Remember to use the Search (Find) feature of your browser to quickly locate names you are researching. Be sure to check spelling variations.

Return to Randolph County Welcome Page

Pocahontas Star Herald, Centennial Edition
Pocahontas, Arkansas
Thursday, September 20, 1956

Section Two, Page 1

Among the early residents of Pocahontas who came here from other countries and states before 1900 were:

J. S. Anderson, from Kentucky in 1875, R. E. Anderson, from Indiana in 1895, T. B. Abanathy from Tennessee in 1864, M. R. Armstrong from Tennessee in 1877, J. F. Anderson, from Indiana in 1875, Willis Ashcraft from Missouri in 1899. G. W. Bryant from KY in 1869, J. J. Baltz, from TN 1881, Thomas W. Black from Indiana 1899, Henry Bower, Germany 1897, Mrs. W. L. Brawdie, Germany 1848, J. N. Bolen, Pennsylvania 1881, J. T. Black, Indiana 1897, Lee Black, Indiana 1877, M. P. Bass, Missouri 1872, G. W. Burk Missouri 1872, Mrs. W. L. Brodel, Germany 1848, Valentine Bauer, Germany 1884, William T. Bispham, Virginia 1868, J. A. Bearde Missouri 1889, George Baltz, Germany and Kentucky 1880, Rev. M. D. Bowers Tenn 1856, S. D. Brown, Illinois 1865, J. W. Bennett, Illinois 1865, J. W. Bennett, Illinois 1870, Nick Barthel, Germany 1881, Mrs. N. E. Belew ,Tennessee 1859.

Mrs. Frank Carnes, Scotland 1899, Charles V. Cooper, Indiana 1897, B. F. Chastain, Tenn 1865, J. W. Collier, Missouri 1881, Martha J. Chambers, Tenn, 1871, W. S. Cagle, Tenn 1892, John S. Campbell , TN 1865, George B. Collier, KY 1869, J. N. Carroll, KY 1869, Mrs. M. E. Cooper Tenn 1878, I. N. Cassey, TN 1888, Mrs. M. E. Coy, Missouri 1894, T. J. Carr, Indiana 1893, W. Y. Cox, Georgia 1888, Mrs. Hattie Crosby , North Carolina 1859. G. H. Crawford, Indiana 1884. G. W. Dowdy, Missouri, 1859, J. P. Doyle from Kentucky, 1899, William DeClerk, Germany 1880, Mrs. Anna Doan, England, 1897, Mrs. Bettie Dame, Missouri, 1865, William Deaver, Kentucky 1856, W. ? Doak, Indiana, 1898, John Dodson, Missouri, 1890, Joseph De Clerk, Germany, 1880, J. A. Douglas, Mississippi 1875, Albert Dearise, Holland 1880, Mrs. Kate Downing, Germany 1892, W. H. Douglas, KY 1874, Sallie Dunn, colored, NC 1854, Rachel Winn, colored TN 1868,

T. P. Edlin TN 1884, J. M Etch__ Illinois 1896, J. W. __tchison, TN 1889, John Earley, Indiana 1873, Pete Frenken, Germany 1879, J. F. Ford, KY 1859, Joe Frankenberger, Indiana 1889, C. P. Flowers KY 1898, Rachel Flanery, Missouri 1869, Nick Frenken Germany 1880.

F. B. Gebhart, Pennsylvania 1890, William Gilmore Virginia 1889, Louis Gerber, Indiana 1882, B. H. Gschwend, Switzerland 1880, Henry Gschwend Switzerland 1882, William Geiser, Germany 1871, Ed Graham, Missouri 1875, Dr. W. E. Hughes, SC 1878, Mrs. M. E. Hampp, KY 1872, R. N. Hamil, Indiana 1848, A. L. Henderson, TX 1889, O. V. Higginbotham, NY 1897, Isaac Hirst, Greece 1856, Joseph Herman, Germany 1881, Mrs. L. A. Hart, VA 1864, Anthony Hausman, Germany 1886, Sandy Hewin, colored, SC 1887, Sam Ivory, colored, Georgia 1889, James M. Hart, Tenn 1864, William Herman Germany 1889.

J. D. Jackson, GA 1869, Joseph Jansen, Germany 1881, William Junkersfield, Germany 1881, Frank Junkersfield, Germany 1881, Mrs. Nancy J. Jones, Tenn 1839, Henry Junkersfeld, Germany 1886, Mrs. Sallie Jones, KY 1881, Nelson Johnson, colored, Missouri 1859, Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson Missouri 1866, H. F. Jackson, Georgia 1869. Albert Kreb, Germany 1862; A. Krebs, Germany 1862; Andy Keiger, Indiana 1896; Mrs. Lena Kolley, Ohio 1896; Mrs. Rena Kimbrel, Alabama 1887; Mrs. W. B. Kline Tenn 1871.

Mrs. Virginia Larole, KY 1873; A. P. Louis, Tenn 1873; Albert Baw, Illinois, 1894; Mrs. T. E. Ledbetter, Ala 1899; G. C. Lemmons, Tenn 1859; Harry McGeorge, Indiana 1889; M. D. McGlotnern, Missouri 1898; George R. McNeese, Tenn 1858; A. McFadden Illinois, 1879; H. O. McKinney, Ohio 1895; H. Meier, Germany 1881; J. D. Million, Illinois 1898; William Malone, Illinois 1889; Mike Murphy Ireland 1889; Joseph Muyers Germany 1881; Mrs. S. C. Nuce Mississippi 1883; L. A. Nuce, Tenn 1895; W. J. Neef, Germany 1893; M. C. Nickles, Ala 1897.

James O'Neal Texas 1879; John S. Pruitt, Missouri 1889; Dr. C. E. Pringle Missouri 1885; J. H. Phillips, Tenn 1869; Hubert A Peters, Germany 1880; J. C. Pratt, Missouri 1865; W. R. Pratt Illinois 1874; E. J. Pratt Louisiana 1871; Ara Powers, colored from NC 1864; J. P. Pitman, Tenn 1881; L. R. Pickett, KY in 1895; James Pendergrass, Illinois 1877; Joe L. Park KY 1871; William Pitzenberger Iowa 1894; Mrs. Rosa Promberger Germany 1895; K. W. Rose KY 1879; W. C. Roark KY 1873; C. J. RoEllen Germany 1892; J. W. Rutledge Missouri 1898; E. W. Rose Tenn 1876; Alphonse Rotzinger moved to Pocahontas in 1883 (does not say where from). R. A. Roberts Georgia 1871; Conrad Roberts Missouri 1879.

Fred Schmidt Germany 1881; T. Switzer Tenn 1896; Pete F. Schmidt Germany 1889; G. W. Sutton Missouri 1857; C. J. Stephens Tenn 1888; R. E. Shackelford Georgia 1883; J. B. Smith KY 1899; R. H. Smith Illinois 1878; Mrs. Ella Bolen Schoonover, KY 1880; Mrs. Amber Seaman, TN 1877; A. Z. Schnabaum, Austria 1818; Fred Spinnenweber Minnesota 1885; W. H. Skinner, Ohio 1884; Mrs. Betty Stacy, Tenn 1873; Carl Scheid Germany 1889; D. M. Seamans, Ohio 1882; S. L. Slayton Illinois 1870; George Spiece Ohio 1899; H. F. Smith, Ohio 1884; T. M. Summers Ala 1899; Mrs. C. Standiford KY 1872; J. A. Schunk, MO 1884; Green Shefford Missouri 1899; Taylor Switzer, TN 1894; James Swan Missouri 1884; J R Shivley KY 1879; G. A Sago Illinois 1866; Joseph Schdrider Germany 1882; R. L. Stackhouse Missouri 1898. Mrs. M. Turner Tenn 1875; James Taylor Missouri 1894; George Thompson KY 1883; Henry Thielemier, Germany 1893; William Thielemier Ohio 1893; William Thielemier, Germany 1896; Jacob Thannes Germany 1894; T. W. Turner, KY 1873; Alfred Turner Missouri 1891; Dr. H. L. Throgmorton Illinois 1873; J. T. Thompson, KY 1887; William Throesch Germany 1882; J. W. Terry Missouri 1894. Mrs. M. Velarius Germany 1880; Mrs. Rosa Victory Missouri 1884,

G. T. Wilson, KY 1892; Patrick Wyllie Scotland 1884; H H. Waymon Illinois 1883; Mrs. Minnie Williams, Holland 1879; Harve Williams Tenn 1898; Mrs. J. Wilcox Iowa 1897; S. M. White KY 1880; A. J. Witt, Tenn 1869; Mrs. Lucinda Wright Missouri 1885; J. C. Wilson, Missouri 1849; George Wallace, colored KY 1889; T. J. Wilson, Missouri, 1879; A. S. Wright Missouri 1876; Mrs. Mary Wurtz Germany 1881; Josephine Witt, Tenn 1888; W. H. Waddle, Indiana 1841. William Zosso, Switzerland 1894.

NOTE: The above "foreign born" heads of households were listed as residents of Pocahontas in 1910. A few moved away after that time and a large majority are
now deceased. A large number of them left children and grandchildren who have since participated in the history and growth of Pocahontas.

Pocahontas Star Herald
Thursday, September 20, 1956
Section Two page 1, cont.

Some Very Early Randolph Settlers

It would be impossible to compile the names of every early settler of Randolph county, but many names are available and will be recognized as having contributed much to the progress of their communities and of Pocahontas. Descendants of many of these families have lived in Pocahontas at one time or another and if they have not resided here they have served on juries and committees as office holders and counselors, vitally affecting Pocahontas. Among revered names are:

John Janes, Matthias Mock, William Jarrett, Richard Fletcher, William O'Neal, Obediah Hudson, Shadrack Nettles, David Black, Tom Holt, George Mansker, William Russell, Elijah Baker, T. H. Wells, James Smith, Beverly Baker, William Linn, John Shaver, Solomon Hewitt, Benjamin Crowley, Weaver, Abbott, Jos, J. Anthony, William Drope, Edward McDonald, Charles Hatcher, Peyton R. Pittman, William Hix, John Pierce, Isaac Flannery, James Davis, William McKnight, James Boyd, Martin Vanzant, Nathan Luttrell, Mrs. Joe Kellett, John Shaver, Louise Demun, Hulvey, Cavenar, Tolliver, Camp, Kirk, Farrow, William Hix, Isaac Kelley, Andrew Criswell, James M. Kuykendall, Charles Kelley, Morris Moore, James Campbell, Richard Searcy, William Looney, William Meredith, Massach H. Jones, James Hallock, Lee, Graham, Cravens, Burke, Pierce, Lay John Miller, Lot Davis, The Stubblefield, Dalton and McIlroy Families, McElmurry, Slavens, Luttrell, Duckworth, Ator, Cross, Grissom, Robinson, Johnston, Caleb, Eli and James Lindsey, White, Brown, Campbell, Huffstedler, Hollowell, Jess Jeffery, George Grant, William Compton, Thomas Morris, Sam Russell, Vandergriff, Tyler, Ross, Stevens, Seagraves, John Gollinger, Ada Lausacum, Nat Robbins, Sam Wilson, John Lafferty, Robert Cravens, William Webb, Joseph Hadin, Parrish, Ring, McNatt, Athy Woodall, Rush, Stout, Frederick Keel, Richard Murphy, William Robertson, William D. Holt, Richard Thomas, John Rodney, G. W. Wright, Richard Murphty, Joseph Spikes, Thomas, Plott, Squire Riely, McCrary, F. L. Simington, William Rick, Benjamin Janes, James Cooper, Walter G. Hogan, John Welch, James Bigger, Isaac Blount, Jesse Gray, Edward Matttix, George B. Croft, Charles Everett, William Adair, Ashabranner, Rogan, Wright, Pringle, Cockrum, Phipps, Downing, Crossen, Amos Lively, Daniel Lieb, John R. Davis, William Spikes, Stephen McCrary, J. J. R. Hite, Reynolds, Herren, Ford, Watson, Martin Hogan, James P. Ingram, Tilley, Dr. Redman, Ruff, Fowler, Allen, Spencer, Luter, Johnson, Odom, Baker, Kidd, Wilson, William T. Johnson, Vester, Levi Helms Haynes, Douglas, Phillips, Hatley, Lamb, Myers, Richardson, Lemmons, Thompson, Cullen, Pyland. L. D. Cartright, Hufstedler, McCarroll, DeBow, Cunningham, Disman, Redwine, Ulmer, Harris, Jackson, Waldron, Hurn, Marlette, Lewis. A. W. W. Brooks, Grissom, Parker, Davidson, James, Maynard, Looney, Linn, Driskill, Hinton, Dunin, Gamel, Throgmorton, Brown, Stith, Thomas J. Prince, Alfred Bloodworth, Rickman, Bellah, Isham Alcorn, John Tweedy, Eason, Shemwell, Rev. John Tarpley, Legate, George W. Brown, Carroll, Magruder, Murdock, Waddle, Ford, Rice, Ransom Eldridge. Condict, Wallace, Reeves, Long, Jesse Spikes, Alexander Taylor, Goodwin, Ainle, Cox, Sam W. Thompson, McCoy, Daniel Wyatt, Flannery, Chesser, Morris, Sol and Mitch Davis, Kinson Land, J. E. Pickett, Elrod Poteet, Frank and Abe Decker, W. W. Bailey, Josh Holder, George Holder, Bob Blackshear, Dr. Lambert, Downey, Swindle, Templeton, Chester, McNabb. Spence, A. G. Henderson, Dr. Montgomery - and many, many others whose names are not available.

All of these and many others in the old days, residing in various parts of the county, contributed much to the progress which Pocahontas today enjoys.

Pocahontas Star Herald
Sep 20, 1956
Section Three Pg 1

Dalton/Mansker
In writing the family history of the families who are ancestors of the folks who own and operate the D. L. DALTON & Son Store in Pocahontas, we take you back to the very first days of settlement in this part of the nation. George MANSKER, who settled on the creek which bears his name at the norhern end of the city of Pocahontas in 1817, is the maternal great-great-great-grandfather of Herman DALTON , junior member of the Dalton firm. Herman's children are the seventh generation of this pioneer family. A daughter of MANSKER, Rebecca, married James P. INGRAM who came to this county from Virginia in 1824. He was the fourth county judge of Randolph Co. A daughter of the INGRAMS, Leddie B. married Henderson HATLEY, A daughter of the HARTLEYS, Josephine, married John H. LAMB. A daughter of the LAMBS, Irene married Lawerence DALTON, senior member of the Dalton firm. They have one son, Herman, the junior member. The HATLEY family came here in 1851. The LAMBS in 1860.

The paternal great-great-great-grandfather of Herman DALTON, John Elijah DALTON, settled on fourche Creek, 20 miles north of Pocahontas in 1812. A son of John E. and Susanna Sebastian DALTON, David married Prisciola DENNIS. They had a son, named David. The latter David married Christiana EVERETT. they had a son named Elijah F. He married Della MARLETTE.. Lawrence DALTON, senior member of the D. L. Dalton & son Store is one of their sons. Herman DALTON, junior member of the firm is the son of Lawerence and Irene LAMB DALTON. The DENNIS family lived at Greenville, MO when the BETTIS and MANSKER families lived there. The EVERETT family was intermarried with the prominent early Tennessee families of SHELTON AND WITT. The MARLETTE family came here from Indiana in 1879.

Sandra and David DALTON, children of Herman and Eula Mae KING DALTON are the seventh generation from both John Elijah DALTON and George MANSKER. With this family ancestry background the D. L. Dalton & Son Store has the distinction of being owned and operated by Pocahontas oldest family.


Article has a picture of Elijah Dalton and a picture of Judge and Mrs. (Rebecca Mansker) James P. Ingram.

Bios
The Old John P. Black Home
Article under picture
Above is pictured the John P. Black residence on Thomasville Avenue in Pocahontas as it looks today, The original black home was built in the early 1870s and consisted of four rooms. Two rooms were added to the back and later these two rooms were taken off. there are five acres of land, one acre facing on Thomasville and the other acreage to the back. Although modern conveniences have been added, much of the original framework of the home is as it was when first built. An old cedar tree in the yard is much more than 100 year old and the stately oaks on the back lots have stood for hundreds of years---probably before white men settle in this area.

Miss Blanche Black, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John P Black now makes her home in the mellow old residence which dispensed so much southern hospitality in its early days.

John P. Black
John P. Black was born at Black's Ferry near Pocahontas Oct 1, 1832 a son of William and Elizabeth Janes Black who settled in Randolph county in 1812. William was the first sheriff of Randolph county, serving two terms, after which he was elected to the Arkansas Senate, serving there too, for two terms. John P. Black's grandfather was John Janes, thought to have been the first white man to settle in Randolph County on Janes Creek near Ravenden Springs in 1809. Mr. Black received his education in county schools and by his own application at home. He lived in Pocahontas when the town charter was granted and was active in the early history of the town.

After serving with Fagan's command in the Confederate Army, he was engaged in the mercantile business here until 1873. He was admitted to the bar in 1875 and remained in the legal profession until 1870. He was united in marriage to Miss Flora _____(Page torn) dau of Dr. Willis ______ and they had---- children, Charley, Guy, Hattie, Irene, Lula and Blanche.

Dr. Guy Black was a prominent physician here until his death in 1916. Miss Hattie Black died in 1914. Lula married Edgar Henderson (deceased) and they had a daughter Marjorie (now Mrs. John Behl of California and with whom Mrs. Henderson makes her home); Irene married L. T. McDonald and they had a son Joe McDonald, now of Washington D C. Both Mr. and Mrs. McDonald are deceased. Miss Blanche now resides in the Old Black home on Thomasville Ave. built in the early 1870s. Mrs. Flora Black died in 1950.

Charles Kibler Black
Charles Kibler Black, oldest son of John P. and Flora Kibler Black is thought to be the oldest living native man in Pocahontas. He was born in the old Isaac Hirst home on the corner of VanBibber and School Streets, December 25, 1873 and will be 83 years old his next birthday. During his boyhood he attended the small Pocahontas schools under Prof. Williford and later the private schools of Miss Mollie Smith. His education was gained from the McGuffy readers, Blue Back Speller, history, English and arithmetic books of that day.

Charley taught school for a while at old Lee's Chapel and worked for the John Imboden mercantile store here until 1896. He then studied pharmacy in the St. Louis College of Pharmacy and was in the drug business here from 1898 until 1900 when he sold his business to the late Dr. C. E. Pringle (now Johnston's Drug store). He was employed with the Schnabaum Store here for 27 years.

Mr. Black was married to Miss Dixie Robinson Nov. 30 1902 and they were the parents of three children, J. McDowell Black of Pocahontas, Harold Marion Black of Paducah, KY and Virginia (Mrs. Harry Williams) of Pocahontas.

G. W. Crosby M D
Dr. G. W. Crosby was born in Tennessee in 1837, and settled in Pocahontas in 1874 after graduating from Missouri Medical College.

He was married to Hattie Kibbler in 1868 and they were the parents of 8 children, Edward, William, May, Alice, Camille, John, Ouida and Eva. Only two these children, Mrs. Camille Argo, of Pocahontas and Mrs. Mae Wise of Decatur, Ala. survive. Mrs. Argo, widow of J. W. Argo lives in the old crosby home, bought in 1874. Mrs. Wise is the wife of E. m. Wise.

Dr. Crosby practiced medicine in Pocahontas and Randolph county for many years and where he was held in high regard. He died here in 1895 and Mrs. Crosby, a most gracious lady of the old South, died in 1917.

Richard D. Brown
Richard D. Brown was born in Kentucky in 1832 and moved to Pocahontas in 1876 where he joined into law practice with R. H. Black. He was admitted to the bar in Kentucky in 1859.

He was married in Kentucky to America Foster in 1850 and they had one daughter, Alemedia. Mrs. Brown died in 1859 and he was married the second time to Anna E. Trill of Tennessee. They had three children Sallie S.; Mary E., and Ruth.

Besides being a lawyer, Mr. Brown accumulated about 4,500 acres of land and was in the lumber business here, employing about 50 mill men.

William H. Waddle
William H. Waddle (familiarly known here as "Uncle Bill") was born in Indiana in 1836. His father died when he was young and his mother, Sarah E. Waddle married William A. Hamil at "Bettis Bluff" in 1845. He was a half-brother to Robert N. Hamil and Kate Hamil Henderson and joined his step-father and mother here in the late 1840s. Mr. Waddle was a successful business man and accumulated much town property, putting it into additions and lots which were sold to home builders through the years. He also built rental property which he retained until his death. He donated the 5 acres comprising the Masonic cemetery to Randolph Lodge, Master Masons for use as a burial ground here, this deed being recorded in 1859. He was married to Augusta Kibbler in 1867 and they were the parents of five children, Estelle (Schoonover), Jacob, Walter, Gordon and Iva (Midkiff). All are deceased with the exception of Mrs. Midkiff who now makes her home in Brinkley. Mr. Waddle's death occurred on Dec 30, 1920 which was his 84th birthday. His wife "Aunt Gussie" died in January 1930. Judge W. J. "Jake" Schoonover of Pocahontas is the only descendent of Mr. and Mrs. Waddle now residing in Pocahontas. He is also the only descendent of Jacob Schoonover now living here.

The Old Crosby House
Article below picture of two story home with a lady standing on the front porch,

Above is pictured the old Crosby home as it looked when it was built here in 1867 by Dr. Harrison. Dr. and Mrs. G. W. Crosby buying it in 1874. The house has been in the possession of the Crosby family since that time, a daughter, Mrs. Camille Argo now residing there. The home was remodeled in 1922 when the second story was removed but the entire structure today contains the original walls, beams and interior woodwork which was put into it when it was built, although the present day Crosby house is very modern looking.

In the yard will be found an enormous magnolia tree, a burning bush, a crepe myrtle, peony and jonquil bulbs which were planted around the house when it was built 89 years ago.

The House is located on top of a hill, on the corner of Basin and Vane Streets and affords a view of the business section of Pocahontas as well as a view of Black River.

November 1910 Marriage Licenses issued:

Wm R. Prince 25, Miss Bertha Wilson 19
Jeff Hufstedler 31, Miss Nola Wells 20
Sam Hooker 32, Miss Athlee Cockran 19
Tom Barham 21, Miss Hattie Sullivan 19
J. D. Coward, 23, Miss Tabitha Bishop 22
T. E. Wallace 25, Miss Ollie Hufstedler, 20
James Lewis 56, Mrs. Mollie Daniel 40
Elijah Johnston 23, Miss Mazie Hogan 23
Albertt Lieberman 24, Miss Bertha Sharp 23
W. M. Moore 39, Mrs. S. E. Bryant 38
H. W. Blankenship 22, Miss Maude L. Wells 17
Coleman Hayes 22, Miss Pearl M. Rush 18
Val Stewart 24, Miss Hattie Seagraves 16
Oscar Purmis 23, Miss Nellie Murdock 15
James Dunn 30 Miss Barbara Gissinger 26
George Archer 32 Miss Maggie Baker 17
W. L. Stone 24, Miss Ethel Bourne 16

TIDBITS
Andrew Downing and Miss Ruth Nicks, both employed in the local postoffice were married at the home of R. J. Marshall Nov 24.

Isaac Elbert a prominent life insuance man of Little Rock and Mrs. Ellen Reynolds of this city were married here at the Bigger Hotel Dec 16.

Walter Seaman, a young man living on Catholic Hill died Monday after a long illness.

Joseph Herrmann died at his home Tuesday Dec 13, He is survived by his wife, a son, William and a daughter, Mrs. Emma Hirt of St. Louis.

Mrs. Joseph Hermann died Sunday Dec 28 and was buried beside her husband who died a few days before.

Walter C. Carter, 33, died Tuesday morning He is survived by his wife, who was the former Miss Emma Johnson of this city and a little son.

Oct 14, 1910 The Frisco freight depot at this place was completely destroyed by fire Sunday night.

Oct 21, 1910 Dave Meadows and miss Katie Frenken, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Franken were married a the home of Father Froitzheim Tuesday.

Ralph, the four year old son of Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Bishop died Friday night

Oct 28 1910 Joshua Wilson aged about 75 died Tuesday

Elise, 8 Year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Ward died Tuesday

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Hollowell Thursday night a boy

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lynch on Friday night a boy

On Wednesday night of this week Rev. William A Downing age 68, a well known minister of this county, died at his home in this city after a long illness.

Nov 4 1910 Ed Graham local barber died here Thursday

Nov 11, 1910 Miss Mollie Smith of this city received a message Nov 4th informing her of the death of a relative R. C. Mack of Sayer Okla. Mr. Mack was a pioneer resident of Pocahontas and for two years represented this county in the legislature.

Feb. 4 1910, Rufus Hynson Black born Dec 4 1836 died at his son Marvin's in Pocahontas.


Obituaries:
Judge A. J. WITT
Judge Almus J. WITT was born in Weakley County, Tennessee, Dec 31, 1855 and moved with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac H. WITT to Randolph County in 1867. After a teaching career, he became a deputy sheriff and in 1882 was elected sheriff for two terms. He served as postmaster in Pocahontas for two years and
in 1888 was elected county judge. The remainder of his life was spent in the legal profession.

His first wife was Ida M. KIBLER, daughter of William KIBLER They had 2 daughters Mary Ethel and Edith Gertrude (deceased).

Following the death of his first wife, Judge WiITTwas married to Alice CROSBY, daughter of Dr. G. W. and Hattie Kibler CROSBY and who survived her husband by many years. Judge Witt died Mar 17, 1915 and Alice Witt died Jan 2, 1955.

R. H. BLACK
Rufus H. BLACK, for many years an attorney in Pocahontas was a native of Randolph County, having been born at Black's Ferry, son of William and
Elizabeth Black, Dec 4, 1836.

After attending private schools in the county and at Shelbyville,, KY he was admitted to the bar in 1866 He represented Randolph County in the Arkansas
General Assembly one term.

During the civil war he participated in the battles of Chicamauga, Murfreesboro and Richmond Ky. While serving at the battle of Resaca, GA he had the misfortune to lose his right arm from a gunshot wound.

He married Virginia L. CRIDDLE of Cape Girardeau, MO Nov 14, 1867. They had six children, Edward, Marvin, Waldo, Blanche, Ina and Eugene. The sons aredeceased. Blanch married Pat MILLER and they now live in Tampa, Fla Ina married the late Jess W. SHANNON. She now lives in her home on Thomasville Avenue, in Pocahontas, which is on the exact site of the old R. H. BLACK homeplace.

Mr. BLACK died in the home of his son, Marvin BLACK in Pocahontas, Jan 31 1910. Marvin BLACK died three weeks later. Feb 19.

1915
BROWN
County Judge Sam R. BROWN died Monday morning, March 22 at his home west of the river. He was born near Warn Springs Oct 7, 1881. Mr BROWN was a member of the Masonic Fraternity also a member of the IOOF and K of P.

CARROLL
J N CARROLL aged 73 an ex confederate soldier and one of the county's oldest and best known citizens died at his home in this city, Monday, May 10.

Will NEFF
died at his home here Wednesday, May 19. He was about 45 years of age and issurvived by his wife and four children.

MILLION
Will Million a young man about 18 years of age died at his home Saturday night.

ASHCRAFT
Willie ASHCRAFT a well known deaf mute of this city died suddenly at his home here Tuesday.

MILLION
Blanch MILLION the little daughter of Mr and Mrs. Perry MILLION died Sunday, June 13 of tetanus caused by the sting of a wasp.

HEWIN
Andrew Hewin, colored, aged about 22 died at the home of his mother in this city Sunday.

BYRAN
Billie BYRAN 17 month old son of Mr and Mrs. John R SHIVLEY died at their home Friday.

George BAUDREX 79 died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Rosena Promberger, Monday, June 21

John S CAMPBELL was drowned Saturday in Elevenpoint river. He was 68 years of age and the father of James W. CAMPBELL of Shreveport, La, Will CAMPBELL of Oklahoma, T. W. CAMPBELL of Pocahontas and Joseph CAMPBELL of Shreveport. He was married three times, his third wife being a Mrs. LAKEY who survives him. He is also survived by three bothers George and Will CAMPBELL of Birdell and James CAMPBELL of Illinois.

Marriage Licenses issued in June 1884:
J. C. Diceston to Miss Henrietta Jackson
John Baker to Miss Susanna Casteel
J. T. Lasley to Miss Hennie Black
John F. Barnes to Mrs. Roena Tolliver
Henry S. Burton to Miss Emily B. Tyler
W. T. Miller to Miss Martha Bailey
John P. Biggers to Miss Kittie Eaton
T. C. Davis to Miss Cynthis Siminoe.

1918
Cryus Everett Pringle

Dr. Cyrus Everett Pringle died in his chair at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Harold Stevenson in Jonesboro at 6 o'clockTuesday morning of this week. He was born at St. Charles County , MO August 24, 1860. His remains will be brought to Pocahontas and laid to rest in the Masonic Cemetery. Two children, Mrs. Stevenson and Everett, who is in the United States army, survive him. Also two brothers V. K. Pringle of this city and J. E. Pringle of Hoxie and three sisters survive.

**Note** Article does not give date, article is listed in year 1918 between dates of Jan. 18 and Feb 1. However I looked in the cemetery book and date is listed as Jan 22, 1918.

TOLL BRIDGE CLOSED
County Judge C. E. Pringle the week of July 14, 1916 closed the deal for the purchase by Randolph county of the old railroad and highway bridge across Black River. The price of the Bridge was 14,625.00 to be paid in installments. The week of Oct 6, toll collection on the bridge was stopped.

Lemmons' Studio
Advertisement which has G. F. Lemmons picture

One of the oldest business in Pocahontas is the Lemmons' Photographic Studio, established in 1901 by the late George F. Lemmons. The first studio was located in a tent on the east side of court square. Several other locations were used as a studio and for many years this was the only photographic business in the city.

Mr. Lemmons was born at Noland October 24, 1866 and married Nancy Ellen Kincaid June 24, 1894. He died here December 6, 1952. Mrs. Lemmons moved to St. Louis and is now making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Zenna Henley.

Quentin Lemmons, a son, is now owner of the studio which is located in a neat building on Marr Street.

Mr and Mrs. Lemmons had nine children: Corgley M., and Quentin of Pocahontas; Hubert of Fort Smith, Mrs. Henley of St. Louis and Earl, Leon, George Jr., Harvery and Eugene all deceased.

Lemmons' Studio offers first class photographs, enlargements, tinted pictures, frames and kodak development.


Letter written to Dr. M. Beshoar in 1883 by Robert N Hamil

Dr. M. Beshoar,
Trinidad, Colorado

Dear Sir:
Your letter of the 13th inst to hand. My brother, W. H. WADDELL, started on a trip to Florida for his health, before the receipt of your letter, and I reply in his stead. Will, will probably remain two months to see what effect the climate will have upon him; he is in such wretched health that we think it advisable for him to leave the state and although there is but four of us, mother, brother, sister Kate and myself, still we are willing to see him go if there is any probability of his final recovery.

"The SANDERS girls are all married, Killough and his wife are living south of Poca 10 or 12 miles.

"The surviving members of the JAMES family are Mrs. Nancy JONES (nee Nancy ALlAIRE) who is keeping hotel here, Mrs. Martha DAWSON and daughter are living with Ellen, now Mrs. CATO, near Nashville, Ten. Mrs. Joe JONES, now a widow, and her sister Maggie, who is still single live at the old homestead near the BRYANT Hotel. Poor old Grandma JAMES has been dead about one year, and I may add, if people are repaid in the next world for all the trouble they have had in this she is now walking the paved streets of the New Jerusalem. The Great Reaper, with his sickle has been harvesting as the following list will show: Colonel CRENSHAW, J. C. MARVIN, Young CAIN, George W. HILL, James MARTIN, John SANDERS, SR., and son James, Sam DOAN, Mrs. Dr., M, H, KIBLER, Mrs. SPARKMAN and Bill YOUNG of Cherokee Bay all of whom have gone to try the Great Unknown.

"I can't see much outcome in our town, as I. M. & S. R. R. runs east of here 12 miles north and building a branch to Doniphan, Mo. The Memphis and Kansas City road runs down the south side of Spring river, the nearest point to us 15 miles south. So you see we are entirely surrounded by railroads, but none coming to our village. About all we can do is bury it in some of the large gulleys, sing a requiem and take up a line of march for a more progressive place.

"We are all glad to hear from you and to learn you are doing well. When you see Mr. INGALLS, my kindest regards to him, My bookkeeper, Mr. BISPHAM thinks of coming to your town this summer, if there is any prospect of business. Brother will write you on his return.

"Yours very Respectfully,

"R. N. HAMIL".

Thursday, September 20, 1956
The Kibler Family
One hundred Years in Randolph County
(By Edna K. Williams)

It was in the summer of 1856 a few months before the town of Pocahontas had received her Charter, that Adolphus Henry and Mary ann Kibler of Lincoln County, North Carolina, decided to dispose of their well-improved farm and other holdings to seek a new home in the Middle West.

They had both been born in North Carolina, so had their parents, Mr. Kibler's paternal grandfather, David Kibler, was a native of Holland. He came to America at the close of the Revolutionary War, lived for a short time in Pennsylvania and later in North Carolina. the maternal grandfather was Isaac Lorance, native of England and located in North Carolina about 1780. Mrs. Kibler's parents were John and Elizabeth (McDowell) McElrath of Scotch descent and lived in Burk County, North Carolina.

After much planning, may visits and "good-byes" to relatives and friends, Mr. and Mrs Adolphus Kibler, their four young daughters (eldest only 9 years), his mother, Mrs. Catherine Kibler, who was a widow (husband died in 1848), and several slaves, formed a caravan of cover wagons and the family carriage for the journey westward.

It was a long journey for horse drawn vehicles but an enjoyable one. The weather was fine and they stopped often to camp and rest. Sometimes the men would hunt or fish and, if they were near a church on Sunday, would attend services. They crossed the Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau, Mo., traveled over what is Known as the old Military Road, passing through Lindseyville and Jarrett community, this caravan crossed the Fourche Dumas River at what is known as the foster ford and there they paused to look around.

Somewhere not far away there was a family the Kiblers had known in Virginia. It was the Hill family, parents of Mrs. C_ary Hill who was postmistress of Atica for many years and Lucy Hill, a pioneer school teacher of Randolph County. the hills had been in Arkansas two or three years - had cleared land and built a log house, so their place was soon located. It was a happy reunion of old friends and the Kiblers felt less alone in the world.

Mr Hill was a great help in finding a suitable location for the "newcomers". There must be water and timber for building and of course, good soil. All of these were found on a 320 acre plot located on what is now the Bellevue Road about half way between Pocahontas and Warm Springs. The place has long since been divided into two or more farms. A part of the original house is still there and is know to many as the "old Kibler place".

The house was well built and considered a good one. It was two story, made of hewed logs, about 12 inches thick with weather boarding on outside and ceiling on the inside. there were six rooms and two halls-also five fireplaces, a large one in the kitchen where most of the cooking was done. There were few if any cook stoves in Randolph County at the time.

Some of the cabins for the colored families were erected near a big spring that furnished water for every need; others were near the main house, Barns; storehouses for meat and other foods were soon built. An apple orchard was planted and much of the land was cleared for crops. Cotton was grown and sold in Pocahontas. Corn, wheat and oats were grown for their own food and that of the the poultry and livestock.

They had the grain made into flour and meal at local mills. One of the largest and best known in that part of Randolph County was the Bollinger Mill, powered by a dam and large water wheel on Fourche River near what is now Brockett. This new life was not easy, but adventurous and challenging.

The Kiblers took a keen interest in the civic, political and religious growth of the county. They were Democrats in politics. Methodist in religious faith and Mr. Kibler was a Mason.

There were other fine families who had already settled in this part of the county or came soon after. there was a great tie of friendship among these earlier settlers that has extended down to the present generation. These families include the Jarrett, Foster, Simington, Gross, Russell, Thomas, spikes, Tyer and others whose friendship we still cherish.

In 1859 Mr. Kibler became Internal Revenue Commissioner to serve four years. His duties took him to Greene and other counties. It was at Gainsville, Greene County, where he met Dr. T. H. Wyse, who later became his son-in-law.

Their only son, George McDowell Kibler, was born March 2, 1859 and in that same year his mother, Mrs. Catherine Kibler died.

While the colored people belonging to this family were well treated and they were most loyal and content, there was a lot of unrest about slavery at this time. The dark clouds of the Civil War were gathering over their beloved Southland. when war was declared the three brothers, William, Marion and Miles Kibler joined the Confederate Army in their native state, North Carolina. William and Marion were doctors and served in that capacity. Dr. William served on General Claiborn's staff and was wounded in the battle of Murfreesboro, Tenn. Miles became a captain and was killed in the battle of Fredericksberg.

Adolphus Kibler joined the 451 Arkansas Confederate Infantry in 1862, was forage master of his regiment, took part in the battle of Pea Ridge and other conflicts. At the close of the war, he surrendered with his company at Jacksonport, Ark., and returned to his farm.

There was much destruction and suffering during these four years of war. In spite of the fact that the war was over slavery, the Kibler's colored folk were ever loyal and helpful. On one occasion, a colored man stood in the doorway between the Kibler family and the "Bushwackers" and kept them from looting the place. I would like to state here that some of the well know colored people of Randolph County today are decendents of those who came from North Carolina 100 years ago.

The bollinger Mill, only source of bread for miles around was burned and Mr. Bollinger, imprisoned during the last year of the war. Mrs. Jake Foster, Sr. was also put in prison when she went to Missouri to buy salt and other necessities that were under embargo in Arkansas. She became ill and died several months later in a northern prison camp.

One of the bitter war experiences of Mrs. Kibler was one Sunday morning when she went to church at Mount Pisgah, then in the Pocahontas circuit of Methodist churches. She had gone the our or five miles on horseback. the countryside seemed quiet and peaceful, but when the service was about half over, an elderly man who was acting as a :"look-out" rushed to the church and told everyone to leave at once, the place was almost surrounded by enemy soldiers. Mrs. Kibler managed to get on her horse but had only gone a short distance when overtaken and after being roughed up a bit, she and her "side- saddle" were left on the roadside and the horse taken.

The reconstruction days that followed the war was very hard. Most of the accomplishments of those first years were gone. There were few things to buy and no money to buy what was available. but the stout-hearted people of that day did not give up. Neither did they lose their dignity or self respect. Everyone worked long and hard. the older women taught the young ones how to spin and weave. Almost all clothing blankets, bedspreads and even carpets were woven at home. There were few doctors and they had to ravel on horseback over rough trails to reach many of their patients. Often these brave pioneer women had delivered a baby or saved a life with home remedies before the doctor arrived. In case of a death, and there were many, the coffins were made by the neighbors with cost.

In 1878 Mr. Kibler was elected treasurer of Randolph County and held that office for 8 years. He also served on important committees and as a juror in Pocahontas.

William Kibler and his wife Harrett (who was a sister to the wife of Adolphus Kibler) both died soon after the Civil War leaving five daughters who came to live with their uncle and aunt in Randolph County. that made a family of nine girls and one boy. there were no schools at that time but a governess was obtained and with private and other type schools later on, they all received good eductions. Six of these Kibler girls married well known professional and business men of Pocahontas. their families are the Waddles, Crosbys, Blacks, Hamils, and first wife of A. J. Witt who left no children.

Ada, daughter of Adolphus and Mary Ann and Willie, daughter of William and Harrett, both died after they were grown. Alice married Dr. T. H. Wyse of Gainesville. When Paragould became the county seat, they moved there and were active in the business and religious growth of that city. The educational building of the beautiful First Methodist Church of Paragould is a memorial to Dr. Wyse, a plaque near the entrance bears his name.

These nine Kibler girls lived most of their lives in Randolph County. All have died and are buried in the Masonic Cemetery.

The only son, George grew to manhood in the house where he was born. One of the several schools he attended was at Warm Springs. established by Professor C. C. Elders about 1870. He was very fond of horses and hunting dogs.

On March 7, 1883 he married Louisa Bollinger, bought 160 acres of land adjoining that of his father and established a farm of his own.

This marriage gave four more girls, Quibbler by birth, to Randolph County. George Quibbler was highly respected and loved by both old and young. He was successful as a farmer until his health failed in 1897. He passed away August 11, 1898, at the age of 39. He is buried in the Gross cemetery, one mile from where he spent his entire life. His father died Feb 14, 1897 and his mother 11 years later. They are buried in Masonic Cemetery in Pocahontas.

In 1900, Mrs. George Kibler and daughters left the farm and went to Maynard where the girls attended Ouachita Academy. In 1905 they moved to their new home in Pocahontas. the house on Pine Street is now owned and occupied by Mrs. W. H. Perrin. the farm, still in the family, is owned by Sam (Duck) Morris, a grandson.

In 1869, Marion Kibler, who was a prominent physician of Alabama and the first to use chloroform as an anesthetic in that state, moved from Cross Plains, Ala., to Randolph County and located at Water Valley, near Imboden. He practiced medicine over a wide area. He also owned extensive farm land, a part of which in now included in the Ray Pickett farm at Water Valley. A son, Marion Hulett Kibler, was born in Randolph County and now lives in Eastern Arkansas, near Memphis.

The Kibler family could boast of several prominent doctors. The most outstanding being Dr. Ephriam McDowell, uncle of Mary Ann and Harrett Kibler, born in Virginia, received his education at Stanton, VA and University of Edinburgh, Scotland. He lived at Danville, Kentucky. was the worlds' first doctor to perform an ovariotomy. The date was December 25, 1809. His home also scene of operation at Dansville is a state shrine owned by the State Medical Association of Kentucky.

Already mentioned were Dr William and Dr. Marion, brothers of Adolphus Kibler. He also had two sons-in-law who were doctors, Dr. Wyse of Paragould and Dr. G. W. Crosby who located in Pocahontas about 1870 and was a prominent physician in Randolph County for many years. A daughter Mrs. Camille Argo, now lives in the old Crosby home. there were also two great nephews who were born in Pocahontas and became doctors. They are the late Dr. Guy Black, son of Flora Kibler Black, and Dr. Earl Hamil, son of Blanch Kibler Hamil. Dr Hamil who is still active maintains an office in Pocahontas.

To the best of my knowledge there are now living sixty direct descendants of Adolph Henry and Mary Ann Kibler. The nearest are five granddaughters. Mrs. Mae Crosby Wise of Decatur, Ala, Mrs Camille Crosby Argo, Pocahontas, Mrs. Iva Waddle Midkiff, Brinkley, Mrs. Agnes Kibler Byard, La Crescenta Calif. and Mrs Edna Kibler Williams, Paragould

Descendants other that Mrs. Argo living in Randolph County are great-grandchildren, Jacob Schoonover, Paul K. Lewis, Sr, Virginia Morris Pickett and Sam (Duck) Morris, the great-great-grandchildren are Paul K. Lewis, Jr. Mary Virginia and Richard Morris Pickett.

Great grandsons from Randolph County who served in World War II and place of action are McDowell Lewis, North Africa, A J Lewis Jr, Panama Canal Zone, and Sam Morris, Jr with General Patton's army in Germany.

If the Kibler family now in its fourth generation has had even a small part in the growth and culture of Randolph County that journey made 100 years ago from the beautiful chestnut groves of North Carolina to the clear, cool streams of Arkansas, was not made in vain.

Contributed by Wilma Shelton Easley