Some Short Newspaper Articles & Abstracts

1923 News
Submitted by Donnie Pickard
Van Buren County Democrat, June 22, 1923, Page 4 c2
Sulphur Springs
Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Campbell left Saturday for their home in Oklahoma.
Mr. and Mrs. Marlin Parish, living two miles south of here, are the fond parents of a little boy baby.
Formosa News Notes
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Glendenning living on R.F.D. No. 1 out of this place, are the parents of twins born a few days since.
NOTE: Mother was Bertha (Eades) and the twins were named Nora & Ora.

News from 1924
Submitted by Donnie Pickard
Van Buren County Democrat, January 25, 1924
Discarded Chairs Wanted
R.C. Rankin, Smith-Hughes instructor at the local school, remarked in the presence of the Democrat editor Sunday that he needed fifteen or twenty chairs for the S. H. building and that he had asked members of his class to look around their homes or boarding places for discarded chairs because of the need of a bottom or a few missing rungs. Repairing such articles is an easy matter for these vocational boys, so if you have a few old discarded chairs around your home the vocational boys would appreciate their donations.

Van Buren County Democrat, January 25, 1924
Growing Potatoes in Florida
Mrs. John Linsin of near Plant was a guest at the home of Mr. and Mrs. R. F. Pate Tuesday afternoon, remaining over night. In company of Mrs. Gus Patterson Mrs. Linsin favored the Democrat with a pleasant call Tuesday afternoon. It was news to us to learn that her husband had been in Florida since last August growing quite an extensive crop of potatoes which he will market the coming month. Mr. Linsin planted about ten acres of spuds at home last spring with very satisfactory results, both as to yield and ready market.

Four Score Year Young 1924
Submitted by Donnie Pickard
Van Buren County Democrat, March 28, 1924
Four Score Year Young
On March 12th our good friend, Uncle Jack Bonds, living near the head of the Pee Dee, celebrated his 80th birthday. Uncle Jack, who is a native of Mississippi, has been a citizen of this county for 64 years. He and his good wife, both of whom yet enjoy reasonable good health, have been married 59 years.

On the 22nd another good and venerable friend, Uncle Warren Williams of near Shirley, celebrated his 80th anniversary. He and Uncle Jack came to the county near the same time. In a subsequent issue we hope to make more extended comments regarding the lives of these two well known and most worthy pioneers.

H.H. Smith
Submitted by Donnie Pickard
Van Buren County Democrat, March 28, 1924
H. H. Smith, a newcomer to locate on the Griffin place near the Pinnacle last summer, has further identified himself as a citizen by enrolling as a subscriber to his county paper. Mr. Smith and family are originally from the northwest portion of the U.S. but came to this county from Florida, where they spent five years. He has had extensive experience in fruit growing, a business he expects to follow here, and for which he believes our climate and soil are especially adapted.

Order to Sell Ellis Property
Submitted by Donnie Pickard
Van Buren County Democrat, March 28, 1924
Application for Order to Sell
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will apply for an order to sell a one-fifth undivided interest in the S 1/2 of SW, section 25, Twp. 11 N. Range 14 W., Van Buren County, Arkansas, the property of Mary Lee and Frances Ellis, minors and wards of the undersigned, on the first day of the April term of the Van Buren Probate Court.
Addie Ellis, Guardian
First published March 14, 1924.

Order to Sell Ridings Property
Submitted by Donnie Pickard
Van Buren County Democrat, March 28, 1924
Application for Order to Sell
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, as guardian of Robert, Anthrow and Viola Ridings, minors, will make application to the Van Buren Probate Court, on the 21st day of April, 1924, for an order to sell a 1-6 undivided interest in the N1/2 of NE, Section 3, Twpt. 12 N., Range 14 W., in Van Buren County, Ark.
Anna Ayers, Guardian.
First published March 14, 1924

Unusual Marriage
Submitted by Donnie Pickard
Van Buren County Democrat, July 19, 1929
C. C. Craig, who gave Topeka, Kans., as his home, and Miss Alice Gadberry of St. Louis were married at the court house Monday by Rev. J. M. Hughes, local pastor. In the absence of additional information just how Clinton came to be the scene of their marriage we are at a loss to know.

Jack Parish Sells Farm
Submitted by Donnie Pickard
Van Buren County Democrat, September 11, 1925, Page 1
Jack Parish told us Wednesday morning that he had sold his farm near the Parish school house to his neighbor, Geo. Johnson, and expected to move to Donaldson, Hot Springs County. And when he does this county loses a mighty good Democrat and a most estimable family. The transfer embraced 160 acres, the consideration being $1,000. About a year ago Mr. Johnson bought the farm of Douglas Sandage, where he now resides, also that of his son, Frank, both of whom moved to Hot Springs county. With his last purchase Mr. Johnson now owns about 600 acres of land in that immediate locality.

Five Divorce Suits Filed 1925
Submitted by Donnie Pickard
Van Buren County Democrat, September 11, 1925, Page 1
Five Divorce Suits Filed
Just prior to the expiration of the time limit within which suits for divorce could be filed for hearing at the October term of chancery court, five additional suits were filed, plaintiffs and defendants being as follows: Minnie Bost vs Bill Bost, Adaline McCoy vs Fred McCoy, Davis Geoke vs Eva Geoke, Fannie Aarons vs Herbert Aarons and Effie Harris vs Otto Harris. Cruel and abusive treatment, desertion, failure to support, etc., are some of the causes alleged by plaintiffs as grounds for legal separation.
NOTE: Bill Bost is my great-grandfather and Minnie was his second wife. His first wife Lula (Yancy) Bost died in childbirth.

1924 News
Submitted by Donnie Pickard
Van Buren County Democrat, Dec. 26, 1924, page 1, c2
Officials Raid Still at Home of Geo. Gardner
Acting upon advice doubtless supplied by some advocate of law observance Sheriff Bradley, in company of Lee Kidd, U.S. Deputy Marshall, called at the home of George Gardner near Scotland last Sunday afternoon. Mr. Gardner was not at the house but was found comfortably seated by the side of a pot of boiling mash which he was diligently stirring, according to the officers, in a small hollow just back of his home. Upon appearing before the Commissioner Mr. Gardner was admitted to bail in the sum of $750 for appearance before the April grand jury. A year or so since Mr. Gardner was indicted by a Van Buren county grand jury with selling liquor. The case was in court for two or three terms, the defendant finally being acquitted because of insufficient evidence. Mr. Kidd's real mission to the county was for the purpose of placing under arrest John Hartsell and Spencer Tester, charged with some violation of the Volstead law.

Uncle Zenis Givens
Submitted by Donnie Pickard

Van Buren County Democrat, March 7, 1924, p 1 c 3-4
Craig Township:
Quite a little anxiety is felt for Uncle Zenis Givens, our oldest citizen, now past 90 years old. He has slept, we are told, for four days and seems hard to arouse for any purpose.

September 18, 1924 p5 c4
Uncle Zenith Givens celebrated his 94th birthday anniversary last Saturday. His hearing is somewhat defective, but he still enjoys talking to his friends.

Scotland Notes: January 22, 1926 p1, c5
Uncle Zenith Givens is in a very feeble condition at this writing. He is past 92 years of age and perhaps the county's oldest citizen.

June 11, 1926 - p4 c2
Friends of Uncle Zenith Givens were glad to see him present at the decoration Sunday. He will be 93 years old in September. He is very feeble.

August 27, 1926 p2 c3
Scotland:
Uncle Zenus Givens and daughter Florence are visiting relatives at Formosa this week. Uncle Zenus will be 94 years old in September.

Eades to Bradley
Submitted by Donnie Pickard
Van Buren County Democrat, December 11, 1925-p1, c3-4
Scotland Notes:
John Eades has sold his farm three miles north of Scotland to Johnny Bradley of Formosa. Mr. Eades has moved to Culpepper Mountain and Mr. Bradley is moving to his newly acquired property this week.

Strouds & Bosts
Submitted by Donnie Pickard
Van Buren County Democrat, September 11, 1926-p2 c3
Mr. and Mrs. Owen Bost, of Los Angeles, Calif., are visiting Mrs. Bost's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Abner Stroud, and other relatives near here.

Bost Family
Submitted by Donnie Pickard
Van Buren County Democrat, January 4, 1926 - p6 c4
Mrs. Harvey Bradley and three children, of Independence, Kansas, is visiting her father, Bill Bost and family. Mr. Bost has been quiet sick for some time and we regret we cannot report an improvement in his condition.
January 15, 1926 - p3 c3
Arthur and Odus Bost, of Gracemont, Okla., are here visiting their father who is suffering with rheumatism. Arthur will take his two sisters home with him, while Odus will accompany his father to Hot Springs for treatment.
June 25, 1926-p1, c4
Bill Bost who went to a hospital at Morrilton last week for examination received very little encouragement. He is now at home and in a very critical condition.

Aunt Nan Simpkins
Van Buren County Democrat, June 17, 1927
Eglantine Community News
Another well known and much beloved lady of our community is Aunt Nan Simpkins, who will be 74 years of age the 4th of July. Mrs. Simpkins, or Aunt Nan, as she is best known, was born in Tennessee but came to this county and community with her parents when she was but a small child. She was married to Tom Simpkins, his death occurring twelve years ago last January. To them eleven children were born and seven of whom survive as follows: Dick, Jim, and Miss Margaret of Mudtown Community, Jeff and Jessie of Lake City, Ark., Hattie, now Mrs. Ben Gibbins of Shirley, and Kate, now Mrs. Ben Hensley of Monette, Missouri.

Colony Community News
Submitted by Sandra Nichols
Van Buren County Democrat, August 22, 1927
Colony Community News
Revs. Duncan and McCowan recently concluded a revival meeting at the Cullum School House. There were twelve additions to the church with several other professions. The new memebers range in age from 27 to 86 years, Uncle Pleas Bradford being the eldest. It was his request to be baptized in Red River, which was done Saturday afternoon.

Uncle Jim Mizell
Submitted by Donnie Pickard
Van Buren County Democrat, April 13, 1928
Uncle Jim Mizell, this township's oldest citizen and perhaps the oldest citizen of the county, is in very feeble health. His friends are trusting that with the coming warmer weather he will gain strength and be spared for time to come.

Rev. W.C. Merrick
Submitted by Donnie Pickard
Van Buren County Democrat, April 13, 1928
Rev. W. C. Merrick, pastor of the Baptist church, filled his regular appointment here Sunday, preaching an excellent sermon at 11 a. m. on the Resurrection of Christ. He was accompanied by Eld. A. H. Brickey, a Baptist minister 75 years old, who preached at the evening service, his subject being: The wages of sin is death, But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Uncle Bill Peel's Watch
Submitted by Donnie Pickard
Van Buren County Democrat, November 16, 1928
Uncle Bill Peel is carrying a gold watch that has been in his possession and keeping correct time for more than 40 years. Uncle Bill says he bought the watch from John J. Stobaugh, now practicing laws in Oklahoma, while postmaster of the Clinton office.

T.R. Williams
Submitted by Donnie Pickard
Van Buren County Democrat, November 23, 1928
T. R. Williams sold at public auction an old bowl shaped wash kettle owned by his grandmother and now more than 100 years old.

Pack Family
Submitted by Donnie Pickard
Van Buren County Democrat, August 31, 1929
Snow Lick
Mrs. Ellen Young and two daughters, Misses Ellen and Anna, of Little Rock recently visited the families of former's brother, C. T. Pack, and her sister, Mrs. A. J. Horn. This was Mrs. Young's first visit to this community in thirty years and the first time she and her sister had met in twenty years.

Bill Starks
Submitted by Donnie Pickard
Van Buren County Democrat, Nov. 1, 1929
Bill Starks, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mit Starks, was seriously injured Sunday afternoon when struck by an automobile on Highway No. 16 between Edgemont and Miller. Young Starks was riding a bicycle at the time of the accident.

Five Generations
Submitted by Donnie Pickard
Van Buren County Democrat, January 23, 1931
Scotland
Here is a little family history, furnished by our friend, Johnnie Crow, which we challenge any other community in Arkansas to duplicate. Living in Liberty Township and within a radius of one mile, are representatives of five generations, all born in Van Buren County and whose family record is absolutely clean all down the line. We start with Mrs. Elizabeth J. McAlister, aged 87, who is the mother of Mrs. Caleb Bost, aged 62, the mother of Mrs. Ira Stroud, aged 38, who is the mother of Mrs. Edgar Henley, aged 23, and the mother of little Edna June Henley, aged three months. Child, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. Can you equal it?
Van Buren County Democrat November14, 1930 Englantine While making stave bolts a few days since a small piece of timber struck Ernest Bradford in an eye and Dr. John Hutto is of the opinion the sight was entirely destroyed. Mrs. Gay Maulden and children of Heber Springs are visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Brown, before joining husband and father in the oil fields in Oklahoma. Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Reeves left Saturday for their home at Detroit, Mrs. Reeves will be missed by her many friends in this community. Uncle John Bradford accompanied his son-in-law, Chris Bolden, to this home at Gravestown, for a few days visit. Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Cullum returned last week from a two weeks visit with relatives in Oklahoma. Grandma Holland, returned to her home at Fox, Stone County, last week after a pleasant visit with her daughter, Mrs. Luther Treat.

Choctaw Class of '31, Who's Who
Submitted by Donnie Pickard
Van Buren County Democrat, May 1, 1931
A Who's Who contest held recently by the senior class resulted as follows: Most studious boy: Elmer Burt; most studious and prettiest girl, Mary Harris; best boy athlete, Ralph Kidd; best girl athlete and most popular girl, Bethel White; most agreeable and most humorous boy, Dewel Shannon; most handsome and most popular boy, Loyd Jennings; most agreeable girl, Bernice Eubanks; most humorous girl, Macie Huie.

Death of Pate Jordan
Submitted by Donnie Pickard
Van Buren County Democrat, July 4, 1935
Steel Chapel
News of the death of Pate Jordan and two son-in-laws has just been received here. So far no particulars have been learned other than they were drowned in the Arkansas River. Mr. Jordan formerly lived in this community and had many friends here.

W.R. Parish Birthday 1940
Submitted by Donnie Pickard
Van Buren County Democrat, August 16, 1940
Renews His Subscription on His Birthday
Conforming to an annual custom of many years standing W. R. Parish called Friday August 9 and renewed his subscription to the Democrat. It's an easy matter for him to remember the date of his expiration for the reason that it coincides with his birthday. Mr. Parish was born in Davis Township and is now in his 70th year. Forty-two years ago he was united in marriage with Miss Ida Boykin, eldest daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Boykin. To this union four daughters were born, only one of whom, Mrs. Porter Brannon, survives. Since their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Brannon have made their home with Mrs. Brannon's father and mother.

Early Days in Rex Community
Submitted by Donnie Pickard
Van Buren County Democrat, March 20, 1942, by Pearl Cavender
The first settler in Rex as Elisha Dean. He first settled between Rex and where E. E. Vaughan now lives and later moved to Rex. The next settlers were Sam Henley and Demp Beverage. Jodiah Dean, son of Elisha Dean, built the first store in Rex near where Preston Jones now lives. He later built a store south of John Hale's house where Juanita Cloe lives. The first post office building was across the road from where the post office building now stands. The first school near Rex was at Sandy Gap, between Rex and E. E. Vaughan's. There was a two-story building near where John Hardester lives. The upper story was used for a lodge room, while the lower story was used as a church house.

Buford Graddy, Jr.
Submitted by Donnie Pickard
Van Buren County Democrat, July 10, 1942
Seriously Injured When Thrown By a Mule
Buford Graddy, Jr., eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Buford Graddy, was seriously injured Sunday evening when he was thrown from a mule he was riding on highway 65 near the sales barn. One of four men passing in a car is alleged to have thrown a firecracker under the mule or fired a pistol which frightened the mule. Buford fell upon the pavement and was rendered unconscious, remaining in that condition throughout the night. Monday he rallied somewhat but was not able to render a coherent account of the accident. Tuesday he was conveyed to the hospital at Searcy where an x-ray disclosed a fracture at the base of the skull, but unless inflammation sets in it is believed the fracture will heal without an operation. Sheriff Lay is working on a clue which he believe may probably lead to the occupants of the car.

Mr & Mrs Miles Suggs Wed 50 Years
Submitted by Wendy Maxey
Mr. and Mrs. Miles Suggs of Clinton celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Tuesday, December 24. (1946) A bountiful dinner was served at the noon hour to the children and their families. These present were: Mr.. and Mrs. Sam Suggs, Mr.. and Mrs.. Bill Harris, Clinton and Mr.. and Mrs.. Oliver O'Dell of Missouri. Charles Suggs and family of Richmond, Calif. were unable to attend, but favored the mother and father with a congratulation wire and a nice gift. Here's wishing them many more years together, as we feel sure they will experience.
NOTE: Newspaper article is in the possession of Wynona Maxey, great granddaughter of Miles & Ida Belle Suggs.