ROBERT E. LEE HOOPER Robert E. Lee Hooper, conducting a dry cleaning and dyeing establishment at Fort Smith, was born in Hackett, Arkansas, in 1882, a son of Dr. J. M. Hooper, a physician of that city, who during the Civil war served with the Confederate army, holding a commission under General Lee. He would fight in the ranks during the day and care for the sick and wounded during the night. He wedded Mary Elizabeth Gillam, a native of Alabama, and they became the parents of seven children. Robert E. Lee Hooper, who was named in honor of his father's commanding officer and personal friend, pursued his education in the schools of his native city, but left school and home when quite young in order to begin work in the mines. Thus from an early age he has depended upon his own resources and whatever success he has achieved has come to him as the reward of his labors. For six years he was a professional baseball player, well known in this connection. In 1907 he took up his abode in Fort Smith and for eight years was in the employ of the Arkansas Laundry Company, proving most capable and faithful, as is indicated by his long connection with that business. Before removing to Fort Smith, however, he had learned the dry cleaning business, working along that line in Kansas City in 1902. At length be determined to engage in business on his own account and about 1916 he opened his present establishment. He was first located at No. 12 North Ninth street, but on the 15th of September, 1919, he purchased the building which he now occupies at No. 117 North Ninth street. Here he has an excellent cleaning and dyeing establishment and enjoys a good patronage. Mr. Hooper was married February 6, 1910, to Miss Grace Katherine Beltrand, a native of Greenwood, Arkansas, and they have become parents of six children: Edith, Robert, Evelyn, Arthur, Hugh and Ruth Fay. During the World war Mr. Hooper was a member of the Home Guard and took active part in the various campaigns for raising funds for the government and for the various activities connected with the war and the welfare of the troops. He belongs to the National Dyers and Cleaners Association and also to the Business Men’s Club of Fort Smith. He is likewise a member of the Civilian Club, which indicates his interest in public welfare and his desire to support all measures for the general good. Fraternally he is well known, being connected with the Knights Templars, the lodge and the chapter in Masonry and with other branches of the order. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias.