Digital Commons Network^™

Henry Ivens Stone, Local Inventor, Lisa K. Speer

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Henry Ivens Stone was born October 30, 1866, in Clark County, Arkansas to William Clark "W.C." and Mary Ann (Smith) Stone. Stone's mother, Mary Ann, was the daughter of Dr. Willis and Margaret Janes Smith. Stone married Sara L. "Sallie" Turbeville on May 14, 1887, in Nevada County. Henry and Sallie lived in Whelen Springs, and were the parents of three children--Willie Mae, Warner "Cap," and Henry Jr., who died before his first birthday. Henry Ivens Stone died from pneumonia on November 20, 1900. Frederick Vallowe, the great grandson of Stone, donated the original patent, transcribed below, to the Archives …

Habicht-Cohn-Crow House One Of The Oldest In Town, Wendy Bradley Richter

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One of Arkadelphia’s oldest homes sits at the corner of Eighth and Pine streets. Known as the Habicht-Cohn-Crow House, the building was constructed in 1870 for Captain Anthony E. Habicht, who came to the South during Reconstruction. Local legend says that Habicht patterned the house after one he had seen in Natchez, Mississippi, and its design was heavily influenced by the Greek Revival style.

History Of Library Cannon, Wendy Bradley Richter

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Today, relatively few Arkadelphians know the history behind the cannon that sits on the lawn of the Clark County Library on Caddo Street.

Manufactured by the Confederate Army at the foundry/arsenal here in Arkadelphia in the early 1860s, it never fired a shot at an opposing army. Interestingly, the weapon also served as a hitching post after the war, before being place on the library grounds.

Cates Remembered As Early Pioneer, Wendy Bradley Richter

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Few people were privileged to witness the spread of settlement into the virtually untouched wilderness of Arkansas following the arrival of European explorers. Even by the time of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, only two places in what is now Arkansas could truly be called settlements, and both were near the Mississippi River.

1918: Bone-Chilling Temperatures Freeze River, Wendy Bradley Richter

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With recent frigid temperatures in the area, it is difficult to imagine that the harsh cold weather does not come close to that which visited Arkadelphia 100 years ago.

Flanagin Law Office Constructed Prior To Civil War, Wendy Bradley Richter

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Today, many visitors to the downtown Arkadelphia vicinity may not realize the historical significance of one of the buildings across the street from the Clark County Court House.

The structure known to some as the "Flanagin Law Office" was constructed prior to the Civil War and served as an office for a number of different attorneys, including Arkansas Governor Harris Flanagin of Arkadelphia. Flanagin became governor in 1862 and held the office during some of the most tumultuous year in American history.

The Early Arkadelphia Post Office, Wendy Bradley Richter

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At this time of year, many people begin to make preparations to send or receive packages by mail during the holiday season.

Today, practically all homes and businesses receive some sort of communication each day the United State Postal Service operates. But, many don't stop to think about the improvements that have take place in that service through the years.

Crow Becomes First To Work In Arkadelphia Real Estate, Wendy Bradley Richter

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Through the years, many Clark Countians have enjoyed distinguished careers and have made significant contributions to the development of the area.

One such individual was businessman Austin M. Crow. While no one today has a living memory of Mr. Crow, his wide-ranging activities place him among the early leaders of the Arkadelphia community.

Wwi Impact Felt Locally, Wendy Bradley Richter

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During the next year or so, much attention will be given to the centennial of World War I, which officially ended November 11, 1918, with the date becoming known as Armistice Day.

The conflict had a great impact on our nation as the first modern, global war. Approximately 65 million were mobilized, including over 70,000 soldiers from Arkansas. Many Clark Countians participated. In November of 1918, just after the war was over, Arkadelphia's Southern Standard newspaper reported these numbers: "Clark County has furnished 1064 men, divided among the several departments as follows: National Guard 71; Regular Army, 22; Enlisted Reserve, …

History Of Okolona And Its Schools, Wendy Bradley Richter

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The town of Okolona in southwestern Clark County was first settled by Americans in the early 1830s when settlers began arriving by covered wagons from Okolona, Mississippi. These first residents built their homes on low ground northwest of where the railroad depot later stood. After a few years of mud there, however, the small settlement moved to the town's current location on higher ground where the town continued to grow.

Club 67 Was A Popular Place In Arkadelphia During Wwii, Wendy Bradley Richter

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December 7 marked the 75th anniversary of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, and the United States' entrance into World War II. Several years ago, the Clark County Historical Association published "We Were There: Clark Countians in World War II," to "honor those who served, both on the home front and in uniform." Indeed the book commemorates the efforts and sacrifices of local citizens, highlighting the fact that during the war men and women from Clark County participated in all types of activities in places all around the world. Many veterans contributed to the book's preparation, and numerous people were interviewed. …

Living History Ii, Wendy Bradley Richter

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On Sunday, October 30, the Clark County Historical Association will present a living history program featuring some of Clark County's earliest citizens. Among the characters making appearances will be "Jacob Barkman," "Rebecca Barkman," and "George W. Featherstonhaugh." The public is invited to meet these and other historical figures by attending the free performances to be held at the historic Rosedale Plantation Barn at 879 Old Military Road beginning at 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., October 30. The site is not far from the Barkman's original home along the Caddo River. Plus, the Rosedale Barn itself is significant; it was added …

Clark County Historical Association To Highlight County's Earliest And Distinctive Citizens, Wendy Bradley Richter

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Later this month, the Clark County Historical Association will present a living history program featuring some of Clark County's earliest and most distinctive citizens. Among the characters making appearances will be "Abner Hignight," portrayed by Meeks Etchieson; "Jacob Barkman," portrayed by Bob Thompson; "Rebecca Barkman," by Charlotte Jeffers; and "George W. Featherstonhaugh," by Steve Hennagin. The public is invited to meet these and other historical figures by attending the free living history event to be held at the historic Rosedale Plantation Barn on Old Military Road beginning at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 30.

Rorie Led Dispatch Unit During Wwi, Wendy Bradley Richter

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In 1924, Arkadelphia's Southern Standard newspaper included this headline: "Former Local Boy in Prominent Role in Six-Reel Movie." However, the young man described in the article remains largely unknown in the annals of Clark County history. With the nickname of "Speed," Clem Rorie commanded a unit of General John J. Pershing's dispatch riders in France during World War I. After returning home to the United States he became an "internationally famous motorcycle rider and professional daredevil."

County's Timber Industry Emerged In Late 1800s, Wendy Bradley Richter

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Throughout the history of the United States, wood has been one of the nation's most useful raw materials. For pioneers of the Clark County area, plenty of timber was available from forested areas and from the clearing of land. In the late 1800s, with growth and expansion of population and improvements in transportation, a great lumber and timber products industry emerged.

Salt Manufacturing: One Of County's Earliest Industries, Wendy Bradley Richter

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Salt manufacturing has long been a source of curiosity for many interested in southwest Arkansas' earliest days. It is not known precisely when Indians first began extracting the mineral from the earth near the Ouachita River in Clark County, but it was certainly prior to the arrival of the first European explorers. Because of its lengthy historical significance, one site, Bayou Sel, was added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1974.

Car Stories Piled Up With Introduction To County, Wendy Bradley Richter

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One hundred years ago, the automobile was becoming increasingly popular. As of 1903, some 50 Arkansans owned vehicles. In fact, a Hot Springs man drove to Arkadelphia that year "on his automobile," creating quite a stir here. It was the first car that most Arkadelphians had ever seen. C.C Henderson of the city purchased an automobile in 1908, and the local paper remarked that "now our horses will have to take lesson in acrobatic performance."

Burrow Gang In Clark County (Or Famous Outlaw Has Ties To Clark County), Wendy Bradley Richter

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Clark County has seen its share of crime in the years since it became a part of Arkansas Territory in 1819. One of the Territory’s five original counties, the county covered a large geographical area in the earliest years. And, the Military Road (later called the Southwest Trail) passed through the heart of the area, carrying people of all sorts on their way to the West and Southwest. Later, the railroad crossed the county, too, somewhat paralleling the road.

Caddo Indians To Be Topic Of Meeting, Wendy Bradley Richter

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For thousands of years, the land that is now known as Arkansas has been inhabited by native peoples. For much of that time, the Ouachita River valley and much of southwest Arkansas was home to the Caddo Indians and their ancestors. Because of the significance of this pre-history to southwest Arkansas area, the Clark County Historical Association will host a special presentation featuring Caddo Indian sites along the Ouachita River, the Caddo people, and their artifacts, at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 6, at Western Sizzlin in Arkadelphia.

Baseball A Hit In Clark County For Over A Century, Wendy Bradley Richter

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Baseball is among the nation's most popular sports, and Arkadelphia's history of the sport goes back almost 150 years. According to local legend, baseball was introduced in Clark County by a young man named Charley Murta in 1874.

One Of County's 'Most Notorious Murders' Remembered, Wendy Bradley Richter

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About a year ago, the Clark County Historical Association published a small booklet entitled "Wanted: Crooks, Scoundrels, Notorious Characters, and Other Legendary Figures in Clark County, Arkansas." Among the characters featured in the volume were the nationally-known outlaws Jesse James and Rube Burrow, who both have Clark County ties. However, another lesser known criminal committed what some have termed "one of the most notorious murders in Clark County," and perhaps the only murder remembered with a place name---Clyburn's Leap. Originally researched by local historian Grace Benton Nelson, Clyburn's story is featured in the "Wanted" book.

Thousands Watch As Plane Lands In Arkadelphia, Wendy Bradley Richter

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On Saturday, May 25, 1918, a major "first" occurred in Clark County--- it was the first time an airplane landed at Arkadelphia. Several thousand people gathered to watch the event. The plane arrived from Eberts Training Field near Lonoke. To the amazement of those seeing an airplane for the first time, the pilots, who were being trained for military service, performed many stunts that might be used in combat situations.

Local Funeral Home Established In 1905, Wendy Bradley Richter

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The Murry Funeral Home was established by C.B. Murry and his wife, Fairy Lee, in 1905. It began as just one portion of a multi-faceted business which also sold hardware and furniture, in addition to its undertaking services. Located on Main Street, the original operation was called, McDaniel, Murry & Lee. Its slogan was, "We serve you from the cradle to the grave."

Arkadelphia's Sky-Vue Drive-In Movie Theater, Wendy Bradley Richter

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Many long-time Clark County residents can recall going to a movie at Arkadelphia's SkyVue Drive-In outdoor movie theater. The drive-in was located about a mile north of downtown Arkadelphia on Highway 7/67. When owner Cecil Cupp opened the new facility in the fall of 1950, it was believed to be one of Arkansas' finest, with state-of-the-art equipment and modern conveniences.

Smith's Accounts Give Look Into Clark County's Early History, Wendy Bradley Richter

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One of Clark County's pioneer citizens was Willis S. Smith - a sheriff, teacher, doctor, farmer, and writer. Arriving in the county in 1833, Smith witnessed the area's transformation from frontier wilderness to a typical, rural Arkansas region. And, significantly for us today, his accounts of those early days offer glimpses into the past not available elsewhere. We owe much of our knowledge about Clark County's beginnings to Smith.

Rose Hill Cemetery Dates Back To 1870s, Wendy Richter

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Historic Rose Hill Cemetery on Main Street in Arkadelphia has served the city as a principal burial place for decades. In that capacity, it is now the final resting place for some of Clark County's most well-known citizens Its historical significance has been recognized nationally, being added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.

Okolona Settled In 1830s, Grew For Decades, Wendy Bradley Richter

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The town of Okolona was first settled by Americans in the early 1830s when settlers began arriving by covered wagons from Okolona, Mississippi. These first residents built their homes on low ground nothwest of where the railroad depot later stood. After a few years of mud, the small settlement moved to the town's current location on higher ground. The pioneers included the Shackelford, Ethridge, Buchanan, Tarpley, Anderson and McGuire families. Among others who came were Pettus, Cargile, East, Ross, Park, Bell, Hays, Hardin, Weir, Harris, Cloud, McGill, Bonner, Logan and Wingfield.

New Book Recounts History In Dallas, Clark Counties, Wendy Bradley Richter

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The Dallas County Museum in Fordyce and Turtlehull Publishing have recently made available a new book that contains information about Clark County, Ouachita College and south Arkansas region."'My Own Precious One': A Year of Courtship in Letters from 1889-1890 between Princeton, Arkansas, and Pittsboro, Mississippi," edited by Sandra Parham Turner, Melrose Smith Bagwell and Doris Smith Beeson Faulkner, is a real treasure.

Manchester Once Included Most Of Dallas County, Wendy Bradley Richter

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The Manchester community of Clark County traces its history back to the county's earliest days. When locals speak of "Manchester" today, they are usually referring to a general area in Clark County south and east of the Ouachita River. Manchester Township was first established in 1838, and at the time, it included practically all of present day Dallas County, plus an area northeast of the Saline River, less an almost equal part south and west of the Saline. Manchester appeared as a town on an 1860 map in the northeastern part of Township 8 South and Range 18 West. Today …

Beirne Had Sawmill, Grist Mill In 1880, Wendy Bradley Richter

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The town of Beirne was founded in 1880 by James Lewis Beirne from Grafton, Illinois. Beirne established a sawmill as well as a Methodist church, at which he served as the first minister. By the end of that year, a railroad depot had been completed, and Beirne's sawmill and grist mill became operational. People of the surrounding area considered Beirne to be among the rail's best shipping points.