GUILLAUME E. BERSON Guillaume E. Berson is the treasurer of the Boston Store, the largest department store of Fort Smith, and his business ability, his careful study of commercial conditions and his indefatigable energy, are salient features in the attainment of the success which is attending this establishment. Mr. Berson is a native of Tennessee, his birth having occurred in Brownsville, in January, 1871. His education was largely acquired in Trenton, that state, and he started out in the business world in connection with a general store at that place, securing a position in 1885, when but fourteen years of age. He worked diligently and his faithfulness to his employer's interests enabled him to hold his position for three years, at the end of which time he believed that better opportunities might be secured elsewhere and he came to Arkansas, settling first in Little Rock. There he worked for the Townsley Dry Goods Company, now out of business, continuing in the capital city for three years. On the expiration of that period he came to Fort Smith as representative of the Townsley interests and remained with their house in this city for a year. In 1892 Mr. Berson entered upon a business connection with the Boston Store and through the intervening period to the present time, covering almost thirty years, he has been associated with its establishment. Steadily he has worked his way upward, winning promotion from time to time, until he was called to an official position. For the past twelve years he has been the treasurer of the company and has contributed in notable measure to the success of the business, which he has seen grow from a comparatively small establishment to one of very large dimensions. The store would be a credit to a city of much greater size than Fort Smith. A large and pleasing line of goods is carried and the store is attractive by reason of its tasteful arrangements and the display of the stock. Moreover, the company has always held to the highest standards in the personnel of the house and in the treatment accorded patrons, and fairness and honesty have ever been salient features in the attainment of the trade. In 1895 Mr. Berson was married to Miss Lillie Leftwich of Fort Smith, and they have become parents of two sons: Jack B. and G. E., Jr. The elder son is now associated with his father in business and recently married Miss Imogene Stuart, a daughter of A. C. Stuart of Texarkana, Texas. Jack Berson served in the United States army for a year and a half during the World war. He enlisted as a private and was promoted to sergeant, while later he became quartermaster sergeant and eventually was made a second lieutenant. He was identified with the Quartermaster Corps of the regular army and was stationed at Jacksonville, Florida, and at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, and finally, when advanced to the rank of second lieutenant, was transferred to Washington, D. C. The younger son, Guillaume E., Jr., attends the Washington Lee University at Lexington, Virginia. Mr. Berson manifests the keenest interest not only in his own business but in business conditions which affect the general relations of trade in Fort Smith. He is a member of the Business Men's Club and is serving as one of its directors. Fraternally he is a Mason, loyally following the teachings and purposes of the craft. He is likewise connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and with the Modern Woodmen of America and he has membership in the Rotary Club and in the Country Club. The terms progress and patriotism are each considered the keynote of his character, for throughout his career he has labored for the improvement of every line of business or public interest with which he has been associated and at all times has been actuated by a fidelity to his country and her welfare.