, daughter of Martin Brice). Mr. Beck owns 100 acres of land and has 80 acres under cultivation. His land is well adapted to the raising of cotton and grain, and he is also interested in stock-raising. He and Mrs. Beck have been members of the Christian Church for fourteen years, and are substantial supporters of all worthy movements. They are highly esteemed in the community and have many warm friends. Mr. Beck's parents, Jeffery and Sallie (Sism) Beck, were natives of North Carolina. They were married in Walker County, Ga., resided there for a groat many years and reared a family of eight children, our subject being next to the youngest. They are named as follows: Andrew, John W., William J., Sarah E., Carolina, Ira, Isaiah and Adaline. The mother died in Georgia, in 1859, and the father then married the Widow Nicholson. In 1862 he removed to Montgomery County, Ark., and there his death occurred in 1870.

Alexander S. Bennett, a prominent citizen of Roseville Township, was born in Bradley County, Tenn., August 20, 1845, and is the son of Henry K. and Mary A. (McDonough) Bennett, the father a farmer by occupation. Alexander S. was trained to farm labor from an early age and received his education in the common country schools. He remained under the parental roof until sixteen years of age (1861) and then enlisted in Company B, Sixth Georgia Regiment Infantry, and served until the close. He was paroled at Greenville, N. C., after which he returned to his father's home in Georgia, whither the latter had moved in 1857, and there attended school for one year. After this he worked on the farm until 1869, and then came to Arkansas, locating in Roseville Township, which has been his home until the present. On his arrival here he rented land for two years and then clerked in a general merchandise store for James Sewell until 1875. The same year he entered into partnership with C. F. Wood, and they bought out the business of Mr. Sewell, bis former employer. After continuing this business for two years, Mr. Bennett sold out his interest and again engaged as clerk for Mr. Sewell, who had again established himself in business. Here he worked for two years. He then began clerking for S. M. Quinn, of Paris, and became general manager of his general merchandise store at that place, continuing one year. He then returned to Roseville and entered business in the firm name of A. S. Bennett & Co., and thus continued for three years, or until the close of 1882. At that date be sold out, entered the service of C. F. Wood at Caulksville, this county, and acted as general manager in his store for a year. Previous to this, in 1874, he was married to Miss Emma Wood, of Roseville, and they have two children: Mary W. and Joseph D., both of whom are attending the public schools of Roseville. In 1877 Mr. Bennett purchased a tract of land containing 200 acres lying near the village of Roseville, and of this he has 110 acres under a good state of cultivation, three good dwelling-houses on it, substantial outbuildings, etc. On October 1, 1889, he entered the employ of the railroad company as their agent at Roseville as receiving and forwarding agent from this place to Altus, the nearest point on the road. Mr. Bennett and his wife are deeply interested in educational matters, and are determined that their children shall have the best that is to [p.339] be obtained. The daughter has attended the Paris High School, and both the son and daughter are receiving instruction in music. Mr. Bennett has been a member of the school board at Roseville since his first arrival in this county. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Bennett is secretary of the board in this conference. He has also been steward in the church for some time. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Roseville Lodge No. 83, and in politics is Democratic. He is one of the best business men of the place as well as one of the most respected citizens.

W. R. Bevens, groceryman, Booneville, Ark. The grocery trade constitutes a leading feature of the commercial fabric of the town of Booneville, being extensively engaged in, and conducted with ability and success. Prominent among those identified with it is Mr. W. R. Bevens. This gentleman was born in Fulton County, Ark., June 17, 1851, and was one of four children born to Andrew and Mary (James) Bevens, the father a farmor by occupation. The father and mother both died in Missouri, in 1856, on the same day, and of pneumonia. They were buried in the same coffin. Of their four children, only one besides our subject is now living, Hester (wife of James A. Dihel). Those deceased were James and Houston. The maternal grandfather, James S. James, came to Arkansas in 1849, and brought our subject with him, when the latter was but a small boy. W. R. was reared to the arduous duties of the farm, and was married in Jackson County, of this State, in 1873, to Miss Jennie Patrick, who bore him nine children, four now living: Latha, OSCHT M., Boswell M. and Chandler. Those deceased were Hattie, Luther, Archie C., Nellie, and one died unnamed. Mr. Bevens owns forty acres of well-improved land, and is one of the thrifty, enterprising men of the county. In 1888 he engaged in the grocery business, and this he has since followed successfully. He is upright and honorable in his dealings, and has achieved by positive merit a high position.

George W. Biggs, farmer, Paris, Ark. Located in the midst of one of the finest agricultural portions of Logan County, the farm that Mr. Biggs owns and occupies is conceded to be among the best in this vicinity. This is saying not a little, for on every hand may be seen superior places, whose ownership indicates thrift and prosperity. Mr. Biggs inherits his natural ability for agricultural pursuits, for his father before him followed that calling, and is prosperous and progressive. The parents, Preston and Priscilla (Betts) Biggs, were both born in Jefferson County, Tenn., and there they grew to mature years. They were married, however, in Hamilton County, and the fruits of this union were seven children–six sons and a daughter. The parents removed from Tennessee to Logan County, Ark., in 1870, bought land, and there the father tilled the soil. He is still living and engaged in the same pursuit. The mother died on January 22, 1887. George W. Biggs, the eldest of the family, was born in Hamilton County, Tenn., in February, 1848, and when twenty years of age was married to Miss Mary E. Barbee, daughter of Lewis Barbee, of Tennessee. She was born in Jefferson County, Tenn., but reared in Hamilton County, where she remained until 1870, when Mr. Biggs removed to Arkansas. He located on land bought in Logan County, and is the owner of 160 acres with 100 acres under cultivation. His union resulted in the birth of eleven children: Sarah J., Lonisa C., William S., Mary E., Calvin A., Tilden, Martha (died in November, 1887), George W., Ader M., James S. and Benjamin. Sarah married John S. Storts, a farmer, and they have two children, viz.: Arla May and Delmer D. Louisa C. married Thomas Wear, a farmer, and they have an infant son. Mr. Biggs is a member of the Farmers' Alliance, and he and wife are both members of the Baptist Church. He gives liberally of his means to schools, churches and everything pertaining to the general welfare of the community, and is one of Logan County's most highly respected and successful farmers.

M. J. Bowers, postmaster at Paris, Logan County, Ark., and a representative citizen of the same, was born in Johnson County, of this State, in 1853, and of the seven children born to his parents, he was next to the youngest in order of birth. His father, William Bowers, was a native [p.340] of the Old Dominion, and was a farmer by pursuit. He came to Arkansas at an early day, and was married in Newton County, to Mrs. Sabary Barnes, nee Christy, a native of Tennessee, who came to Arkansas in 1835. She was a widow, and the mother of two children by her first marriage, she being a descendant from Cherokee Indians. The family moved to Johnson County, Ark., about 1845, and there the father died when M. J. Bowers was a small child. The latter was reared by an elder sister, after the death of his mother in 1862, who moved to Logan County, Ark., in 1858. He was well educated in the common schools of the county, and in 1874 entered the high school at Magazine, where he remained for three years. Then in connection with farming, he began teaching school and continued at this until 1886. In 1887 and 1888 he was deputy sheriff of the county, and for two years he was half owner and manager of the Paris Serpent, which he made a vigorous Republican paper. On July 25, 1889, he was appointed postmaster at Paris. He was married in 1877, to Miss Ellen S. Anderson, a native of this State and county, and a daughter of Capt. C. P. Anderson, of Magazine. This union resulted in the birth of seven children: Etta, Lillie June, Ezra James and Ellen Edna (twins), Charles Dennis, Freds May and Powell Clayton. Mr. Bowers owns a farm adjoining the town of Paris, in which he resides, and he is one of the county's best citizens. He is a member of the Paul McCobb Lodge No. 65, K. of P.

Henry P. Bowerman, merchant, Booneville, Ark. Among the names which have acquired prominence on the wings of Booneville's prosperity, is that of the subject of this sketch, who is one of the prominent business men. He was born in the Lone Star State, Hunt County, in May, 1850, and was the son of J. P. and Matilda M. (Grady) Bowerman, the father a native of Tennessee and the mother of Marshall County, Ky- The parents were married in Kentucky, in 1842, and the fruits of this union were ten children–six sons and four daughters–the daughters all deceased, two dying in Texas, one in Kentucky, and one in Arkansas. The names of the six sons, in order of birth, areas follows: John J., William H., Henry P., David L., Elijah F. and Peter Lee., all now living. The parents removed from Tennessee to Kentucky at an early day, and from there to Texas, in 1847. In 1866 they moved from the last named State to Sebastian County, Ark., and the father died in Logan County, of that State, in 1886. The mother died in Fannin County, Tex., in 1889. When ighteen years of age Henry P. Bowerman started out for himself as a farmer and blacksmith, and in 1871 was married to Miss Maggie Meek, daughter of John S. and Naomi Meek, of Sebastian County, where our subject and wife were married. To this union were born ten children: Mary E., Sarah T., Elleu S., Alice J., Ida A., William H., James L., Mittie Lee, Bessie Pearl and Amos B., all single and living with their parents. Mr. Bowerman is the owner of residence property in Booneville, worth about $300, and he is now engaged in merchandising in that city, carrying a stock of goods valued at about $1,200. He is also a harness and saddle-maker by trade, and runs this in connection with his store. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Lodge No. 247, and he and wife are both members of the Missionary Baptist Church. He has always been a liberal contributor to schools, churches and all laudable public enterprises.

H. C. Brown, farmer and carpenter, Paris, Ark. Mr. Brown, a man well known and highly esteemed in the community where he makes his home, was originally from Georgia, his birth occurring in that State in 1854. His father, Danason Brown, was born in the Palmetto State, and the mother was born in Georgia. H. C. Brown received his early educational training in his native State, and in 1869 he moved to Mississippi. At the age of twenty-one years he began for himself as a tiller of the soil, and this be continued until 1879, when he removed to Paris, Ark., and there was engaged in the carpenter business. From there he removed to Waldron, Scott County, where he continued the last named occupation for about four years. Returning to Paris in 1885, he remained there until 1889, and was one of the prominent citizens of that community. In 1876 he was married to [p.341] Miss Susan Raybury, by whom he had three children: Viola, John H. H. and Ethel. Mrs. Brown died in 1887, and Mr. Brown was married the second time, in 1889, to Mrs. Martha McVeigh, a native of Georgia, and daughter of B. T. Freeman, who was a native of Georgia. Mr. Freeman was an ex-lieutenant in the Confederate Army, and a member of the Masonic fraternity. He died on February 21, 1873. His wife, Jane (Whitlock) Freeman, was a native of South Carolina. She died on September 30, 1875. Mrs. Brown's first marriage occurred in 1877 to Mr. J. B. McVeigh, a native of Arkansas, by whom she had four children, only one, Addie M., now living. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and he is also a member of the Farmer's Alliance, but has never affiliated with any other secret organization. His father, Danason Brown, with his wife, Mary Brown, are yet living in La Fayette County, Miss., the former a member of the Masonic fraternity, and both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

Rev. William Bunch, a pioneer planter livinging Boone Township, was born in Dickson County, Tenn., on November 14, 1817, and is one of the honored and esteemed citizens. His father, Tarleton Bunch, was a native of Virginia, born in 1783, and he was married in South Carolina to Miss Mary Beaver, a native of South Carolina also born in 1783. Sir children were the fruits of this union, one besides our subject now living: Mary who was born in Perry County, Tenn., April 23, 1820, and who is the wife of James Simons. The father was a farmer by occupation and also carried on the blacksmith's trade. He died in Tennessee on August 26, 1852. He was a member of the Baptist Church for forty years, as was also the mother whose death occurred on September 10, of the same year. William Bunch was principally reared on a farm, and in 1843 he began learning the tan ****er's trade, which he continued to follow until 1857. He was married in Decatur County, Tenn., in 1838, to Miss Jane Mays, a native of Tennessee, and the daughter of Abraham and Rebecca (Rhodes) Mays. Of the ten children born to that union seven are now living: Susan, Nancy J. Mary E., Julian, Martha J., William H. and David H. Those deceased were Louviey J., Tennessee and George A. The mother of these children died November 7, 1862, she was a member of the Baptist Church. On April 30, 1865, Mr. Bunch was married in Hopkins County, Tex., to Miss Mary E. Eledge, a native of Cannon County, Tenn., born in 1838, and the result of this union was five children: Isaac S. J., Catherine P., Lucy A., Joseph E. J. and Eliza (deceased). Mr. Bunch has been a Baptist minister since December 19, 1859. He is a member of the Masonic order, Sugar Creek Lodge No. 205, and is a liberal and willing contributor to all movements of importance. He is the owner of 320 acres of good land, with 183 acres under cultivation. He emigrated from Tennessee to Arkansas in 1857, settled in this county, and here he has resided ever since, respected and esteemed by all. He is now a member of the National Farmers' Alliance at Glendale, Boone Township, Logan County, and, although over seventy-three years of age, is enjoying comparatively good health.

Rev. Sterling Burton, farmer, Chismville, Ark. Mr. Burton owes his nativity to Tennessee, his birth occurring in that State in 1832, and is a son of Squire and Rebecca (Roy) Burton, natives also of that State. The parents moved to Arkansas in 1852, and there passed the remainder of their days. Sterling Burton was reared in Tennessee, and received a rather limited education in the common schools. In 1851 he began farming for himself, and that he has made a success of this occupation is not for a moment to be doubted, when a glance is cast over his fine tract of land. He enlisted at the breaking out of the war, and was in service until peace was declared, at which time he found himself without means to start again. However he was not discouraged, and went to work with renewed vigor, meeting with the success usually following hard and persistent efforts. He was united in marriage to Miss Lillie A. Weaver, a native of Arkansas, in 1866, and to this union were born the following children: Charles, John, Francis A., Rebecca ., Sarah R., Eugene, Price, Robert L. and Ida. Mr. Burton has affiliated with the Democratic party ever since he first commenced [p.342] to vote, and is a strong adherent to the principles of that party. He and Mrs. Burton are members of the Church of Christ.

Dr. W. H. Butler, physician, Paris, Ark. One of the most familiar and welcome faces in the home of the sick and ailing of Logan County is that of Dr. Butler, who administers to the physical wants of his fellow-man, in a highly satisfactory and successful manner, as his many patients, now living, can testify, The Doctor was born in Henderson County, Tenn., in 1829, and was the fourth in a family of eleven children born to Henry and Frances Hopkins (Webb) Butler, the parents natives, respectively, of Tennessee and Virginia. The paternal grandparents were of English-German descent, and the maternal grandparents were natives of the Old Dominion and of English descent. Henry Butler, father of subject, was a farmer, and resided in Tennessee until his death, in 1845. The mother received her final summons in 1871. Her people were among the oldest settlers of Rutherford County, Tenn. Both parents were members of the Primitive Baptist Church. It fell to Dr. Butler's lot to grow up with a farm experience, and his early education was received in the common schools. At the age of twenty-four years he was elected bailiff of his county, and served for five years in that capacity. In 1858 he began merchandising, continued this for one year, and then began the study of medicine, reading with some of the prominent physicians. He began practicing at Camden, Tenn., in 1862, in partnership with Dr. R. B. Travis, continued with him for a year, and then went to Kentucky, thence to Illinois, where he remained until October, 1888, graduated in the the medical department, University of Nashville, in 1869, then went back to Gibson County, and from there to Arkansas, locating in Logan County, at Ellsworth. He bought 180 acres of land, and farmed in connection with his practice; moved to Paris the spring of 1887, and is owner of property near this town. He was married in 1855 to Miss Susan J. Todd, of Tennessee, who died on May 12, 1856. His second marriage was to Miss Amanda A., daughter of Silas Travis, of Tennessee. She died in 1868, leaving three children: Lilly Irene, Flora Jane and Frances Josephine, all deceased. In 1869 Dr. Butler was married to Miss Louisa A. Walker, of Gibson County, Tenn., and twelve children were born to this union, four of whom are living: Sarah T., Susan Diana, Martha Morton and Benjamin C. Eight died in infancy. The family are members of the Primitive Baptist Church, in which the Doctor is an elder. His farm is good valley land, with eighty acres under cultivation, six acres in strawberries, two acres in vineyard, and two acres in apples. He has cleared and improved his place, and now has one of the best homes in the county.

Edmond G. Butler, planter and nurseryman, Paris, Ark. Mr. Butler was born on July 21, 1839, in Tennessee, and is the son of Henry T. and Frances (Webb) Butler, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of North Carolina. The parents were married in Georgia, and to this union were born eleven children–five sons and six daughters–four of whom are now living: Martha (wife of Robert Taylor), Tabitha, William H., and Edmond G., who is the youngest. The father died in Tennessee in 1845, and the mother died in 1871. Both were members of the Baptist Church. Edmond G. Butler was reared in his native State, and in 1864 was united in marriage to Miss Diana Sturdivant, who was also from Tennessee, her birth occurring in that State in 1842. Her parents, Jesse and Elizabeth (Smith) Sturdivant, were natives of North Carolina and Georgia, respectively. The father is now living in Paris, Logan County, Ark., but the mother died a number of years ago. To Mr. and Mrs. Butler were born fourteen children–six sons and eight daughters–seven now living: Johanna (wife of S. R. Rodgers), Alice (wife of J. D. Hays), Francis, Eunice, Donna, Albert and Jesse. Those deceased were Thomas, Joseph, Edmond, Laura, Cleveland, Ruth, and one died in infancy. Mr. Butler was a soldier in the late war, enlisting in Company H, Twenty-seventh Regiment Infantry in 1861, and serving until 1864. He was taken prisoner at the battle of Shiloh, retained in St. Louis for three months, and was then permitted to go home. He never returned to the army. After the war he followed farming until [p.343] 1885, when he embarked in the nursery business. He moved from Tennessee to Arkansas, and in 1872 settled in Lawrence County, where he remained until 1873, at which date he came to Logan County, farming until 1885. He moved to Short Mountain in December, 1886, and continued the nursery business, and has nine and one-half acres in all kinds of fruit. He is the owner of 460 acres of good land, and has 280 acres of this under cultivation. He has been school director six years. Mrs. Butler is a member of the Christian Church.

Hon. Jacob Buttram, farmer, Sugar Grove, Ark. Mr. Buttram is one of the representative men of the county and is thoroughgoing and progressive in his ideas. He was born in Tennessee in 1825, and in 1848 started out to fight life's battles for himself as an agriculturist. The following year he was wedded to Miss Josephine Wilson, a native of Tennessee, born in 1826, and the daughter of George Wilson. The same year of his marriage Mr. Buttram removed to Scott County (now Logan) and bought eighty acres of land, to which he has since added until he now has 820 acres, 140 acres of which are under cultivation. Upon this he has erected six houses, dug wells, planted several orchards and made many and vast improvements. To his marriage have been born eight children, only one of whom is now living: Margaret (wife of James Henderson). In 1863 Mr. Buttram was elected representative of Scott County, which office he held until the close of the war. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Sugar Creek Lodge No. 205. He was made a Master Mason in Booneville Lodge in 1859, and was one of the charter members of Sugar Creek Lodge in 1868, being worshipful master of the same for twelve years. In 1878 Mrs. Buttram's death occurred. She was a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. In 1879 Mr. Buttram took for his second wife Mrs. Emma R. (Barnett) Logan, who was born in Alabama in 1842, and who is the daughter of Thomas and Nancy Barnett. Her first husband was James Logan, Jr., and by him she had one child, a daughter, J. E. Logan, who was born in 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Buttram were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. About 1868 Mr. Buttram erected a gin run by horsepower, but this was afterward changed to a steam gin, which he conducted until 1878. He secured the first post-office in Petit Jean Township, and was appointed the first postmaster, which office he held for about six years. This office took its name from the fine grove of sugar maple trees in the yard of Mr. Buttram. This gentleman has always been a liberal contributor to all public enterprises, was instrumental in building two churches, schools, halls and other public buildings. In order to secure a trading point in the valley of Petit Jean, Mr. Buttram gave forty acres, in the year 1884, for the purpose of laying off a town, the nearest point at which goods of any kind could be bought being at Magazine, eight miles distant. Four stores now supply the wants of the people in the vicinity of Sugar Grove, as the little town is now called. Mr. Buttram has been steward in the Methodist Episcopal Church South for thirty years, and is a man well and favorably known all over the county. His parents, Noah and Ann (Huffaker) Buttram, were both natives of Kentucky, in which State they were married, and the father was a successful tiller of the soil.

C. A. Callan, farmer and postmaster, Delaware, Ark. Mr. Callan, who is classed among the successful and enterprising citizens of Logan County, owes his nativity to Alabama, born in in 1845, and is the son of George A. and Matilda (Davis) Callan. Our subject started out to fight life's battles for himself in 1867, and in that year, was married to Miss Elvira Johnson, a native of North Carolina, born in 1843, and the daughter of Robert A. and Nelvina Johnson. To Mr. and Mrs. Callan were born seven interesting children, viz.: Cicero A., Engene, Matilda, Venia, Sarah, Caley and Albert. The mother of these children died in 1886. In 1869 Mr. Callan bought forty acres of land and afterward added, at one time sixty-five acres and at another twenty acres of railroad land, improving the whole tract by clearing fifty acres and fencing. His buildings are all of a first-class order, and he has about six acres in orchard. He has also erected a good house, barn, etc., for his tenants. His land will yield two-thirds [p.344] to three-fourths of a bale of cotton, or thirty-five to fifty bushels of corn to the acre. Mr. Callan was appointed postmaster in 1873, and he has continued to discharge the duties incumbent on this office over since. Under his management the business has increased to over four times what it was when Mr. Callan first took charge of the office, receiving now, at each mail, about forty pounds. During the late struggle between the North and South, his smpathies were with the Confederate Cause and he enlisted in Company D, Col. Hill's regiment Cavalry, serving from 1863 until the close of the war. He was in the battle of Mark's Mill, Poison Springs, and many minor engagements. During 1878 and 1870 Mr. Callan served as constable, and filled that position in a very satisfactory manner. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. In November, 1889, Mr. Callan was married to Miss Annie McAllister, a native of Arkansas, born in 1865, and daughter of Larkin L. and Ninerva McAllister. She is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church.

Dr. T. S. Cope, merchant, Driggs, Ark. Dr. T. S. Cope has been a resident of Logan County, Ark., since 1880, and not only enjoys an excellent reputation as a business man, but is held in high esteem as a citizen. He is straightforward and upright in all his dealings, and his motto is "Honorable representations and fair treatment to all." Dr. Cope owes his nativity to Franklin County, Tenn., born in 1844, and his parents, John and Jane (Sargent) Cope, were natives of Kentucky, where they were reared. They moved from the Blue-Grass regions of Kentucky to Tennessee, resided there for a number of years, and then removed to Montgomery County, Mo.,in 1849. There the father's death occurred in 1852 and the mother's in 1883. Dr. T. S. Cope chose Miss S. A. Burnett, daughter of John Burnett, a farmer of this county, as his life companion and they were married in 1879. One child, T. A. Cope, was born to this union. In 1880 they removed from Osage County, Mo., to Logan County, Ark., and here Dr. Cope engaged in the practice of medicine, continuing the same up to 1889, when he abandoned his practice to engage in merchandising. He has a good stock of dry goods and groceries, also clothing, and is postmaster, the post-office being in his store. He handles a $5,000 stock, and is doing a good business. Aside from this he is the owner of forty acres of land with good buildings, etc., and besides his store building and residence he is the owner of three lots in Driggs and property in Burnett Springs, the summer resort on the top of Flattop Mountain. He is the only one of his family now in Arkansas, as his brothers and sisters are all in Missouri. Dr. Cope is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and he and wife are members of the Free-Will Baptist Church. The Doctor is a liberal contributor to schools, churches, and in fact all worthy movements.

S. T. Carolan, planter and merchant, Carolan, Ark. This prominent and enterprising citizen was originally from Alabama, his birth occurring in Lawrence County on January 19, 1852, and is a son of W. P. and Hannah A. (Sealey) Carolan, natives of South Carolina, the father born on March 18, 1800, and the mother in 1807. Of their large family, eleven only lived to be grown: William B., J. H. T., S. T., and the following are now deceased: Phillip, J. H., Elizabeth, Sarah, J. W., Thomas P., Hannah S. and Robert. The father moved from the Palmetto State to Alabama, and from there to Arkansas in 1854, settling in what is now Little River County. He was sheriff of Morgan County, Ala., one term. His death occurred in this county in 1875, and both he and wife were members of the Primitive Baptist Church. She died in 1877. S. T. Carolan passed the principal part of his youthful days on the farm, and was married in this county in 1874 to Miss Alice Edwards, a native of Mississippi born on September 24, 1852, and the daughter of Lewis Edwards. Her parents both died in Alabama. To Mr. and Mrs. Carolan were born four children– three sons and one daughter–Walter E., John W., Samuel E. and Mamie. Mr. Carolan owns 730 acres of good land, and has 300 acres under cultivation, his principal crops being corn and cotton. In 1878 he built a steam cotton-gin, and in 1889 he built.a new gin and corn-mill, in which he has put new machinery. The capacity of this gin is [p.345] eight bales per day. He also has a half interest in a cotton, saw and corn-mill combined with a Mr. Oliver, of this county. In 1877 Mr. Carolan embarked in the mercantile business at Carolan, and carries a stock of goods valued at about $4,000. He was appointed postmaster in 1878. Mrs. Carolan is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church.

J. C. Catner, farmer and merchant, Chismville, Ark. Owing to the fertility of the soil in Logan County, Ark., and by energy, industry and economy Mr. Catner has become one of the wealthy citizens of the county. He was born in Hot Springs County, Ark., on April 22, 1846, and is the son of Morrison and Malinda (McCoal) Catner, natives of Illinois. The parents were married in Hot Springs County, and to their union were born eight children–six sons and two daughters–who are named in the order of their birth as follows: William, Joseph, Morrison, J. C., Malinda, Grant, and the other two died in infancy. The parents removed from Hot Springs to Logan County, Ark., in 1848, and there they reside at the present time. Of the above-mentioned children J. C. Catner is the sldest now living. In 1864 he enlisted in the United States Army, Company I, Second Arkansas Cavalry as a private, and served until peace was declared. He then returned to his home in Logan County, engaged in tilling the soil, and was married in 1868 to Miss M. E. Stanley, daughter of G. W. C. and Adaline (Hudson) Stanley. Their eight children are named as follows: Georgian, Antonia, Mary, Sallie B. and Sydney B. (twins), James, Maret and Maset (twins). Georgian married V. L. Estes, a merchant of Greenwood, Sebastian County. Mr. Catner is the owner of 1,300 acres of land in Logan County, and has about 400 acres under cultivation. He has also been occupied in merchandising at Chismville, where he has a stock of general merchandise worth $6,000, and he has a store at Greenwood. He does an annual business of about $30,000 at the first mentioned place, and he is also doing an immense business at Greenwood. He is one of Logan County's most successful business men and highly respected citizens. He is one among the heaviest dealers in the county. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He lost his wife in January, 1884, and in 1880 was married to Miss Laura Baker, daughter of James Baker.

Benjamin H. Caulk, farmer, Caulksville, Ark. In all communities and in every condition of life there are those who succeed in whatever they undertake, whether of a professional, agricultural or commercial nature, and among this class is Mr. Caulk, who is one of the progressive and substantial farmers of the county. He is the owner of 190 acres of land, and has 100 acres under cultivation, all the result of his own industry and perseverance. He is a native of this county, born in 1833, and is the son of George and Nancy (Fort) Caulk, probably natives of Missouri. They moved from New Madrid, Mo., to what is now called Logan County, Ark., at a very early period and before the State was admitted into the Union. In 1834 they removed from Arkansas to Mississippi, and there the father died two years later. After this his widow returned to Logan County, Ark., with her children (1838), and there received her final summons in 1848. Of the seven children born to his parents–four sons and three daughters–Benjamin H. was the youngest in order of birth. He was married in September, 1859, to Miss Martha Davis, daughter of Ned Davis, and one child, a boy named George, was the only issue of this union. Mrs. Caulk died in January, 1861. The following year Mr. Caulk enlisted in the Confederate Army in Capt. Titteworth's company, under Maj. Gibson, and was in active duty west of the Mississippi. The principal battles in which he took an active part were Poison Springs and the Mark's Mill fight. He surrendered with Col. Bryant near old Fort Wichita in the Chickasaw Nation, after which he returned to his home in Logan County, resumed farming, and this has been his principal occupation since. He was married, the second time, in 1870, to Miss Nancy A. Ledgewood, daughter of Lansom Ledgewood, and to them have been born seven children–four daughters and three sons: Minnie Lee, Martha L., Robert, Hattie, Adaline, Archie and one child died in infancy. Minnie married Irk Riley in 1888, and they are now residing in Logan County, [p.346] where Mr. Riley is ongaged in tilling the soil. George, the son by the first wife, married Miss Louisa Carpenter, daughter of Owen Carpenter, and they have three children. He is also engaged in tilling the soil. Robert Caulks, brother of the subject, founded the town of Caulkaville, and was the first to begin work in the place. The Caulks family being the oldest settlers in the county, the town was named for them. Our subject being roared in Logan County during its pioneer days, his educational facilities were not of the best, but this he has improved very materially by study and observation. In educational and all other worthy movements he takes great interest. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M.

Thomas Cauthron, planter and ginner, Booneville, Ark, Mr. Cauthron is possessed of those advanced ideas and progressive principles which seem to be among the chief characteristics of those of Arkansas nativity. He was born in what is now Logan County, October, 16, 1836, was taught the duties of farm life in boyhood, and was married in 1855 to Miss Nancy Anderson, a native of Arkansas, born in 1838, and the daughter of Pinkney Anderson, a pioneer settler of this State. Five children were born to this marriage: Charles C. Walter P., Edward, Thomas R., and Nancy H. (who is now the wife of R. E. Rorie, of cKinzie, Tenn.). Mrs. Cauthron died in 1864, and was a member of the Christian Church. In 1867 Mr.

Cauthron was married to Mrs. N. J. Cornelius, widow of Austin Cornelius, who bore him five children, four now living: John E. (deceased), Robert M., Eleanor S., Samuel S. and Joannah. During the late unpleasantness between the North and South, or in 1863, he enlisted in Company B, Second Arkansas Regiment, Infantry, and served in the Union Army until the termination of hostilities. In February, 1864, at an election held in his regiment, and also in a number of precincts in his county (Scott), he was elected to represent that county in the Legislature, and served under what was known as the Murphy Government. After returning home he resumed agricultural pursuits, which has been his occupation ever since. In 1873 he was appointed by Gov. Baxter, president of the Board of Registrars of Sarber (now Logan) County, and in 1874 he was elected clerk of the circuit court of Sarber County, which office he filled for two years. At the end of this term he declined to become a candidate for re-election, and returned to his farm. He built a steam cotton-gin and corn-mill combined, the capacity of the gin being eight bales per day. His fine farm, consisting of 300 acres, with seventy-five under cultivation, is kept in the best of condition, and everything about the place indicates to the beholder that an experienced hand has been at the helm, figuratively speaking. Mrs. Cauthron received her final summons in 1888. She was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of which our subject is also a member, he being an elder in the same. He is a Mason, and a member of Blocker Lodge No. 247, of Booneville. His father. Col. Walter Cauthron, was a native of Georgia, born in 1797, and was a farmer by occupation. He was married in Red River County, Tex., in 1822, to Miss Bushiba Wilson, a native of Tennessee, born in 1803. They became the parents of nine children–five sons and four daughters–five of whom are now living: C. W., Charles, Thomas, Parthenia (widow of Rev. Mr. Burns of Hood County, Tex.), and Lueindia (wife of Maj. M. T. Tatum, of Greenwood, Ark). The father emigrated from Illinois to Arkansas in 1821, and settled on Walnut Prairie, Sevier County, Ark. While a resident of Scott County, Ark., he was county and probate judge, in 1852. He died in Logan County, Ark., in 1877, and was a member of the Christian Church, of which his wife was also a member. She died in 1849.

A. M. Chitwood, farmer and miller, Prairie View, Ark. Mr. Chitwood is still another of the many prominent citizens of Logan County, Ark., who owe their nativity to Tennessee, his birth occurring in 1844, and is the son of Russell B. and Sarah (Moore) Chitwood, both natives also of the Big Bend State. The parents moved to Arkansas about 1851, entered eighty acres of land, erected a house and other necessary buildings, and here the father was engaged in tilling the soil for some time. He then sold out and started a tan yard, which he conducted for about six years. A. M. [p.347] Chitwood began working for himself in the fall of 1861, and made his first purchase of land in 1872. This he soon sold, and in 1877 he purchased eighty acres of railroad land, upon which he cleared about fifty acres, built a double house and other buildings, and set out orchards, etc. In 1886 he exchanged his land for a gin and grist-mill, which he ran for two years, when he sold it and purchased land, 106 acres at Prairie View, where he now resides. He also purchased one-half interest in a saw-mill, which he ran one year, and then after selling that mill, purchased the mill he now owns near Blaine Post-office. In 1890 he purchased eighty acres of timberland, where his mill is located. The mill is equipped with a 30-horse power boiler and a 25-horse power engine, and is estimated to cut 10,000 feet of lumber per day. Mr. Chitwood has mproved his home place by erecting good substantial buildings, and by making many other important changes. He raises from thirty to thirty-five bushels of corn, or one-half a bale of cotton to the acre each year. In 1863 Mr. Chitwood was married to Miss Mary A. Tompkins, a native of Tennessee, and the daughter of Carroll Tompkins. To them were born three children, who are named as follows: Russell B. and Dors Isabel (twins) and Mary Luetta. Mrs. Chitwood died on January 13, 1874. Mr. Chit. wood was justice of the peace and constable of Ellsworth Township for six or eight years. In July, 1879, he was married to Mrs. Emily L. Griffins nee Wilkur, a native of Arkansas, and the daughter of B. T. Wilkur. Seven children were born to this marriage: Cora L., Arthur, John A., Berry B., Sarah M., Wilbur N., and one unnamed. In addition to his other enterprises, Mr. Chitwood is the owner of a shingle machine, which has an estimated capacity of 18,000 per day.

John G. Chitwood, postmaster, Prairie View, Ark. In including in this work the sketches of prominent business men of Logan County, none are more deserving of recognition than that of John G. Chitwood. He was born in Hamilton County, Tenn., in 1846, and his parents, B. B. and Sarah (Moore) Chitwood, were natives of the same State. In 1851 the parents moved to Logan County, Ark., and there the father's death occurred in 1879. The mother is still living, is seventy-one years of age, and makes her home with our subject at Prairie View, Ark. John G. Chitwood was reared in his native county, and received his education in the common schools. He started out for himself as a school teacher in 1865, and this was his principal occupation for many years. In 1875 he was married to Miss Mattie J. Bennett, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Hirchs) Bennett, and to this union were born the following children: Do Se, Zena, Russell G., Mary A., Utha, and Luna (who is deceased). Mr. Chitwood is a stanch Republican in his political views, and Mrs. Chitwood is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which she has been a worthy member for many years. Four of the children are also members of the same church. Mr. Chitwood is a thoroughgoing business man, and with the correct business principles and efficiency with which this business is conducted, it can not fail to contribute largely to the convenience of a community, and to its own established prosperity.

J. A. Corley, a prominent planter of Johnson Township, is a native of North Carolina, born on October 11, 1839, and is a son of James and Martha (Williams) Corley, natives also of North Carolina. The father was a farmer by occupation, and was married in his native State. Of the nine children born to this union, the following grew to maturity: J. A., William Y., James P., John E., George T., Pauline E. (wife of James R. Lee), and Susan F. Mobeley (wife of A. Mobeley). The father emigrated from North Carolina to Mississippi, and thence in 1856 to Arkansas, settling in Logan County, where he bought and improved a tract of land. He was a soldier in the late war, was a member of the Baptist Church, and died in Fort Smith in 1864. His widow died in 1868. She was a member of the same church. J. A. Corley was married in Logan County, Ark., on December, 28, 1865, to Mrs. Mary A. Moore, a native of Arkansas, born on July 15, 1843, and five children are the fruits of this union: Lucy E., Lucinda C. (wife of L. C. Rodgers), John L., E. P. and Vestile A. On March 10, 1863, Mr. Corley enlisted in [p.348] the First Arkansas Infantry, Company H, and served until the close of the war. Afterward he returned to his home, began tilling the soil, and this he has continued successfully ever since. He is the owner of 120 acres of good land, and has 60 acres under cultivation, his principal crops being corn, cotton, wheat and oats. He has a good frame house and barm, and everything about his place indicates a thrifty owner. Mrs. Corley's parents, John and Martha C. Johnson, were born in North Carolins and Tennessee, respectively. They were married in the last named State, and to them were born eleven children, nine of whom are now living: Lucy A. (deceased), Henry C. (deceased), Martha J., Malinda, Armitta, Greene L., Angeline A., Clarissa, Arminta, Wadie E. and Samuel J. Mr. Moore emigrated from Tennessee to Arkansas at an early day, settled in this county, and there followed farming. He received his final summons on January 1,

1862, and the mother in May, 1874. (There is something wrong with this sketch, but the publishers are not to blame, as the subject who tried to correct the sketch failed to clear up the discrepencies).

J. P. Corley, ginner, miller and farmer, Paris, La. Mr. Corley, one of the substantial citizens of the county, whose name is almost too well known to need any comment, was born in Mississippi, on October 14, 1846. His parents, James and Martha (Williams) Corley, were natives, respectively, of Alabama and North Carolina. The father was a farmer by occupation, and was engaged in this pursuit in Mississippi until 1858, when he came to Arkansas, settling in Logan County. He died in 1863-4, while a soldier in the army. The mother is also deceased. Both were members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Of their children, eight in number, six are now living: J. P., Jesse A., W. Y., John E., Susan F. (wife of L. Mobeley), Pauline E. (wife of J. R. Lee), G. T., Leroy F. (deceased), and Mary E. J. P. Corley attained his growth principally in Arkansas, receiving his education in that State, and was married in Logan County, Ark., in the year 1868, to Miss Mary F. Cunningham, a native of Mississippi, born in 1849. Seven children have been born to that union, six now living: James W., M. E. (wife of Frank Lee), Henry E., Emma, Lena A. (deceased), Rufus A. and Winford A. The mother of these children died in 1882. She was a member of the Baptist Chuch, and an estimable lady. Mr. Corley built a steam cotton-gin in 1889, with a capacity of eight bales per day, and he is the owner of seventy-seven acres of land with fifty acres under cultivation. His principal crops are corn and cotton, and last year he ginned 180 bales of the last named article. In 1882 he built a nice frame house, has a good barn and has a fine fruit orchard consisting of 100 apple and 50 peach trees, also fifty grapevines. He is a member of the Primitive Baptist Church, and donates liberally to all public enterprises of a laudable nature.

J. H. Council, farmer, Ellsworth, Ark. No worthy reference to the affairs of this county would be complete without mention of Mr. Council, who, among others, is engaged in tilling the soil. His parents, Howard and Luciuda (Gallaberd) Council, were both natives of Tennessee, and of the five children born to their union, two besides our subject are now living: Howard, residing in Sebastian County, Ark., and Benjamin S., of Logan County. J. H. Council was taught the duties of farm life when but a boy, and when twenty years of age he started out for himself as a farmer, continuing in that occupation until coming to Arkansas. He was married in 1846 to Miss Elizabeth Rogers, a native of Tennessee, born in 1832, and the daughter of James and Elizabeth Rogers. The fruits of this union have been ten children, seven now living: Howard, Cleopatra (wife of J. E. Bennett), Candacy (wife of Frank Selph), Charley, Virginia (wife of George Deen), Rufus and Ida. Mr. Council came to Arkansas in 1850, located in Clarksville, Johnson County, where he remained until 1852, and then removed to what is now Logan County, where he entered 160 acres of land. He cleared eighty acres, built a good house, stable, dug wells, and set out a good orchard. To the original tract he has since added forty acres. His land is unusually productive, and he raises corn, wheat, oats and some cotton. In 1862 he enlisted in the Confederate service, Company B., Sixteenth Arkansas [p.349] Infantry, and afterward, at the reorganization of the army, after the battle of Corinth, he was transferred to the cavalry service. He was engaged in the battle of Elk Horn, Corinth, and in the Price raid through Missouri, during which time he was captured and sent to Rock Island, Ill., where he was retained about five months. He was then sent to Richmond for exchange a short time previous to the evacuation of that city. He was wounded in the leg at Corinth. Mr. Council is a member of Pleasant Mound Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of which he has been treasurer for several terms. Mr. Council lost his wife in 1882. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church. In 1884 Mr. Council married Miss Elizabeth Self, a native of Tennessee, born in 1826, and who has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church the greater portion of her life. Mr. Council is a member of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is elder, and he is a gentleman highly esteemed by all.

B. F. Cowley, farmer and ginner, Booneville, Ark. Mr. Cowley was originally from Alabama, his birth occurring in 1885, and he is the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Renegar) Cowley, both natives of Tennessee, where they were married about 1831. Of the five children born to this union, two besides our subject are living: David M. and Margaret (wife of J. R. McLemore). Those deceased were Mary H. and James. When twenty-three years of age B. F. Cowley started out to fight life's battles for himself as an agriculturist. He was married at that age to Miss Margaret Boshart, a native of Alabama, born in 1837, and the daughter of L. D. C. C. and Margaret (Barton) Boshart. To this union seven children were born, all of whom are living: Maud, Caledonia E. (wife of David Tiffin), David H, Robert G., Mary (wife of John Swint), George and Charley. Mr. Cowley followed tilling the soil in Alabama until 1881, when he came to Arkansas and settled first near Ozark, Franklin County, where he remained two years. In 1883 he came to Logan County, purchased 450 acres of land, on which he has since made many and vast improvements. In 1885 Mr. Cowley erected a steam gin, seventy saw stand, with an average capacity of six bales per day. His principal crops are corn and cotton. Iron of a good quality has been found on his farm, but no attempt has been made to develop the mine. Mr. Cowley is thorough in all that he does, and is a man of sound judgment and progressive ideas.

George L. Craven, miller and ginner, Blaine, Ark. This prominent and very successful miller and ginner was originally from Georgia, in which State his parents, W. M. and Sarah (Dobbins) Craven, were also born, His birth occurred in 1857, and when eleven years of age he removed with his parents to Texas, they being at the present time residents of that State. In 1877 George L. came to Arkansas and engaged in the saw-mill business (without friends or money), which he continued for three years, when he purchased a third interest in a saw-mill in Yell County. In 1880 Mr. Craven was married to Miss Caledonia McAllister, a native of Yell County, Ark., born in 1858, and the daughter of L. T. McAllister. To this union have been born three children: Luella May (born in 1880), Claude Eugene (born in 1882), and Ruby Ruth (born in 1885). In 1884, together with his partner, Mr. J. W. Blevins, Mr. Craven came to Logan County and erected a saw-mill, planer and shingle-mill at Wild Cat Hollow, where they remained about two years. They then removed to Delaware Township and remained there also two years. In 1889 they removed to Blaine, in Shoal Creek Township and taking another partner, Mr. H. S. Cline, they added new machinery and divided their establishment, placing a saw-mill one and one-half miles south of Blaine Post-office. To their planing-mill, they have added a gin and steam press and another planer, re-saw and corn-mill, and have connected the two establishments by a tram road one and one-half miles long, upon which they run an engine of their own construction. The capacity of their saw-mill is 25,000 feet per day, and is run by a sixty-horse power engine, having gang edgers, etc. The capacity of their flooring planer is about 0,000 feet per day, and their surfacing planer about 20,000 to 30,000 per day. The capacity of the shingle machine is 18,000 per day, the capacity of the corn-mill is 120 bushels, and the gin 12 bales per day (using direct steam press), and 40-horse [p.350] power engine, and employ when running full force, about 20 men. This company has about 2,500 to 3,000 acres of timberland contracted for upon which there is timber to keep them supplied for four years or more. Mr. Craven and his partner, Mr. Blevins, are members of Bright Star Lodge No. 213, A. F. & A. M., at Dardanelle. Both are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

J. L. Cravens, farmer and justice of the peace, of Shoal Creek Township, is a man esteemed and respected by all acquainted with him. He was born in Arkansas, in 1829, and is the son of Jesse L. and Martha (Logan) Cravens [see sketch of parents elsewhere in this work]. Of the ten children born to this union, seven are now living, and our subject is fourth in order of birth: William, Mrs. Sallie K. Jamison, Mrs. Margaret Johnson, Jerry, Nehemiah and Jesse. During his boyhood J. L. Craveus' educational advantages were limited, as the county was very thinly settled, and neighbors were few and far between. There were only a few subscription schools at that time, and no church buildings at all, preaching being held in private houses or in the wood. When about fourteen years of age he was left an orphan, and he began doing for himself. At the age of twenty-one years he went to California, engaged in mining, and there remained about three years. He then returned, and began farming on the land owned jointly by himself and brother. After the death of the latter he purchased his brother's half (80 acres), cleared and improved it, and later sold about 94 acres of the entire estate. Later he bought 100 acres, then 80 acres, and afteward sold 120 acres, having now 165 acres. These tracts he improved, by building a house, stables, digging wells, setting out orchard, and clearing about 20 acres. Mr. Cravens was married in 1854, to Miss Emily A. Tobin, who bore him five children, only two of whom are now living: Cornelius R. and Jesse J. Mrs. Cravens died in 1864, in full communion with the Methodist Church. In 1861 Mr. Cravens enlisted in the Confederate Army, as captain of the militia, and in 1862 joined the regular service, Gordon's regiment, and served until the close of the war. He then resumed farming, beginning anew, as everything had been lost during the war except his land, and this has continued to be his chosen calling since. He was married, the second time, in 1866, to Miss Elizabeth F. Corban, a native of Tennessee, born in 1842, and the daughter of Wilkins and Elizabeth (Coffee) Corban. Eight children were the fruits of this union, five now living, and named as follows: Alice L., Sampson, Homer B., Nehemiah and Edith C. Mr. Cravens has served about twenty years as justice of the peace, and has discharged the duties incumbent upon that office in a very satisfactory manner, as may be inferred from the length of time he has held the position. He is a Mason, a member of Elizabeth Lodge No. 215. He and Mrs. Cravens are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, of which he is class leader, and has been superintendent of the Sunday-school.

W. L. Cravens, merchant and planter, Patterson's Bluff, Ark. Mr. Cravens, one of the pioneer settlers of Logan County, Ark., was born in Wayne County, Mo., May 4, 1826, and of the four children born to his parents only two are now living, and he is the elder. His brother, J. E., is now residing at Clarksville. The parents, Nemehial and Sophia (Thompson) Cravens, were natives of Christian County, Ky., the father born in 1803, and the mother in 1810. They were married in Wayne County, Mo., and there, in connection with farming, the father carried on his trade of blacksmith until 1831. He then settled in what is now Logan County, Ark., and took quite an active part in polities. He is still a resident of this county, resides five miles east of his son, W. L., and, although in his eighty-seventh year, is still active for a man of his years. The mother was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and died in 1862. W. L. Cravens received a common business education in the country schools, and was taught the duties of the farm when a boy. On May 30, 1847,