Scott County Arkansas Biographies

SCOTT COUNTY ARKANSAS BIOGRAPHIES

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, February 6, 1969
Spotlight On...
REV. HARMON ALLEN
As we prepare the last issue of The Advance Reporter we have the honor of turning the Spotlight on Rev. Harmon Allen, who deserves much more than has been his happy lot in life.
Harmon is the older son of Albert and Addie (Sanders) Allen, born at Cedar Creek, Arkansas on February 12, 1901, and lived there until 1918, when he moved with the family to Waldron.
As a lad of 18 years, he felt the call to preach the Gospel - but as so many, he rejected this call until 1938, and was ordained in the First Baptist Church of Waldron in 1940.
Harmon attended elementary [school] at Cedar Creek; Waldron High School, Southern Baptist College at Pocahontas, Arkansas; Baptist University, and Draughns Business College in Ft. Smith.
He was married to Miss Etha Mae Black in 1933. To this union one son, Billy Gene was born. After a long illness Etha departed this life in 1966.
Mrs. Lola (Clymer) Liles of Mena became the bride of Bro. Allen August 18, 1967. They are at home in Waldron.
Bro. Allen has spent more than 30 years in the ministry as a rural and village pastor. Has pastored three-fourth of the Churches in the Buckner Baptist Association and served Ouachita Association as pastor of Cove and Vandervoort Churches.
As many rural pastors, he was a farmer and worked 12 years for Southwestern Creosote Post Company of Muskogee, Oklahoma, inspecting timber in this area.
At present Bro. and Mrs. Allen are members of Denton Baptist Church, where Bro. Allen is a disability retired pastor. He served this church 15 years prior to this engagement.
In our closing thoughts we will say that it is a pleasure knowing and having an opportunity to hear Bro. Allen preach. The Lord has richly blessed his work wherever he has served as pastor. He has conducted and assisted in more than six hundred funerals, performed many marriages and baptized more than a thousand converts.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, January 30, 1969
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MARY ELLA BASS AUDAS
Mrs. Mary Ella Bass Audas celebrated her 92nd birthday last Wednesday, January 22nd in the Pinewood Nursing Home.
Mrs. Audas was the daughter of Harvey and Harriet Huie Bass and has been a livelong resident of Scott County. Her young days were spent in the Evening Shade community, shere she went to school and was married in her home there to William Allen (Bill) Audas, by Rev. John Byers.
Mr. Audas was a farmer, for the most of his life but ran a drey service between Ft. Smith and Waldron, worked in a cotton gin and for many years was town constable of Waldron prior to his death at which time he was almost blind.
To this union were born 4 children, Ted, Clark, Melba and Billye Audas Ragsdale. Mrs. Audas has two grandchildren, Clyde Audas and Lavo Zagar; 4 great grandchildren: Drinda, Joan, Eclanna and Frank; 2 great-great grandchildren, Leanne and Mitchell.
She is a member of the First Baptist Church in which she was always a faithful and willing worker. Even though Mrs. Audas is somewhat hard of hearing she is still very alert and will tell you what a wonderful and full life she has had and how thankful she is for all her many many friends.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, February 1, 1968
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R.M. BAXTER
R.M. Baxter, father of Mrs. W.A. McKeown, celebrated his 92nd birthday January 31, 1968, in the home of his daughter.
Mr. Baxter was born at Diana, Texas near Longview but has been a resident of Arkansas for 55 years. He has lived in Waldron the past ten years and is well known and has a host of friends in Waldron.
Mr. Baxter and Miss Stella Davidson of Marshall, Texas were united in marriage in the year of 1900. To this union were born three children: Mrs. Faye Anderson of Fort Smith and Ray Baxter of Monroe, La. These two are twins. Also another daughter with whom he lives, Mrs. W.A. McKeown, a music teacher in the Waldron Public School system. He has three grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Mr. Baxter spent most of his life as a timber estimator. He is a member of the Waldron Methodist Church.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, March 30, 1967
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DOUGLAS BEVINS
The Advance Reporter's "Spotlight" invites you to meet Douglas Bevins of Waldron. Doug is the superintendent of the city's water and sewer department, and on April 27 he will have completed 25 years of service as the head of the department. During this quarter of a century, Waldron's water source has changed three times, from several wells to Square Rock Lake which was completed in 1943, and to the new Lake Waldron which was completed in 1964.
Doug was transferred to Waldron from Fayetteville in 1939 while in the employ of the Southwestern Gas and Electric Company. He was a "lineman." Due to injuries he received in a traffic accident he was unable to continue this type of work. During CCC days he taught a class in elementary electricity at Buck Knob CCC Camp.
Doug was asked by the City Council on April 27, 1942, to assume the duties as head of the water and sewer department. City officials at that time were James R. Cox, mayor; J.W. Black, recorder; Claud Harrison, treasurer; E.T. Burnett, L.L. Thornton, Chas. W. Jones, Alton Rice, W.O. Harrison, and Bethel Sherrill, members of the council.
In addition to his work with the water department, Doug is an active member of The Waldron Volunteer Fire Department. The fire department trucks are housed at the original water department facility where Doug and his wife Avis have resided in an apartment on the second floor since 1942. He is a Mason and has served 14 years as secretary of the Lodge. Both Doug and Avis are members of the Methodist Church. Doug also is the reporter of area weather for the United States Weather Bureau.
With his complete dedication to his work and conservative management of the department over a long period, Doug has an excellent record in the administration and maintenance of the water system during its growth to the present modern facility.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, December 7, 1967
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MRS. ANNIE BIGELOW
Mrs. Annie Bigelow, daughter of pioneer Scott County woodcarver, George A. "Whittling" Hughes, poses for a picture holding a wooden bowl of fruit which was whittled out with a jack knife by her father many years ago. This is just one of the many objects he had made over the years.
Mrs. Bigelow was born in Proctorville, Ohio on June 7, 1884 where she lived until she moved to Whiting, Iowa at the age of 32. She was one of five children, 2 girls and three boys, four of which are living.
Annie was married to Budd Bigelow Sept. 9, 1903 in Whiting, Iowa by Rev. Green, a Methodist minister. To this union were born 7 children, six of which are living. They are: George and Norman of Waldron; Mrs. Joe Mary) Receke of Arcata, Calif; Mrs. Junious (Irene) Waid of Grand Junction, Col; Mrs. Glen (Louise) Burr of Windson, Calif; and Mrs. John (Esther) Wagoner of Ukiah, Calif. She has 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
"Back in our home state of Iowa, my father was known as one of the best farmers in the neighborhood," Mrs. Bigelow said. "He became troubled with rheumatism, though, and moved to Arkansas about 1913. My husband and I came here in 1916, about the time the first World War was breaking out. We left Iowa in a blizzard but arrived in Waldron via the Arkansas Western Railroad to spring weather." Mrs. Bigelow has lived in her same location for 51 years.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, April 18, 1968
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SARAH JANE CALAHAN
Mrs. Sarah Jane Calahan, one of the oldest residents (about 75 years) of Scott County, will celebrate her 98th birthday on April 23rd at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. Alpha Davis.
She was married to the late Jeff Calahan, a farmer by trade. To this union were born ten children, seven of which are still living.
Mrs. Calahan is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mrs. Calahan laughed and said she had so many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren she couldn't begin to remember.
She has lived a very unselfish life and was always very thoughtful to others. Let's all remember her with a card on her birthday.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, November 16, 1967
Spotlight On...
ROSIE CARNAHAN
My spotlight today is on Miss Rosie Carnahan who was born in Buckner County in Missouri on August 14, 1893 to Mr. and Mrs. Dick Carnahan who came to Scott County some fifty years ago to make their home in the Freedom Community as farmers. Rosie lived here with her parents until she moved to Waldron. She helped out in many homes where she was needed.
In asking about Rosie at the Pinewood Nursing Home, where she has been a resident for over a year, I find she is loved and respected by all and helps in many ways to make their lot happier. Rosie keeps busy making what she calls doo-dads) clever gift items which she sells and gives away. She has three brothers: Doc, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; Anderson and Joe of Waldron and one sister Minnie Jones of Booneville.
--By Ruth Morris

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, July 6, 1967
Spotlight On...
DAVE CARPENTER
Would you believe that felloes, wheel spokes and rim bars were in such demand in Waldron during a period of years that these items were ordered in carload lots? It's true. Dave Carpenter verifies the statement. These items were used in the manufacture of wagons, and Dave worked with two other blacksmiths in Waldron in making new wagons and repairing the old ones that had seen much service.
Dave came to Waldron in 1913 from the Blue Ridge Mountain country of Virginia, Hillsville, at the age of 15. His parents died while he was quite young. Dave found employment at a nursery, then a sawmill, and he spent some time on a farm; and at the age of 19 he became a helper at the blacksmith shop owned & operated by the late Dick Bohnstehn and the late Ed Judy in Waldron. The shop owners were experts at their trade, and Dave received expert tutoring.
He established his own shop in 1926 on the lot now occupied by Oliver Furniture Company, and he has been busy ever since. He later moved his shop a half block south on the opposite side of the street. During World War II he was welder for the Post Engineers at Camp Chaffee, Fort Smith, and Dave said he was kept busy there, too, during the two years he worked away from home.
Dave estimated that he had shod more than thirty thousand horses and mules during the period of the horse and buggy days, and the price was a dollar and a quarter per animal for plain toes. With toes on the shoes the price jumped to a dollar and a half for four shoes. For three shoes that would be...well, they didn't shoe three-legged horses. The price today is near $6.00.
Most every barn in Scott county during that period had a herd of horses and in some barns was also a team of mules. Working horses and working mules wore shoes.
In addition to horse-shoeing, Dave did practically anything with metal that could be done with a welding torch and blacksmith tools. He repaired cotton gins, sawmills, wagons, plows, cultivators, sorghum cane squeezing machines and baby carriages. And he retired about three months ago.
Way back in 1917 on Thanksgiving Day, Dave and Miss Ina Warren were married by the late Reverend Mr. Patterson who at that time was pastor of the Winfield Baptist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter have three daughters and a son.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, September 28, 1967
Spotlight On...
AUNT CRICKETT DAVIS
One of the most loved "Old Timers" in Scott County is Aunt Crickett Davis. She was born in the Greenridge Community in July of 1880 to Mr. and Mrs. "Little" Jim Ballard.
She has lived all of her 87 years in Scott County and has lived at her present residence for 50 years. Aunt Crickett had eleven brothers and sisters of which only three are still living: a sister Aunt Arlee Taff and a brother Jimmie Ballard and Aunt Crickett.
At one time Aunt Crickett attended a subscription school at Greenridge taught by Jim Cox (father of Robert Cox) who had 14 scholars and got a salary of $14 a month.
Her father came to Scott County from Georgia in 1847. At that time the only cleared land around Waldron was the 20 acres where her home is now and 4 acres about where Birds View is now.
To quote her father "there was nothing but grass and black snakes." She helped to card cotton batts from which her mother would weave the cloth to make their clothes on an old spinning wheel. She remembers hoeing cottong from sun up to sun down for forty cents a day.
Aunt Crickett met Horace Davis for the first time when she was fourteen years old and they were married eight years later by Uncle Tom Self at Birds View Church. Mr. Davis was a cotton farmer "and a Good one" says Aunt Crickett.
He died in 1960. To this union was born one daughter Cloe (Mrs. Vander Hughes.) She has two granddaughters: Mrs. Wilfred (Imogene) Young of Harrison and Mrs. Buel Jones of Waldron and six great-grandchildren. Aunt Crickett is a member of the Square Rock Methodist Church and is still active in other community activities.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, May 18, 1967
Spotlight On...
CLYDE DUKE
Mrs. L.E. Chiles, chairman of the Scott County Library Board, announces that May 23 will be designated as Clyde Duke Day to honor Mrs. Duke for her many years of faithful services to the County Library.
A tea will be held at the Waldron Library from 3 to 5 p.m. All of her friends are invited to attend. A letter from Mrs. Lora Gaines Goolsby to Louise Money, who was an eighth grade student in a library project that Mrs. Child sponsored in 1935, gives a history of the library:
A Mrs. Compere, wife of a Baptist minister, ordered about seventy-five books and got local people to subscribe at $1.50 per year- She moved away and Mrs. Goolsby took over with two shelves in the back of the bank. They made money to buy more books by sponsoring "slight of hand" performances. Dot Hughes gave a benefit with his new records for his graphaphone, and a $100 contest was won by selling advertisements for the Times-Record. This was about 1909.
Mrs. Goolsby worked two years as librarian with Mrs. Clyde Duke her assistant. She names other loyal men and women who helped to establish and maintain this first community library.
Miss Hattie Hart (Mrs. Mont. Smith), Mrs. W.P. Harris, Mrs. Gregg Bates, Mrs. Beale Mitchell, Mr. W.E. Baker and others were on this list. Mrs. Goolsby moved to Fort Smith and Mrs. Duke became head librarian.
Later a Literary Club was formed which maintained the library for many years. These women were zealous money makers, holding rummage sales, bankers dinners, bake sales and sundry projects.
The old jail was leased from Judge Julious Martin in 1934. A WPA project remodeled the building, and the library became a cultured and useful center of the town. Red Cross workers rolled bandages and packed knitting there in World War II.
When many of the members of the Literary Club had moved away or died, the library needed more support. The club changed into the present Waldron Garden Club which sponsored a one-mill tax which passed after three trials on the ballot. The tax was voted at an opportune time in 1952. No other county qualified for state aid that year.
Because Scott County negotiated with Sebastian to form a two-county set-up, a grant of state aid of $23,000 was used to buy books and a bookmobile to serve both counties.
Miss Wilma Ingram was head librarian for this two-county library with headquarters at Greenwood. Mrs. Duke, having served with little or no pay when funds were not available for the Waldron Library, was made Scott County Librarian. Then the library was kept open five half days each week instead of the one-half day time.
More space was needed so the library moved into the Memorial Hall where it was housed until it was moved to the present location next door to the Mayor's office.
Scott County received a $1,000 award in 1960 from a National Dorothy Canfield Fisher Fund for Rural Libraries which had shown progress. Then a $5,000 grant from the government came which was spent for books making the County Library one to be proud of.
In January of 1962 Mrs. Duke reported 1072 books were checked out. More than 1000 books are checked out each month according to records. Also magazines are widely read.
Fifty of the newest books received recently are extra large print for the benefit of those who do not see well.
A project is underway to take books to the hospital and Nursing Home. Another project which will be carried out for children is a story hour for the summer.
Many people have made the library one of the finest institutions of our county. Mrs. J. Frank Blakemore of Fort Smith, who is a daughter of the late Mrs. Goolsby, remembers it with a substantial donation each year in memory of her mother. Other memorials have furnished some very valuable books.
Much credit goes to Judge Abbott for his assistance as ex-officio member of the Scott County Library Board which consists of Mrs. L.E. Chiles, chairman; Mr. W.A. McKeown, Mrs. Lorene May, Mrs. Inez Neal, Norman Goodner and another to be appointed soon to take the place of Mrs. Claud Harrison who moved away.
It is hoped all friends of the library will pay it a visit Tuesday afternoon to honor Mrs. Duke and view the progress made.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, June 27, 1968
Spotlight On...
LETHA CROSS DUNN
Mrs. Dunn nee Letha Cross was born June 23, 1888, to Mr. and Mrs. Will Cross of the Pleasant Hill community near Waldron. Her parents were respected farmers in this area. Mr. Cross was noted for the delicious watermelons he grew year after year. Some of the venturesome Waldron boys of that era, now staid business men, well remember how zealously he guarded his watermelon patch.
She was one of seven children, all of whom are still living except one that died in infancy.
Letha Cross was married to Edward Dunn on January 13, 1911 by Mr. N.H. Holland in his home at Winfield. Mr. Dunn was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Levi Dunn of the Haw Creek community. The young couple left immediately by wagon for their home near Stapp, Oklahoma, where the bridegroom had previously rented a farm.
In 1917 Mr. and Mrs. Dunn moved back to Haw Creek and lived there until 1922 when Mr. Dunn went to work for the Kansas City Southern Railroad. They moved to Heavener then and remained until 1935 when they returned to the farm where they lived until 1950 when they moved into Waldron. Mr. Dunn passed away in 1957.
The couple had four children: Mrs. Madge Whitfield of Waldron, Mrs. Jeane Hall of Waldron, Ralph Dunn of N. Little Rock and Ray Dunn of Benton. There are six grandchildren.
During her years as a farm wife, Mrs. Dunn was active in the Home Demonstration Club in her community. She still enjoys many hobbies such as reading, sewing, raising flowers, and most of all making quilts. She is a faithful member of the Church of Christ.
Mrs. Dunn has always enjoyed people and from the very first hers was a home that others enjoyed visiting. She has maintained her active interest in and enjoyment of young people. Even though she now lives alone, she has frequent visitors from among the friends she had made down through the years.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, March 16, 1967
Spotlight On...
NORMAN GOODNER
This week's spotlight is on Mr. Norman Goodner of Waldron. Mr. Goodner, a native, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. W.R. Goodner who reside at Boles.
He is a former school teacher, having taught at Boles, Keener, Buffalo and Mill Creek from 1926 to 1930. He also served as Deputy Tax Collector during this same period. Mr. Goodner served the county as County Court Clerk from 1942 to 1960, and is presently an Abstractor and Insurance Agent.
Mr. Goodner is a graduate of Waldron High School, class of 1925. He also attended Draughons Business College in Fort Smith. He is married to the former Dorothy Greene and they have two sons, Don and Charles, both attending the University Law School at Fayetteville.
Mr. Goodner is one of the best known and well liked citizens of Scott County, and we wish to thank him for allowing us to turn the spotlight on him in this, our first of a continuing series.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, April 20, 1967
Spotlight On...
TOM J. GRAY
Tom J. Gray will celebrate his 75th birthday May 8. A native of Scott County he was born in 1892 at old Gibson south of Bates where he grew up. He attended school at Bates and completed a business course at Tyler Commercial College, Tyler, Texas. He began working for the Kansas City Southern railroad in 1911. He and Mrs. Gray were united in marriage February 9, 1913 and made their home in Bates until October 31, 1919, when they moved to Waldron where Mr. Gray was Depot Agent for the K.C.S. railroad until he retired in March of 1957 after 43 years with K.C.S. He and Mrs. Gray have lived in their present home 46 years March 7 of this year and reared a family of five children, three girls Mrs. Edna Harrison of Amity; Mrs. Cordelia Matthews of Mt. Ida; and Mrs. Jean Starnes of Little Rock; two boys, I.T. (Buddy) of Waldron and Tom, Jr. of Fayetteville, N. Carolina who is serving at present with the armed services in Vietnam. They have 17 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Mr. Gray set quite a record as Mayor of Waldron, having served in this capacity for 15 years, being elected the first time to office in 1923 serving 2 years; elected again in 1930 serving 5 - one year terms. Elected the 3rd time in 1950 when he served 4 - two year terms. He retired from the Mayors office in 1958. His hobbies are fishing, hunting and baseball - a sport he now enjoys watching on television.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, January 4, 1968
Spotlight On...
MRS. NINNIE HARWELL
Mrs. Ninnie Harwell celebrated her 84th birthday Wednesday, December 27th at her home in Waldron. She is the wife of the late W.M. Harwell, a Scott County farmer for many years. Mrs. Harwell has lived the past 50 years in Scott County. She is the mother of 12 children and raised two step-children. Her sons are Ron and Ernest of Waldron, Sam and Walter of Blue Mountain, her daughters are Mrs. Buford Lasiter and Mrs. Mary Beardon of Benton, Mrs. Willie Edmundson of Paris, Texas, Mrs. Myrtle Hawkins and Mrs. Elsie Miller of Waldron. She was one of eight children with only one sister, Mrs. Ottia Beamon of Beaumont, Calif., still living. She has 33 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.
Standing with her are two neighbors who had presented her with the birthday cake, Mr. and Mrs. Jess Darnell.
Her daughter and family, Mr. and Mrs. Buford Lasiter and daughter Betty of Benton visited with her this week.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, July 13, 1967
Spotlight On...
BERT HAWKINS
Bert Hawkins has spent all of his life in the county of Scott where he was born March 22, 1904 at Parks. He lived with his parents there on the farm until November 10, 1929 when he was married to Miss Ettie Laird by Rev. Verlia Harris, pastor of the Methodist Church in Parks. He and his family lived in Parks until October 15, 1942 when they moved to Waldron where he was employed by Harris Motor Co. as mechanic. During WWII he worked as heavy duty mechanic at Camp Chaffee at Fort Smith. He also worked for Fuller-Judy Chevrolet Co. and was working there at the time the company was changed to Theo Money Chevrolet. Sometime in the Fifties he was employed by Studebaker Garage and worked here for nine years. He was working again for Harris Motor Co. at the time he retired in 1965. He works part time for his son, Edmund, at his shop now.
Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins are parents of three children, two sons and one daughter.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, July 27, 1967
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EMMETT BENJAMIN HOLLIS Mr. E.B. Hollis moved to Waldron in the spring of 1944 engaged in construction work. Some of the buildings he put up are the Jim Rawlings home, the Nazarene Church, Supreme Courts Motel and the Brown Hospital, now known as Waldron Hotel.
Emmett Benjamin Hollis was born in a soddy (half dug-out type) in Indian Territory, March 1901. His pioneer parents were of Irish, Muskhogean and Iroquoe's extraction. His father was a pony express rider in his youth. His grandmother an Indian Princess.
Mr. Hollis married Hilda Marie, an Anglo American, daughter of the late Judge and Mrs. W.O. Hennings of Oklahoma. Their son, Gerald Joe was born in 1924 and lives in Houston. They have three grandchildren, Don, Kay and Marianne.
In 1950 Mr. Hollis started working for the Navy as supervising inspector over construction. He became Navy representative working in southern and eastern states, out of the 6th Naval Base headquarters in Charleston, South Carolina. Some of Mr. Hollises jobs were classified Government contracts.
He is a member of the First Baptist Church, a past member of the society of American Military Engineers. He now is retired and living in his home in west Waldron with his wife Hilda.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, April 4, 1968
Spotlight On...
SARAH HUDGENS
This week we would like to turn the spotlight on one of our older citizens of the Shiloh community, Mrs. Sarah Hudgens, daughter of Charley and Mary Jane (McNew) Hill, born August 7, 1886 in Scott County.
She was married to Joseph Robert Hudgens, February 18, 1906. To this union were born five children: two daughters, Lara (Richmond), Blackfork, and Annie (Staggs), Boles; and three sons, Charley of Boles, Roy of Waldron, and Fred of the home.
Mrs. Hudgens has been a very active person. As a young girl she assisted her father, who was a doctor. She saddled his horse many a time when he would get a call. At present she is making preparations to make a garden this year. Fred breaks the ground in the spring and from then on Mrs. Hudgens uses her hoe and rake and has one of the finest and cleanest gardens around. Each year she cans several hundred jars of fruits and vegetables, as well as making jelly and jam. She does all her house work and has a nice flower garden around the seven room house she makes home.
Invite yourself to her home some Sunday - what sumptuous hot rolls and other good food she cooks on that wood burning stove.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, March 23, 1967
Spotlight On...
VANDER HUGHES
When this familiar phrase is heard, "A friend in need is a friend indeed," many people place Vander Hughes in the front row of those they know to be their friends indeed. And there are few adult citizens in this area who have never met Van. During his some forty years of public service as a mechanic in Waldron, it would not be easy to assemble enough figures to indicate how many times this expression has been heard: "If you want it fixed, take [it] to Vander Hughes."
Van's grandfather, Rice Hughes, made wagons. He moved from Tennessee to Waldron two years after the end of the War Between the States. Van's father, G.G. Hughes, was a blacksmith.
Van completed a course in auto mechanics in a Kansas City school in 1916. His first employment as a mechanic began in 1922 with Arch Shirley who had the Ford automobile agency here. After ten years with Shirley, Van and Bryan Denton (now doing business in Waldron as Denton Motor Company) established a partnership which lasted 15 years. Later, Van established his own shop near his home north of Waldron on Highway 71 where his friends in need bring gadgets to be mended...wood as well as metal. His knowledge and experience in mechanics is acknowledged and appreciated by others who are engaged in similar fields.
While Van is welding your broken stove cap lifter, or sealing a hole in your aluminum bake pan, or perhaps building up a worn tooth on the gear of your favorite diesel engine, he will keep you entertained by telling an acceptable joke-or he will swap ideas with you on planting peanuts when the moon is right, or the best way the war in Vietnam could be won. Whatever the subject, Van is always on your level when conversing with you; and you'll feel better after a few minutes' or an hour's visit with him.
Van's only helper in his shop is his wife, Chloe, who drops in occasionally when her housekeeping chores permit a visit to the shop. Van and Chloe were married in 1924 and they have 2 daughters, both married.
Van and Chloe are members of the Square Rock Methodist Church, and both are active in church and community affairs. Van is a member of the County Welfare Board.
"The best way to stay healthy is to keep busy," Van said recently. Evidently he has a good point. He's 67 years young, and he's always busy.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, June 22, 1967
Spotlight On...
BEN JOHNSON
Many elder residents of Waldron can recall Main street as it appeared prior to the concrete surface, and that picture brings to mind the period when the horse and wagon unit was utilized for travel and transportation. Ben Johnson, a life-long resident of Waldron, was very active during that period. He had two strong horses and a big wagon; and he did a lot of hauling over the unpaved road from the Arkansas Western Railway box cars to the retail stores uptown.
Ben acquired his outfit in 1917 and retired in 1950. His horses, "Bob" and "Vern" weighed about 1600 pounds each. His wagon was a huge carrier with a long bed that was just step-high at the rear and sloped upward and was almost head-high at the rear and sloped upward and was almost head-high to a tall Indian at the front where the driver's seat was mounted. The seat was so high the driver could hardly reach the rumps of the horses with a bull whip. However, Ben never used a whip.
One hundred sacks of feed, 10,000 pounds, were considered a load for his wagon. During the rainy season it was not unusual to see the loaded wagon with the wheels buried to a depth that placed the brake hubs in the mud. Ben never got in a hurry in those situations. He permitted "Bob" and "Vern" to get their breath while resting for a few minutes, and then the two big horses would inch the wagon forward until it was smooth sailing again.
Ben said he and his partner, and brother-in-law, the late Jim Audas, would empty seven railroad box cars of feed (2,800 sacks) and deliver the feed to storage rooms uptown in 48 hours; and they did it in three days, working about 16 hours a day. They received 2 1/2 cents per sack for hauling. The charge for miscellaneous items delivered was 6 cents per hundred pounds. "It was hard work and long hours," Ben recalled.
When model T Fords were popular, Ben recalls, he and "Bob" were called to many mudholes in the area when a horseless carriage became stuck in the mud. On one occasion the driver of a model T walked to Waldron from the "Hon Bottoms" to get help. (No telephones in Hon Bottoms.) Ben fastened the rear end of a long chain to the horseless carriage and the front end of the chain to old "Bob" and things started to move. Out of the mud, the model T continued under its own power.
Sometime later when the Fords proved themselves, Ben bought himself a brand new truck and put old "Bob" and "Vern" to pasture and retirement.
Ben has lived in Scott County all of his 77 years. When he was younger he enjoyed a fox hunt about twice a week. Old-timers say he'd rather fox hunt than eat when he's hungry.
Ben and Mrs. Johnson, the former Grace Audas, have resided at their present home in Waldron for 35 years. They have six children: Mrs. Sybil Hickox, Midland, Texas; R.C. Johnson, San Diego, Calif; Mrs. Gaynell Anderson, Oklahoma City; Mrs. Maurine Birchtold, Chicago; Benjamin "Botchie" Johnson, Fort Smith, Ark; and Mrs. Patricia Hunt, Houston, Texas.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, April 27, 1967
Spotlight On...
ED JONES
Unlike the late Will Rogers, who said, "Even though there is no record of when I was born, or where, it looks to me as if anybody would know I was born" Ed Jones was born April 29, 1893, on what might be called the first elevation or ridge, of Poteau Mountain, which has its foothills about six miles north of Waldron. There and near that place, Ed grew to manhood.
Leaving his parents' home, he went to Lucas, Arkansas, to enter school with Dr. Nolen M. Irby as teacher. More schooling followed at Charleston and Waldron; the latter place receiving his first teaching license. His first school was taught in 1915, with many others following in the next twenty-three years.
He then took up sheet-writing as a means of supporting the family, having married Mrs. Eula Richmond Ford in 1921. She had a small daughter, Juanita, now Mrs. Herman Robson, Mena. Nolan I. Jones was born in 1922 and Janelle, now Mrs. Donald Shaw, was born in 1926. Nolan has two sons and Janelle has two daughters.
Next, he entered the produce and junk business at his present place of residence. This was continued for some fifteen years, at which time he was no longer able to carry on this business, selling same. He then entered into the mercantile business in a small way, which was just last year concluded. He is now retired, except for being a buyer of raw fur during season.
It is probably of little interest for anyone to try to catalogue the struggle they have had in this life, where they are trying to make their burdens greater than anyone elses.
Ed says, "Dear reader: If you will kindly turn to Revelations, 5th Chapter and second verse, you will find the following: 'Who is worthy...' If you will continue reading Revelations, you will find the following words: 'And they are those that came through great tribulations.'"
While their life in Scott County is very well known to a lot of people, they are still very much inclined to do as much good as they can in this, their last days, not neglecting to thank the people for every deed of kindness.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, November 2, 1967
Spotlight On...
MRS. FANNIE KILLION
Mrs. Fannie Killion celebrated her 78th birthday October 27th. She was born and raised in Scott County in the community of Pleasant Valley east of Waldron and lived in the same house until she moved to Waldron. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lou Black.
She was married to Willey Killion in 1913 and to this union two daughters were born, Mrs. E.A. (Nadine) Judy of Waldron and Miss Francille Killion of Little Rock. She has one grandson, James Judy of Harrison and two great grandsons, Randy and Stuart Judy also of Harrison.
Mrs. Fannie is very active in many different phases of community work. She is a member of the Methodist Church in Waldron, American Legion, Hospital Auxiliary, Garden Club, and Birds View Quilting Club. Mrs. Fannie has a beautiful flower and vegetable garden which she tends herself. She regularly visits the patients at Pine Wood Nursing Home and helps to brighten their days in any way she can. There is never a dull minute when Mrs. Fannie is around and I think she can truly be called the "peoples friend."

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, December 14, 1967
Spotlight On...
MRS. LILLIE KRAMP
Our spotlight is on Mrs. Lillie Kramp who is a sister of Mrs. L.L. Thornton and lives on 105 West 3rd Street in Waldron.
Mrs. Kramp was born December 7th, 1885 near Scotland, Ark., to Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Hardy. The family moved to Mill Creek Indian Territory when she was a small child. She remembers many stories about Territorial Days told to her by her father who was deputy marshall in the Indian Territory.
She lived in Wilson, Okla. for forty years and met and married the late Charles Kramp there. After his death she went to Waurika, Okla., where she cared for her invalid mother for 8 1/2 years, prior to coming to Waldron in March of 1957 to be near her sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. L.L. Thornton. With her cheerful disposition she readily made friends and became a part of the community. She is a member of the Methodist Church of Waldron and before her illness she was active in the Methodist Guild, Waldron Homemakers Club and the Birds View Quilting Club. Her hobbies were needle work (tatting for linens) and pastry cooking. At Christmas time she made dozens of cookies and candies for her friends. She has been in ill health since 1963 and has a companion nurse, Mrs. Ona Breed of Paris continuously. They rotate their living here and at 506 East Brown Street in Paris.
Last Thursday Mrs. Kramp celebrated her 82nd birthday. She received many cards, gifts and calls from her many friends to wish her a "Happy Birthday."
She is one of five sisters and brothers: Mrs. Vera Long, New Haven, Ohio, Mrs. Myrtle Taylor, Gutherie, Okla., Mrs. L.L. Thornton, Waldron and one brother, Walter Hardy, (deceased.)

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, March 28, 1968
Spotlight On...
CORA NELSON
Mrs. Cora Nelson celebrated her 98th birthday March 26th. She was born in Eudora, Kansas, to Mr. and Mrs. Ed Shadd. She was one of seven children, four brothers and two sisters.
She and one other sister, Mrs. Mabel Barnhart of Seattle, Wash. are the only two living in the older Shadd generation.
Mrs. Nelson and the late Sam Nelson, a farmer of Parks, had four sons, Ernest, Wilburn and Earl of Waldron and Vern of Parks; three daughters, Mrs. Minnie Tolbert, Waldron, Mrs. John D. (Virgie) Alley of Okemah, Okla. and Mrs. Marvin (Adelia) Moore, Okla. City, Oklahoma. There are 19 grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren.
The secret of her long and happy life is attributed to her faith in God and keeping busy. She is still very active in the home and her church, Fellowship Primitive Baptist, Pleasant Hill.
A birthday celebration for Mrs. Nelson and Mrs. Minnie Tolbert was held in their home Sunday, March 24th. Those attending were: Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Nelson, Mr. and Mrs. John D. Alley, Mr. and Mrs. Wilburn Nelson, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Nelson and Milford Atchley, Mr. Glendale Sparks and son, Mr. and Mrs. Winton Nelson, Mr. and Mrs. M.C. Nelson and children, Mrs. Dorothy Herrin and Mrs. Beatrice Nix. Delicious refreshments were served. Both ladies wish to express their appreciation for many lovely gifts and good wishes. Mrs. Nelson was given a money tree. She has lived over 60 years in Scott County, in and around Waldron.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, June 1, 1967
Spotlight On...
GENTRY PRIEST
The Advance Reporter spotlight this week is focused on Mr. Gentry Priest of Waldron. Mr. Priest, after devoting over 40 years to the postal service, retired in November of 1965. A Public Accountant for 25 years, he is now manager of the Credit Bureau.
He is a graduate of Waldron High School & attended Chillicothe Business College in Chillicothe, Missouri. Mr. Priest belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Methodist Church.
Mr. Priest was born May 28, 1906 in Weaublean, Missouri, and his wife, Minnie, was born in Oneonta, Alabama. They were married on May 20, 1926. To this union was born one daughter, Georgiana Rajan, who passed away in 1961. They have one granddaughter, Rynn Rajan and one adopted son, Dolan Priest of Los Angeles, California.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, August 31, 1967
Spotlight On...
FRAN RICE
Fran Rice, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bud Rice, is a 1966 graduate of Waldron High School, where she received awards in Band, piano, World History, Beta Club; was awarded the American Legion Award, Outstanding Student Award and was listed in Who's Who. She was drum major for Waldron High School Band for two years and played the flute. She was a Girls State Representative and a contestant in the Arkansas Junior Miss Contest of 1966.
Fran served as student piano teacher for two years. She is an active member of the Baptist Church where she has assisted at the piano and organ. She has spent the summer in North Carolina, where she worked as assistant dietician at Camp Ridgecrest for Boys.
Fran is enrolled as a sophomore home economics major at Ouachita University, Arkadelphia, where she is a member of the Arkansas Home Economics Association and EEE Social Club. Her interests are music, sports, sewing, cooking and people.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, August 10, 1967
Spotlight On...
WORTH SAMUEL RICE
Worth Samuel Rice was born in Scott County at Center Point Community where the residence of Claud Rice is now, October 23, 1891.
Mr. Rice is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Rice and is one of 14 children, with eleven living and all residing in Scott County.
Worth and Med Jones were united in marriage August 24, 1913, by Bro. Floyd. They are both natives of Scott County and spent their entire life in Scott County.
At one time, Mr. Rice hauled freight to and from Fort Smith with wagon and team. A round trip took him three days. He has farmed, been a self-employed truck operator, worked as grader operator for the county for several years, served as State Representative from 1935 to 1939 and as Sheriff of Scott County from 1939 to 1942. They moved to their present farm in 1943 where he has been actively engaged in raising cattle ever since.
The are both members of Square Rock Methodist Church. Children born to this union: Charles W. (Si) Rice of Waldron; Mrs. Charlene Brigance of McAlester, Okla; Bud Rice of Waldron; Mrs. Joyce Matthew of Waldo, Ark; and nine grandchildren.
Mr. Rice still enjoys being outside and looking after the cattle. He especially likes to attend singing conventions and taking part in them. He has been active in all phases of community life and played an important part in the growth and progress of Waldron and Scott County. Mr. and Mrs. Rice have lived in their present home north of Waldron for 24 years and hope to live there "24 more years."

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, November 9, 1967
Spotlight On...
MRS. MARY ROWLETT
Mrs. Mary Rowlett, a patient in Pinewood Nursing Home for almost a year now, was born July 21, 1889 in Logan County. She moved to Scott County over fifty years ago with her husband, Joe Rowlett, whom she married March 7, 1908. To this union were born seven children, two boys and five girls. They are: Melven Rowlett and Mrs. Sophia Floyd of Waldron; Danny Rowlett, Kingsboro, California; Mrs. Dortha Scott, Kansas City, Missouri; Josie Hunt and Mrs. Nola Taylor of Springfield, Oregon; and Mrs. Iva Irons of Star City.
Mr. Rowlett was a farmer in the Cedar Creek community for many years, raising mostly corn and cotton. Mrs. Rowlett helped him in the fields as well as being a devoted mother and homemaker. She remembers when it was nothing to raise twenty bales of cotton a year.
Mrs. Rowlett is a member of Cedar Creek Missionary Baptist Church. She is pictured with two of her daughters, Mrs. Dortha Scott on the left and Mrs. Sophia Floyd on the right.
Standing in the center back of Mrs. Rowlett is Mrs. Martha Owens, who has been a great help to Mrs. Rowlett. Mrs. Rowlett has 26 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. She is seated in a new rocking chair presented to her by Mrs. Scott.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, August 3, 1967
Spotlight On...
JOE BILL RUPE
Joe Bill Rupe was honored Tuesday at Scott County Hospital with a birthday party given by relatives, assisted by doctors, nurses and hospital staff. Visiting him that day were Judge and Mrs. Glenn Abbott, Curtis Lemons, Mr. and Mrs. Carol Ward, Ted Audas, Si Rice and members of the family.
Joe Bill was born August 1st, 1905, near Elm Park on Kings Creek. He is a lifetime resident of Scott County and participated in many phases of community & county activities. He was Scott County Road foreman for six years.
He was known far and wide for his "fiddling" and took part in many "old time fiddling contests."
His family consists of his wife, Marcene and two sons, Glenn and Joseph. He has two brothers, Lewis of Waldron and Bethel of Mansfield; two sisters, Mrs. Josie Baker of Hartford and Mrs. Nellie Drewey, deceased.
Mr. Rupe and family wishes to express their thanks for the kindness of friends, cards and visits during his long illness.
Also, many thanks to the doctors, nurses and hospital staff for their kindness and assistance in making Joe's birthday a memorable one. We are happy to say Joe is feeling much better, and may many more happy birthdays come his way.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, May 25, 1967
Spotlight On...
JOHN SANDERS
John Sanders was born some 6 miles east of Waldron, June 11, 1895. Mrs. Bertha Sanders was born at Harvey, February 1, 1902. John and Bertha were married August 3, 1919, after John returned from WWI March 31 of that same year.
They have two children, Mrs. Glinda Puckett, Waldron, and John Jr. of New Orleans, La., one granddaughter, Renee Puckett, one grandson, Michael Sanders.
John worked at numerous jobs in Arkansas and Oklahoma until the year 1947, he began work for the Dierks Forests Inc. Lumber Company as first aid, safety man, and plant inspector, a job he held until June 1, 1961, and was retired on the account of ill health.
They moved to Waldron after his retirement July 18 of the same year, to the residence where they now reside, 650 Washington Street. Soon after moving to Waldron, John became a member of both Veterans organizations here in Waldron, The American Legion, John Tolleson Post No. 46 and The Veterans of WWI.
John has been Post Adjutant and Finance Officer of Post No. 46 and has been commander of the post for two years. He has been Quartermaster Adjutant and Service Officer for the Veterans of WWI for the past four years. He has charge of the Legion Hospital equipment, and also is a Notary Public. The first of August last year he became Scott County Chairman of the American Red Cross. His office is in his home. Mrs. Sanders is a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the John Tolleson Post No. 46, and also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of WWI. They both say there is no place to live like Waldron, Arkansas where the smiles, the hand shakes, and the friendship is a little stronger than any other place they have lived.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, December 5, 1968
Spotlight On...
BELLE SATTERFIELD
I had the privilege Sunday of meeting one of Scott Counties senior citizens, Mrs. Belle Satterfield. She may be up in years but is certainly "young at heart." About two weeks ago she fell and broke some ribs and at this time is a patient in Scott County Hospital. Other than for one day's stay in the hospital this is the only time in her 93 years to be in a hospital. She has endeared herself to all who come in contact with her there.
Aunt Belle as she is known by all her friends and relatives in and around Evening Shade community, came to Scott County with her parents from Woodstation, Georgia at the age of seven and has lived here since that time. She was united in marriage to Rufus Satterfield by Rev. Rube Piles (father of the late Bill Piles) and to this union seven children were born, six sons and one daughter, the late Mrs. O. (Stell) Strickland. The sons still living are Howard of Ft. Smith, Paul, Irvin and Grady of Waldron or nearby. She has two granddaughters, Betty Jo and Willard and one grandson, Jerry.
Aunt Belle lives with her son Grady, does all her own house work, cooking and looks after her chickens. She has been a member of the Evening Shade Baptist Church for many years and became a Christian at the age of 17 years. When asked what her secret for such a long and healthful life she said "eatin the right food and living close to her Lord." She said she knew He is real because she saw Him in a vision about three years ago. Her Christianity shows in her face an she sure does her part as a witness for Him.
She has a keen mind and a wonderful sense of humor and outlook on life. Many changes have taken place in her lifetime and she expects to see more. It was a blessing to me to be able to visit with her and may God watch over her in her illness.
She will be 94 on July 29, 1969 and has spent most of this time in the Evening Shade community.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, May 4, 1967
Spotlight On...
DR. JAMES LOUIE SCOTT
Dr. James Louie Scott was born January 18, 1906 at Parks, Arkansas. He is the oldest of a family of 12. He and Mary Ellen Barker of Boles were married June 6, 1925 at Square Rock.
Dr. Scott has spent the past 40 years serving the people of Scott County. He was called to Little Rock in 1944 to the State Examination Board to see if he was qualified to practice veterinary medicine. He passed all his tests and got his license. He has made many friends in his years of veterinary work. He can tell some very unusual things that have happened in the past years and he wishes to say he hopes to continue serving the people of Scott County for many years to come.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, October 5, 1967
Spotlight On...
WILLIAM LAMBERT SELF
We are pleased to put the Spotlight this week on one of Scott County's pioneers. We would like to introduce to our readers Mr. William Lambert Self.
Mr. Self was born and raised in Scott County and has lived his 82 years in and around Waldron. He was born in 1885 in the Greenridge community to Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Self.
He is one of six children of which four are still living. Two brothers, Arvil, who lives east of Waldron and Doc, who lives in Springfield, Missouri. One sister, Mrs. Eloise Holladay of Escondido, California.
Mr. Self and Mary House were married at Greenridge in 1911. They raised six children: Madge Barnett, Wayford, Waymon and Isabelle Heath of Waldron; Winfred of Santa Cruz, California, and Beatrice Ham of Brementon, N.Y.
Mr. Self worked at timber and sawmill work all his life. To quote him, "he has cut more timber with little mills than any man living his age."
He is still able to come to town every day in spite of one artificial foot.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, April 6, 1967
Spotlight On...
ARTHUR L. "BUSTER" SHERRILL
Arthur L. (Buster) Sherrill was inducted into the U.S. Army May 7, 1918. He was born on the old Sherrill place just north-east of his present home. He was married January 26, 1924 to Miss Lucy Staner by a Methodist minister, W.J. Faust, and on a marriage license issued by County Clerk, H.L. Fuller. There are a few people here who remember the charavari and party on the night of the marriage at the home of the brides' parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Staner, who lived in a house where the S and B Garage is now located. Buster is known for many different things. His occupations include cooking, butchering and farming. Many people have hunted Buster out to butcher a hog or a calf and Buster and his wife, Lucy, dressed chickens for Mr. Hinkle for several years. Lucy worked for J.B. Cox, Sr., setting type by hand from 1918 through May 1924, at the Advance Reporter. Buster farmed the old Sherrills' place and also rented land. He once had a nice herd of good red polled cattle, that being his favorite breed, and some remember his dog pen where he had perhaps 10 good coon and mink hounds.
In cooking, he worked for such old timers as Earl McGaugh, Oss Thomas and J.T. May. Buster could always catch the fish or bring in a mink or even a good mess of squirrel. Many people have said "you can count on a good meal if you go to Buster and Lucy's." Even the visiting preachers have made their place at meal time down through the years. Have you ever heard Buster whistle, "The Arkansas Traveler," or heard him play the harmonica? His mulligans and other dishes have helped make many a deer hunters camp.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, June 15, 1967
Spotlight On...
THOMAS JEFFERSON SIMMONS
Thomas Jefferson Simmons was born November 27, 1885 in Coryell County, Texas. Jeff and Miss Carrie Ellen Fisk were married in May, 1914, at Waco, Texas. To this union was born one son, Earl, who like his father is a farmer stockman, and works with his father; two daughters, Hazel Thach, who along with her son, Jeff Earl, live with her parents and works at the Waldron schools, and Mildred Pangrace. Mr. and Mrs. Pangrace live at Morrisville, Pa., where Mr. Pangrace is processing Engineer of Bayer Aspirin Company in Trinton, New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Simmons have 4 grandchildren.
Mr. and Mrs. Simmons moved to the Denton community - about 12 miles S-West of Waldron - in 1918. About 30 years ago purchased his present home there.
Jeff has been in the registered Hereford cattle business for about 30 years, and is known well throughout Western Arkansas in the cattle industry.
He is a member of the Denton Baptist Church, where he was active until recent years. He is serving his second term on the Welfare Board, has been a County Committee of ASC for 15 years. He is one of the oldest J.P's in the county, a member of the Masonic Lodge and active in other civic organizations.
His main sport is hunting - where he is close to Mother nature. Jeff says his wife has been a great inspiration to him and has helped him over many obstacles.
When asked, "what do you recommend to other young couples?" Jeff replied "The first thing is to be right with your Maker and to start in Hereford cattle." Even at the age of 78, Jeff rides the tractor and tends his nice herd of Herefords.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, November 30, 1967
Spotlight On...
MRS. PEARL SPEAKS
Mrs. Pearl Speaks celebrated her 77 birthday Monday, November 27 in her home. She is the former Pearl Black, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Clate Black of Waldron. She was born about 1 1/2 miles east of Waldron and has lived all but three years of her life in or near Waldron.
She was married to the late Jess Speaks (a farmer) December 5, 1906. To this union was born 10 children: five boys, Edgar and Dale of Fort Smith, Ark., Joe of Pine Bluff, Don, of Texarkana and Herman of Waldron; five girls, Jean Payne and Doris Hullett of Tulsa, Okla., Clara Solomon of Concord, California, Glen Lee and Juanita Aynes, of Waldron.
She has one brother living, L.J. "Bunk" Black of Redondo Beach, California. Visiting her through the holidays were Mr. and Mrs. Roy Payne of Tulsa, Okla., Mr. and Mrs. Don Speaks and family of Texarkana, Texas, and Mrs. Joe Speaks and son, Larry of Pine Bluff, and a granddaughter, Mrs. Jimmy Davis and daughter of Fort Worth, Texas.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, August 25, 1967
Spotlight On...
JAMES CALVIN TAYLOR
James Calvin Taylor was born January 10, 1883 in Tate Community near the Scott and Logan County line.
James C. Taylor and Etto Lassiter were united in marriage January 15, 1905 and to this union were born eight children who are: Edgar Taylor of Booneville; Melvin Taylor of Waldron; Joda Taylor of Fort Smith; Delbert Taylor of Kansas City, Kansas; Mildred Sherrill of Waldron; Mary Ruth Rimmer of Clarksville and Bonnie, deceased.
Mr. Taylor lived in the Tate Community until 1931 when he moved to North Waldron where he now resides. He is a retired livestock man and farmer.
He is a member of the Baptist Church and is a member of Waldron Masonic Lodge No. 132. He was presented his 50-year pin at the Memorial Hall Friday night, August 18, by the Grand Master of Arkansas Masonic Lodge.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, September 21, 1967
Spotlight On...
VIDA VAN TINE
Mrs. Vida Van Tine who is presently employed as County Office Clerk for Farmers Home Administration under Curtis Lemons, has recently won two Incentive Awards, one a cash award and one a commendation award. These were for suggestions she submitted to the FHA in Washington and used by them. There is also another award pending.
Mrs. Van Tine has been in Government work for approximately 25 years. Before coming to Waldron 3 years ago she worked in Piggott. She has one daughter, Mrs. Louise Pittack, who lives in Washington, D.C. and works for The Postmaster General there.
Vida is a member of the Business and Professional Womens Club and active in other phases of community affairs. Her hobby is collecting and refinishing antiques. She also works at the Scott County Livestock Barn on Saturdays.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, May 11, 1967
Spotlight On...
M.J. "TUG" WALKER
M.J. (Tug) Walker, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Walker, was born October 7, 1891, in Cauthron Township in Logan County, where he grew up. He attended a country school and at the age of 15 began working in his father's blacksmith shop where he learned the trade.
On July 9, 1911, he and Miss Louise Holland were united in marriage by a Justice of [the] Peace, Mr. Clat Wooten of Ione. Mr. and Mrs. Walker have 6 children, 3 daughters, Mrs. Julia Chilton and Mrs. Grace Organ, both of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Mrs. Ruth Wilson of Wichita Falls, Texas, 3 sons, Coleman and Gilbert both of Fort Smith and Tillman of North Little Rock. They have 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
Mr. Walker has spent only 3 nights away from his home in his life and Tulsa, Oklahoma is the fartherest away he has ever been from his beloved Arkansas.
Before we had funeral homes, Mr. Walker and his parents worked making caskets and after he married, his wife helped her mother-in-law trim the caskets. They carded bats out of cotton to line the caskets and make the pillows. They used black trim for older folks and white for children.
Mr. and Mrs. Walker have lived in their present home located 2 1/2 miles north of Waldron on Highway 71 for 27 years.
Mr. Walker, who is loved and admired by all who know him, has over the years shod horses and repaired plows for practically everyone in Scott and Logan Counties. At one time he had a grist mill at his blacksmith shop and ground meal for farmers far and near. He had 85 customers at Ione and back when highway 71 was being built using horses people would come at night and he would work shoeing their horses by the lights of a truck at a price of $1.25 to $2.50 a head with him doing the work and furnishing the shoes. Many a time he would cut and weld 16 wagon wheels and put them on the wagons in a day, sometimes being assisted by his wife, who has always been at her husbands side when needed.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, May 9, 1968
Spotlight On...
LEVI WATSON
Levi Watson was born August 17, 1878 in Scott County. Most of his life has been spent in and around Waldron. A farmer by trade and was known for his excellent garden and flower work. Mr. Watson lived with one of his daughters, Mrs. Ruby Belcher in Van Buren, until he entered the Haven O'Rest Home in Van Van Buren, November 21, 1964.
When Waldron built the Pinewood Nursing Home, Mr. Watson wanted to come back home so he could spend his last days in Scott County. He was the 7th patient to enter Pinewood Nursing Home. Since he came on August 29, 1965 the home was filled to capacity and there are many on the waiting list. He has enjoyed his home there and until recently was able to be about, eat in the dining room and etc. Now he spends most of the time in bed.
Mr. Watson has five children: Mrs. Lottie Pollard and Mrs. Ruby Belcher of Waldron; Mrs. Elvie James and Mrs. Lucille Roy of Wichita Falls, Texas and J.L. Watson, Iowa Park, Texas.
Pictured above with him are his daughter, Lottie Pollard, granddaughter, Eloise (Pollard) Van Cleave, great granddaughter, Patsy (Baily) Duty and great great granddaughters, Pam and Denae Duty. Mr. Watson will be 90 years old August 17, 1968.

THE ADVANCE REPORTER
Thursday, February 22, 1968
Spotlight On...
MR. AND MRS. WIGLEY
The spotlight is on a very nice couple who celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary Saturday, February 17th in their home 6 miles south on Highway 71. Mr. and Mrs. Wigley have resided in Scott [County] for the past five years. He is a retired farmer of Yell County.
He and Miss Etta Kitchens, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Monroe Kitchens, were united in marriage Feb. 17, 1907 on Mrs. Wigley's 16th birthday, in Southern Home near Booneville in Logan County. To this union were born four sons: Arley of the home, Raymond of Coquilla, Oregon, Herbert of Winston, Oregon and James of Waldron; one daughter, Marie (Mrs. Ted Hudson) also of near Waldron.
The couple are still very active and Mr. Wigley is already looking forward to getting his garden out. He says that being able to be outside in the fresh air and sunshine and do things is the secret to their long life. Both have a keen sense of humor and to quote Mr. Wigley, are "like two pet coons."
They are members of the Pleasant Hill Primitive Baptist Church. They were surprised Friday night when Mr. and Mrs. Ted Hudson and Mr. and Mrs. James Wigley and family dropped in with a large wedding and birthday cake to help them celebrate their Anniversary and Mrs. Wigley's 77th birthday. They have 17 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.