Looking Back
(Editor’s Note: This column looking back at St. Francis County’s history is featured each Friday on this Lifestyles page along with the week’s History Photo. The items included in this column were printed in previous editions of the Times-Herald.)
June 1900
Caldwell Times-T.B. Caldwell has contracted for the Whittsburg school in Cross County; Miss Lillie Caldwell has contracted for the Whittsburg school in Cross County; C.H. Hill of Pine Tree was visiting relatives and friends here. Caldwell must have some special attraction for him now; Robert Sellers and wife attended Sunday school and church here; John Rowland of Colt was here and seem to think that Colt's prize fighter was Fitzsimmons the Second on his first round; Dave Humphreys and his charming sister, Miss Emma attended church here; J,O. Tipton of Colt has purchased the saw mill at this place of the Caldwell Lumber Co.
Chancery Court-Z.Littlefield vs Emma Izard, report of sale approved; The Frick Co. vs Ross Heirs, submitted; Jno. B. Brown vs T.W. Yeasley, reports of master and commissioner approved; Jenny Mickleberry vs W.E. Williams sheriff, decree for defendant; R.C. Rudgpeth vs Mary H. Pearce, dismissed for equity and appeal; Peterson Jackson vs L.N. Brown, etal., continued by counsel; L.N. Logan, adm'r, vs J. Wood Mchalfey, etal., answer of W.W. Espey and W.A. Ryman filed. David Crockett vs Charity Crockett, decree for divorce.
Dark Corner Times-M.N. Sharloy is quite ill; Wm. Satterwhite and J.P. Hardin went to the city on business; J.J. Fisher has learned the art of hypnotism; J.A. and J.E. Reed returned home from the timber camp for a few days rest; B.N. Martin went to Colt on business; Mr. and Mrs. S.M. Moore went to the city and returned the same day; R.C. Cowan, of Cross County is visiting home folks this week in Dark Corner; Little James Moore returned from the blind school at Little Rock; The Dunkard Love Feast will be on the 18th of this month at their church near Palestine.
The Choctaws-The local ball team met at the court house and organized by electing Dr. E.A. Long, manager and Chas. R. Izard secretary. A strong effort is being made to organize a winning ball team of home players and this idea seems to meet the approval of every citizen. The team has decided to name themselves "The Choctaws," in honor of the big railroad company and hope to play their first game next week. Three towns want games with us already, Wynne, Helena and DeValls Bluff. A plot of ground just beyond Dr. Alley's residence has been rented and preparations are being made rapidly to clear off a diamond, erect a grand stand and get everything spick and span for the entertainment.
Suddenly Insane-Rev. A.J. Thomas of Bryant became suddenly insane. He went to Mrs. McAdams home and demanded admittance to a room where a little daughter was suffering from consumption. Mrs. McAdams refused to admit him. He told her the Lord had given him a special message to enter that room and he intended to enter. He then attempted to force his way into the room, when Mrs. McAdams knocked him down with a chair. He got up and attempted to enter again, when she knocked him down a second time and threw him into the yard. Officers were then sent for but failed to find him. He went to Benton taking with him four little children. He said the Lord had sent him there to preach. He was arrested and put in jail.
Dove Shooting-Yearly, after the wheat is cut, everybody who can muster up a gun, hies to the stubble. Last week the road between the city and Mallory field, two miles north of town, reminded us of the good old days of "hustings."-some on horse back, in buggies, wagons, etc., and many ploddinganyway to get to the field for shooting. The field consisted of about 30 acres and the birds were plentiful, as were also the shooters. About twenty lined the road and as many more scattered over the field. All the afternoon, the roar of guns reminded us of the good old times during the war. Not aware
that there was "a chief among them takin' notes," many of our best shots resorted to all sorts of subterfuges to get near enough to the cooing birds. Several were seen creeping in the uncut grain as though they were stalking indians, but whenever seen, they met with a warm reception of No. 7 shot from those who disdained to take advantage of the timid little birds. A popping in the woods which skirted the field, disclosed the presence of a couple of potato buyersstrangers in our midst-who were filling their bag with birds who stop to rest awhile. Many birds were slain and S.B. Trapp Jr made the best record, as far as feathers were concerned, but our friend Belser and Gaines had more fun with their pump guns than the whole layout.
Local Addenda-U.S. Deputy Jno. T. Burros of Little Rock arrested E. Duncan of the Cut Off on a charge of refusing to give information to the United States census taker. Mr.Duncan was taken to Helena where he was placed under $2.00 bond for appearance. The bond was promptly made with A. Ashworth as surety and the parties all returned. The circumstances leading up to the arrest, as related to a Times man were as follows: Appel and Duncan quarrelled sometime ago and were not on speaking terms. Duncan claims he did not know Appel was a census taker and when Appel rode up to his gate Duncan thought he was seeking trouble and seized a club and with an oath started towards him. Appel says Duncan cursed him...using the whole vocabulary of epithet and that when he told him he was a census taker, he continued to curse him but turned and started back to the house. Appel supposed Duncan had gone for a shot gun and road away.
Tragedy-A man named Edmonds shot and killed one Thompson near Morrilton. Edmonds and his wife separated some time ago and from reports Thompson had been paying her attentions. The two were driving toward town in a buggy. Edmonds met them and with the remark, "I told you I would kill you if I caught you with my wife anymore,” fired the contents of a shot gun into Thompson's breast.