Phillips County Historical Quarterly

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PHILLIPS COUNTY
HISTORICAL QUARTERLY

Published by
The Phillips County Historical Society

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The Phillips County Historical Society supplies the Quarterly to its members. Membership is open to anyone interested in Phillips County history. Annual membership dues are $2.00. Institutional, contributing and sustaining membership $5.00. Single copies of 5 the Quarterly are available at $1.00.

Neither the Editors nor the Phillips County Historical Society assume any responsibility for statements made by contributors. Correspondence concerning such matters should be addressed to the authors.

Correspondence concerning contributions and editorial matters or requests for copies of the Quarterly should be addressed to Dorothy James, P. 0. Box 655, Helena, Arkansas.

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PHILLIPS COUNTY
HISTORICAL QUARTERLY

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IN MEMORIAM: FANNIE MAY HORNOR, CHARTER MEMBER, PHILLIPS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

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The Phillips County public heard with the most profound regret that Fannie May Hornor had passed away on May 19, 1962.

She was born and reared in Helena and had spent her entire life here. In the eighty-six years granted her she carried on the gracious and honorable traditions of two pioneer families of Phillips County, long a part of Arkansas annals.

Her father, R. C. Moore, together with his brothers Clark and Lawson, settled in Phillips County in 1828. On January 3, 1900, she was married to the late John Sidney Hornor, whose family settled in Phillips County in 1836. The Moores and the Hornors have long been among the leaders of the social and financial life of this community.

She was one of the organizers of the Seven Generals Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, and had devoted virtually a lifetime to the care and preservation of the Confederate cemetery here.

Probably the best known living authority on Phillips County history, she also contributed much to all cultural activities of Helena and Phillips County, and was devoted to the traditions of Southern life to the end. She was the personification of the ethics, the honor, the gentleness, and graciousness of the South.

Phillips County benefited from her presence and is the poorer for her passing.

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JOHN PATTERSON

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"I was born in a kingdom;
Raised in an empire;
Attained manhood in a territory;
Am now a citizen of a state
And have never been 100 miles
from where I now Live."

This was the riddle propounded by John Patterson in 1876 at the 4th of July all-day picnic held at Marianna. "Uncle Johnnie," as he was called by young and old, was 86 years of age when he made that speech, and lived 10 years longer. His home was near Marianna in what is now, of course, Lee County. He should have added to his riddle that he was born in Phillips County and was then a citizen of Lee County, without moving an inch. During the lifetime of Patterson this section of the United States belonged to the Kingdom of Spain and to the Empire of France. In 1819 the Territory of Arkansas was created and in 1836 the State of Arkansas was formed. Lee County was created April 17, 1873, from parts of Crittenden, Monroe, Phillips, and St. Francis Counties.

The following sketch is from the Marianna Courier-Index, and, while the author's name is not given, we suspect that it was written by Mrs. David Wall, historian for many years for the state organization of the Daughters of the American Revolution as well as the L'Anguille Chapter of this organization.

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"In June of the year 1800 John Patterson was born in a little Indian village five miles north of the present site of Helena, Phillips County."

NOTE: There is some doubt about the exact year of his birth, but in Marriage Record Book "B", page 196, official records of Phillips County, appears a marriage certificate wherein Judge William K. Sebastian certifies that on December 5, 1843, he married John Patterson, aged 53, to Eliza Way, aged 25, at the Judge's residence at Walnut Bend. This would indicate he was born in 1790. However, ages given on marriage certificates have been in error often from time immemorial.

"His parents had been in that part of the country for

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two or three years, for one record says that John Patterson's sister born previous to 1800 was the first white child born in Phillips County. Shinn says in his history of Arkansas, page 42, that Col. Sylvanus Phillips made a settlement at the mouth of the St. Francis River in 1797, and it is not unlikely that the Pattersons were members of his party.

"Shinn also says that in the year 1800 one William Patterson, a Methodist preacher, built a warehouse where Helena now stands. Whether this William Patterson was John's father I cannot say. We know that the first , happening in John Patterson's childhood that he remembered was the death of his father. He was murdered while lying before the fire place asleep. The shot was fired from the darkness outside the cabin.

"In a short time Mrs. Patterson married Col. Sylvanus Phillips, and Helena Phillips, for whom Helena was named, was John Patterson's half sister.

"About the year 1815 John's older brother, Frank while on a hunting trip, found his way up the L'Anguille River. Trapping was good, game was plentiful, the country was unoccupied, so he built himself a little cabin on the high bluff overlooking what is now Pattersoa's branch about one and one-half miles south of Marianna.

"One wonders whether he was attracted by the beauty of the situation, or whether it was merely business that prompted him to plant his cabin on that particular spot. In May or December, whether you look north, east, south or west, the view is beautiful. To the east and south are the wooded slopes of Crowley's Ridge, to the north may be seen the silvery waters of the L'Anguille; to the west stretched the unbroken forest. On the other hand, the spot was above high water; trapping along the Patterson branch was as good as along the river bank, and the cabin was convenient to both. To this place Frank Patterson brought his young wife, but the loneliness and terrors of the wilderness were too much for her and in a few months she persuaded her husband to return to the settlement at Helena, and Frank Patterson gave over to his brother John the cabin and the lance he had claimed.

"For about two years John Patterson lived there alone. He married in 1820 or 1821. I have tried in vain to learn the name of the girl who was not afraid to live in that little cabin in the wilderness far from friends and relatives. She died in a few years leaving two children, Phoebe

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and Frank. John Patterson soon married again and it was this second wife who taught him how to read and write.

"The early years of his life so far as we know were uneventful. He set his traps along the river, hunted bear and deer along the slopes and hollows of Crowley's Ridge; each year he cleared a little more land, planted his crops and harvested them, and lived at peace with his Indian neighbors. His only diversions were occasional trips to Helena to trade his furs for supplies and getting married he was married seven times.

"It is said that he was a member of John Murrell's band. No one has yet given a good reason for this suspicion. He never had any great amount of money, he was never away from home long periods at a time, still people say to this day, "You know it was thought John Patterson belonged to Murrell's bank of outlaws."

"The Patterson cabin was about one-half mile from "Lone Pine" and beneath the somber, rattling boughs of "Lone Pine" frequently met this outlaw chief and his clan of unworthy followers; here in council were planned numerous forays (they preyed on the flatboat navigators of the Mississippi) and here they divided their ill-gotten spoils.

"Not far distant burst forth several pure and never-failing springs; and the ruins of an old blacksmith shop where the clan had their horses shod, corks in front, still remains to mark the certainty of the spot." - History of Eastern Arkansas, pages 567 and 568.

"Perhaps some one learned that John Patterson gave Murrel food and shelter or that he provided hay and corn for his horses. But could he do otherwise? He and his family were at the mercy of desperadoes. He had no choice but to give what they demanded.

"The old man who owned the farm on which Lone Pine stood was a blacksmith. Because he was compelled to shoe Murrell's horses it does not follow that he was a thief, a murderer or even a spy for the outlaws.

"In 1866 John Patterson ran for the Legislature. In one of his campaign speeches it is said he made this statement: "I've looked through the sights of my rifle and have seen many a good man fall."

"There are living in Lee County today at least twelve men who listened to Patterson's speeches, but not one heard

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him make that statement. Nearly all to whom I have gone for information told me of it, but it was always the indefinite "they" who heard him boast of killing good men.

"Every one who knew him agrees that he was a man of good common sense, and it does not seem to me that any sensible man would consider that statement good campaign thunder.

"But," they argue, "John Patterson was not in the war between the states, nor was he in the Mexican War, so when did he shoot good man if not as a member of Murrell's clan?

"I can't say, but it doesn't seem reasonable that John Patterson could go up and down the land killing many good men and have the law that finally got John A. Murrell fail to get him also.

"Besides he would not have boasted of his crimes as early as 1866 when the deeds of the outlaws were still fresh in the memory of the people. There I leave it. Perhaps additional data may yet be had on this question.

"About 1845 immigrants began to come in, slowly at first, but by 1859 and '60 the country was rapidly filling with people from Kentucky, Alabama and Tennessee. It was not until 1856 that John Patterson took legal possession of land he had lived on more than thirty-five years.

"When Col. Otey, Robert and John Foreman, Hamilton Jones, Mr. Wood and others brought the first negroes into the country, it is remembered that he said: "The country is ruined. You drove the Indians out and now you bring these velvet heads instead. Mark my word, you'll rue this day."

"He never had any use for them and often had complaints to make to their owners against them such as "Wood, you'd better keep them velvet heads of your'n out o' my watermelon patch," or, "Jones, one of my shoats disappeared last night and some of these velvet heads look mighty greasy around the mouth this morning."

"In his last years he joined the Methodist church, but such a dispute came up in the congregation about buying an organ that Uncle John, as he was then called, said the Lord spoke to him in his sleep thus, "Johnny, git ye out from among them; they be not My sheep.'' So Uncle John withdrew from the church and died out of the fold in May,

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1886, nearly 86 years of age.

"He lies in an unmarked grave 200 yards north of the spot on which stood the cabin he called home for sixty eight years of his life.

"The little cabin built by Frank Patterson in 1818 (John had added a lean-to) was destroyed by fire in 1862. On its site John erected a large log room with a loft and side-room. After Uncle John's death Mr. Rufe Griffis, whom he had willed the little farm on the condition that he, Mr. Griffis, provide for Mrs. Patterson the rest of her life, built for her a box room and side room just in front of the long cabin. This still stands, a part of the house now occupied by O. G. Wall, but the log cabin was pulled down and burned for fuel a few years ago. No part of the original home of our first settler remains.

"Oh thou lonely settler in the wilderness, thou unkempt backwoodsman with the flint-lock rifle and heart and nerve of Achilles! It was thou, and those like thee, with many failings and as many virtues that made possible "The immortal league of love that binds our fair, broad empire, state with state."

“For facts and dates in the above I am indebted to Mrs. P. D. McCulloch, Sr., Mrs. V. M. Harrington, Mrs. J. P. Farrar, Mr. J. E. Wood, Mr. Geo. Slaughter, Mr. Lon Slaughter, Mr. A. S. Rodgers, Mr. Priest Guest, who married John Patterson's granddaughter, Daggett & Daggett, Shinn's History of Arkansas, Historical and Biographical History of Arkansas. Pages 568, 569, 583 and 744.

“The L'Anguille chapter is making every effort to save our first settlers from oblivion. We invite correction on any sketch published in the Courier-Index."

In the "Index to Marriage Records Vol. 1" in the official records of Phillips County appears the following reference:

"John Patterson to Elinor Glass - Book "A", page 24."

Would this have been Uncle Johnnie's first marriage? We don't know. Johnnie Patterson's brother was named Frank (or Francis). The John Patterson who married Elinor Glass was a son of William Patterson who owned

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Private Survey No. 2295, on a part of which is now located the Helena Terminal & Warehouse, and his brothers were Freeman Patterson and William Patterson. Deed records indicate that John, Freeman, and William Patterson inherited land at Walnut Bend, near the St. Francis River, as well as the tract southeast of Old Helena.

Perhaps the historians of Lee County could set us straight about the family of our mutual firstborn son.

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DEDICATION OF OLD HELENA

(from Record Book "A", Page 80, official records of Phillips County, Arkansas)

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On May 1, 1820, the County of Phillips was created and named for Sylvanus Phillips, a Kentuckian who had settled in the Territory of Arkansas just south of the mouth of the St. Francis River perhaps as early as the year 1797. In partnership with William Russell, a great land speculator who lived in St. Louis Missouri, Phillips had acquired a tract of land of about 300 acres adjoining the Mississippi River and some 9 or 10 miles south of the St. Francis. William Russell was speculating in land, and was solely interested in the financial possibilities, but Sylvanus Phillips had settled here and desired to attract other settlers, as well as a monetary return on his investment. Therefore, in 1820 the two men hired Nicholas Rightor, a United States Government Surveyor who came to survey and stayed to settle in the new Territory, to survey and plat their tract of land into lots and streets and alleys. In honor of Sylvanus Phillips' young daughter they called the town "Helena." In December, 1820, Rightor finished his survey and made his plat, and the two proprietors drafted the instrument which dedicates the streets and alleys to the Public.

On the plat which Nicholas Rightor made from his survey and which was filed with this Dedication Deed by William Russell and Sylvanus Phillips on January 2, 1821, there appear 701 numbered lots, a few unnumbered lots, a Public Square, and a Market Square. There are two diagonal streets shown: State Street, which ran northwest from the intersection of Water Street and York Street to the Public Square, and McMicle (or McMichael) Street, which ran northeast from the intersection of College Street and Rightor Street to the Public Square. The streets running north and south from the Mississippi River to the west were named: Water Street, Ohio Street, Cherry Street, Walnut Street, Pecan Street, Franklin Street, Columbia Street, Beech Street, Poplar Street, and College Street. The streets running east and west, from north to south, were named: Walker Street, McDonough Street, Miller Street, Market Street, Perry Street, Porter Street, Rightor Street, York Street, and Elm Street. The alleys, from east to west, were named: River Alley, Mulberry Alley, Market Alley, Hickory Alley, Persimmon Alley, Broad Alley, Spring Alley, Creek Alley, and Hill Alley.

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"We the undersigned Sylvanus Phillips and William Russell being equal owners and proprietors in undivided shares of a tract of about 300 acres of land being the eastwardly part of a tract of 640 acres of land originally owned by Patrick Cassidy situate joining the western shore of the Mississippi River in the County of Phillips and Territory of Arkansas and in Township Number 2 South of the base line in Range Number 5 East of the Fifth Principal Meridian have for the purpose of making partition and division of about 275 acres of the said undivided lands laid off the same into 702 small divisions each of which are numbered and called a lot, except two which are called Squares, and by way of identifying the place when speaking of the whole of the said 702 small divisions together it is and shall forever be called "the Town of Helena." And the said Sylvanus Phillips and William Russell owners and proprietors of said Town or (702 small divisions of their lands called lots and squares) before they partition and divide the same between them, and for the purpose of promoting of useful learning, and encouraging of the settlement of useful and orderly citizens upon and in the neighbourhood of their (as yet) undivided lands have laid out a number of roads through and bounding the same, which for the sake of distinguishing them they have called them Streets and allies by given names, and have jointly made sundry donations of small divisions of their said undivided lands as hereinafter mentioned, but no one of said lots or small divisions of the land aforesaid shall ever be held or considered in town lots while the same is held owned or possessed by said Phillips and Russell or by either of them after they have partitioned and divided the said lots nor until they have been sold by one or bouth of said proprietors as Town lots and shall until then be held and considered (as they are) small divisions of land made by the proprietors for the purpose of making equal division and partition thereof. And they the said Sylvanus Phillips and William Russell, legal and rightful owners and proprietors of all and singular of the lands aforesaid subdivided into lots or small divisions as aforesaid intending to sell a part thereof for the purpose of the better ensuring schools, good society &c in the neighbourhood of the same, they the said proprietors in order to give the best possible security to every purchaser of any of the lots aforesaid of the rights and priviledges which belong to each of said lots will cause an accurate plat of the actual survey of the whole thereof and a descriptive list (extracted from the field notes) of every lot therein together with this instrument of writing to be recorded in the Recorders office of said County of Phillips which shall guarantee the rights and privileges intended to be-

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long and to be conveyed to every purchaser of a lot in said Town and give notice to such purchasers of the obligations which by the purchase they undertake to perform which shall be binding as well on the said proprietors as upon lot owners or lessees in said Town.

"FIRST the 700 lots with the Publick Square and Market Square and all the streets and allies laid off surveyed or represented in or bounding the same as represented by the plat of survey thereof and described by the foregoing descriptive list shall be called "THE TOWN OF HELENA."

"SECOND, the plat of said Town with the descriptive list of every lot therein (the record of bouth of which precedes this instrument) shall always be taken as evidence of the size and description of each lot, street, ally, square, &c, in said Town, and shall be considered a part and parcel of each deed or conveyance made by any one or by bouth of said proprietors for any lot or lots in said Town of Helena showing the number or numbers of the lots conveyed and be deemed and held a sufficient description thereof as the said plat, descriptive list and this instrument will always evidence the size, situation, rights and privileges which belong to each and every lot in said Town of Helena.

"THIRD, the principle creek running through said Town shall be called SPRING CREEK in going up said creek the principle right hand fork in said Town shall be called "the north fork of Spring Creek" and the principle left hand fork "the south fork of Spring Creek."

"FOURTH the exclusive right of keeping a Publick Ferry from said Town across the Mississippi River shall forever belong to the Owners and Proprietor of LOT NUMBER 13 in said Town and no owner or occupier of any other lot therein shall ever be authorized to keep any publick ferry from said Town across the Mississippi River."

NOTE: Lot 13 was on the southwest corner of the intersection of Porter and Water Streets.

"FIFTH the said proprietors make the following donations for the express uses and purposes annexed to each severally and for the express (and no other) consideration or reward than the improvements and uses &c required to be made and continued as annexed to each of said donations, a failure in which shall forfeit to said proprietors such donations (to wit). They the said proprietors give, grant and convey one entire square marked on the aforesaid plat and

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described by the descriptive list as the "PUBLICK SQUARE" to the said county of Phillips and to the present and hereafter people of said County or in trust for said County to commissioners or others who are or may be lawfully authorized to fix upon and establish the place for the permanent seat of justice and for the court house, goal and other or publick county buildings of said County of Phillips, for which express use and purpose this donation is made to the said County, and upon the condition and for the (illegible) that the permanent seat of justice be fixed thereon, and the court house, jail and other county building of said county are erected on said Publick Square and are used and occupied as such within less than ten years from this date and for ever afterwards kept in repair and used for the same purpose."

NOTE: The Public Square appears on the Plat of the Town of Helena bounded on the north by McDonough Street, on the east by Franklin Street, on the south by Miller Street, and on the west by Columbia Street.

The said proprietors in like manner gives, grants and conveys to the inhabitants of said Town of Helena the Market Square as represented on the plat and described in the descriptive list of said town upon the condition & for the consideration & for the express use of a publick market house being built thereon and used and occupied for that purpose in less than ten years from this time and kept in repair and used for the same purpose for ever afterwards."

NOTE: The Market Square appears on the plat of the Town of Helena bounded on the north by what was then part of Market Street, on the east by Cherry Street, on the south by what was then Market Street, and on the west by Market Street. This Square has since been obliterated and the space is now occupied by Market Street and the two story house on the southwest corner of the intersection of Cherry and Market Streets.

"And in like manor and for the same consideration, uses and purposes give, grant and convey to the inhabitants of said town LOTS NUMBERED 503, 504 & 505 in said Town upon the express condition that a good market house is built thereon and used as such within fifteen years or less time from the date hereof and kept in repair and used for the same purpose forever afterwards."

NOTE: Lots 503, 504 and 505 are bounded on the north by Market Street, on the east by Beech Street, on the southeast by what was then McMicle Street, and on the

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west by Creek Alley. McMicle (or McMichael) Street, as well as the other diagonal street, State Street, has since been obliterated and the land thus abandoned as a street sold.

And the said proprietors give, grant and convey LOTS NUMBERED 569 & 570 to the first religious profession or society in said Town or its vicinity that will first build a church or house of prayer and publick worship of God thereon, provided the same is done within ten years from this date and used for that express purpose and kept in repair and used for the same purpose forever afterwards. And the said proprietors in like manor gives grants and conveys LOTS NUMBERED 352 & 353 to any other religious profession or society of people of said Town or vicinity that will first build a church or house of prayer and publick worship of God thereon providing the same is done in less than ten years from this date and is used for that express purpose and kept in repair and used for the same purpose forever afterward."

NOTE: Lots 569 and 570 are bounded on the north by Lots 567 and 568 (which are south of York Street), on the east by Creek Alley, on the south by unplatted land shown on plat of Helena as "Grave Yard", and on the west by Poplar Street. Lots 352 and 353 are separated by Broad Alley, and Lot 352 is bounded on the north by unplatted land, on the east by Franklin Street, on the south by Lot 355, and on the west by Broad Alley. Lot 353 is bounded on the north by unplatted land, on the east by Broad Alley, on the south by Lot 354, and on the west by Columbia Street. Both of these lots are in the block north of Walker Street.

"And the said proprietors gives, grants and conveys LOTS NUMBERED 660, 661, 662, 663 & 604 to any association of persons wheresoever they may reside for the express use and purpose for the consideration and upon the condition that said association within twelve years or less time from this date build and erect thereon a college or good academy provided the same is used and occupied for that purpose within that time and kept in repair and used for the same purpose forever afterward."

NOTE: Lots 660, 661, 662, 663, and 664 are bounded on the north by Rightor street, on the east by College Street, on the south by York Street, and on the west by unplatted land, these lots forming a block 330 feet north and south by 132 feet east and west.

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"And the said proprietors give, grant and convey to the inhabitants of said Town and its vicinity LOTS NUMBERED 350 & 351 in said town for the use and purpose and upon the express condition that a good School House is built thereon and used and occupied for that purpose within ten years or less time from this date, and the same kept in good repair and used for the same purpose forever afterward."

NOTE: Lots 350 and 351 are north of Walker Street and are bounded on the north by unplatted land, on the east by what is now named Holly Street (no name appears on the plat of the Town of Helena, although Holly Street appears in descriptive list preceding this instrument), on the south by Lot 349, and on the west by Franklin Street. On the descriptive list preceding this instrument opposite Lot 486 appears "Include the present school house," indicating there was a school house already built on this lot in December, 1820. Lot 486 is bounded on the north by Lot 4.87 (on southwest corner of intersection of York and Beech Streets), on the east by Beech Street, on the south by Lot 485, and on the west by Creek Alley.

"Now the aforesaid proprietors gives, grants, and conveys all and singular of the aforesaid Squares and lots for the several express uses and purposes aforesaid, and for no other consideration than to have said squares and lots built upon, improved and used for the purposes for which they are given within the aforesaid limited times and continued in the same use and in repair forever afterwards. And upon condition the same is so done, as to a part or the whole of said donations, each one thereof in which said buildings, improvements and uses are carried into effect and so continued forever afterwards, the same are hereby given, granted and conveyed as aforesaid with all the rights and privileges thereunto belonging in full property and for those purposes forever, or so long as the same are continued in repair and used for the uses and purposes for which they are given and no longer. And such of said donations as are not so built upon used and occupied for the purposes for which they are given and granted within the times limited, and such of them as have been built upon within the times limmitted, and afterwards go out of repair and become abandoned and not used for the purposes for which they are given and granted for three whole years together at any one time, the title to such of said Squares or lots as have become so abandoned and not built upon and used within the times severally limmitted, shall revert to the aforesaid proprietors (as tenants in common) and to their

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heirs and representatives forever as fully as if this instrument of writing had never been made.

"SIXTH, the aforesaid proprietors hereby gives, grants and conveys unconditionally to the inhabitants of said town to be by them improved as they may think fit by shrubberies, for prominades or otherwise, and for the use of the Springs of water which rise in and flow from said lots, or for the purpose of building school houses thereon the whole of the lots in said Town which are Numbered 400, 481, 573, 574, 653 & 654 with all the rights priviledges and appertainances which to said lots in any wise belong to the present and hereafter inhabitants of said Town as a common undivideable property for ever never to be sold or conveyed by them to any individual or individuals whatever for any private use."

NOTE: Lot 400 is located 132 feet south of York Street and is bounded on the north by Lot 401, on the East by Columbia Street, on the south by Lot 399, and on the West by Spring Alley. Lot 481 is located 132 feet south of York Street, and is bounded on the north by Lots 479 and 480, on the east by Spring Alley, on the south by Lot 482, and on the west by Beech Street. Lots 573 and 574 adjoin and are bounded on the north by York Street, on the east by Poplar Street, on the south by Lot 572, and on the west by Hill Alley. Lots 653 and 654 adjoin and are bounded on the north by York Street, on the east by Hill Alley, on the south by Lot 655, and on the west by College Street.

"SEVENTH, in or prior to the year 1835 "Spring Creek" and bouth its forks shall be canaled and the channel of said creek and forks made to run entirely in said canal so as to be made, the whole labour of which shall be done, or whole expense paid by the whole number of lot owners through which said canal shall pass and each lot through which it passes shall pay an equal proportion of the whole expense and (illegible - such?) owner through which said canal shall pass (illegible - failing?) to do or pay for the average proportion (illegible - of his?) lot in making said canal shall not release the other lot owners through which the same shall pass from completing the whole thereof and the right and title of all lots through which said canal passes the owners of which have not done or paid a proportional part for making said canal, shall when said canal is compleated be sold after thirty days public notice by the constable of the Town or other proper officer of the corporation to the highest bidder and by him conveyed to the purchaser the proceeds of which (after making and retaining reasonable

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charges for the sale and collection of the money) shall be applied as follows (to wit) First the proportion of each lot sold toward making said canal shall be paid over by the person who collected the money to the overseer, soupervisor, or managor of opening said canal who shall apply the same to the payment for the labour in opening said canal, that the proportion of the of the lot sold cost, the remainder or surplus (if any) shall be paid over to the owner of the lot as whose property it was sold. The course &c of said canal shall be specially directed by overseers soupervisors, managers, or other person or persons appointed or elected for that purpose, but shall not vary in any instance or at any point more than sixty feet from the following courses, places &c. and shall come as near thereto as is conveniently practicable (to wit) The north fork of Spring Creek shall enter the northwestern part of said Town of Helena in its present channel near the northwest corner of Lot No. 701 and then shall continue in the present channel to where it enters College Street, then south down on the east side of said street to entersect the present channel thereof, then down in said present channel to where it leaves Lot No. 697 and again enters College Street from the west side of which street said canal shall run about S 8° or 10° E until it again intersects the present channel in said street and shall then continue in said present channel to where it leaves Lot No. 695 said canal shall run thence in a direct course across College Street into the north side of Walker Street and continue on the north side thereof to the S. E. corner of Lot No. 608 thence the best and most practicable east or N. E. direction by one or by two straight courses to intersect the present channel in Lot No. 531 and thence continue down in said present channel to where it again intersects Walker Street thence East along in the north side of Walker Street until it intersects the present channel in Beech Street thence to continue down in the present channel to the south boundary of Lot No. 517 thence about S. E. crossing Beech Street to intersect the present channel in the west side of Lot No. 449 thence down in the present channel of said creek to the south boundary of Lot No. 429 thence south S 5° or 6° or 8° E. to intersect the present channel at the north boundary and near the N. E. corner of Lot No. 425 and thence continue in said present channel to where it intersects McMichael Street, thence with the course of said McMichael Street in the N. W. side thereof to intersect the present channel at the S. E. corner of Lot No. 459 thence down in the said present channel of said Creek to the S. E. corner of Lot No. 550 and thence in a straight course (to pass 8 or 10 feet east of the S. W. corner of Lot No. 552) to the south side of Perry Street thence in a straight direction (nearly S. E.)

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to intersect the present channel where it enters Lot No. 554 then down in the present channel to the west boundary of said Lot No. 554, thence south (not to cross or occupy (illegible) ally) to the S. E. corner of Lot No. 556 and then down in the present channel to the south side of Porter Street thence south through Lot No. 558 to intersect the present channel near the west boundary thereof, thence down in the present channel of said Creek into Poplar Street, thence down in the East side of Poplar Street (in part of the present channel) to the S. W. corner of Lot No. 563, thence east to intersect the present channel, thence down in the present channel of said Creek to where it intersects the west side of Lot No. 497, thence in a straight S. E. direction to intersect the present channel in the south side of York Street, thence down in the present channel of said Creek to where the same enters Lot No. 397, thence south across the west end of said lot and street into the lands originally owned by William Patterson. The canal of the south fork of said Spring Creek shall enter the west side of said Town at the west side of Lot No. 672 in the present channel of said south fork and shall continue down in the present channel thereof to where the same enters Perry Street thence east along the south side of said Perry Street to intersect the canal of the north fork of said Creek and thence down in said canal of said north fork aforesaid to where the same leaves the town.

"EIGHTH, the inhabitants of said Town shall at any time hereafter that a majoraty of them shall think fit have right to dig and open a canal of any depth and width they may think fit commencing in or near the north end of Pecan Street and discharging itself into or south of Elm Street, following as nearly as reasonably practicable the west side or lowest part of the cypress as nearly joining the eastwardly margin of the high lands as will be conveniently practicable following as nearly (or quite) joining the eastwardly margin of the high lands as the same are shaded on the (illegible) in the descriptive list of said town) (illegible) from the north boundary of said town to York Street at or near Lot Number 315, and thence in such direction as may be thought best into or south of Elm Street and no objection shall be made or damages claimed or recovered by any lot owner in said town, or other persons on account of said canal being so opened or on account, or in consequence of its passing on, through or across any street or ally of said Town or in censeqience of its passing in through or across any 10t or lots in the direction, the direction aforesaid commencing at or near the north end of Pecan Street or Lot No. 286, and continuing down at or near the eastern margin of said high lands as aforesaid and through to or south of said Elm Street.

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"NINTH. The inhabitants of said town shall at any time have full and absolute right to raise, erect and build a levee round all that part of said Town lying between the place of the last aforesaid canal and the Mississippi River which levee may be erected upon any part of the lots, streets and allies of said Town between the place of the last aforesaid canal and the Mississippi River or upon any part of the lands of said proprietors which has not been laid off into lots or made a part of said town between said highlands and the Mississippi River as the corporation, trustees, or a majoraty of the inhabitants of said town may determine and no objection shall be made or damages claimed or recovered in consequence of said levee being so built upon any of the lots streets allies or land of the proprietors aforesaid.

"TENTH. Any and every lot owner in said Town shall from and after the date hereof have full right and authority to fell, cut, take away, and make use of any and all wood underwood trees or timber in any of the streets or allies of said Town, provided the same is made use of for buildings, fences, improvements, or fire wood (or fuel) therein (illegible) otherwise and provided further, that no black (illegible) pecan, holly or sugar tree or shrub of any size and no beech tree between the size of four and ten inches in diameter and no tree of any sort or size on either lot, street or ally upon which the number of any lot or block is marked or lettered shall be chopped, deadened, cut, felled, or used for any purpose whatever without leave of a majoraty of the trustees or lot owners in said town.

"ELEVENTH. All the streets and allies in and bounding said town as represented by the plat and survey thereof shall be and forever remain open, common publick highways an undivideable property the free use of which either by the inhabitants of said Town or by others, shall never be barred, hendered, enclosed, stopped or shut up nor any one or more of them after there are twenty families or upward lot holders residents in said town and until then Water Street and Rightor Street shall from the date hereof (as well as all other streets and allies not now enclosed) be kept open as publick highways EXCEPT that the houses in which William B. R. Hornor and Thirmon Bebout now resides which are the property of Sylvanus Phillips and stand in Water Street shall not be required to be removed out of said street in less than three years from the date hereof and until then and no longer the said Phillips shall have full and free privalege to rent out, use or occupy said houses where they now stand in Water Street or may in less time if he thinks fit remove said houses to any other

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place out of any street or ally of said Town. And further any other named street or ally in said town shall at any time after the date hereof when a crop is not growing there be opened at and upon the request of any ten lot owners in said town provided not less than four of said lot owners are proprietors or owners of lots joining the street or ally requested to be opened.

"TWELFTH. The said Sylvanus Phillips and William Russell, proprietors as aforesaid hereby engages, promises and covenants to and with all and every person or persons that may become interested in or owners of any lot or lots in said town; and to and with all manor of persons that are or may be concerned or interested in any of the donations of lots or squares herein aforesaid or used to which the same are to be applied that they the said proprietors shall and will give, grant, convey, and deliver , do, fulfill and perform all and singular of the gifts, grants or other direct or implied promises or assurances mentioned or contained in this instrument of writing according to the true intent and meaning thereof. And to give the strongest assurances and most lasting perpetuation of all things herein mentioned of, concerning or relative to said Town of Helena the said proprietors will cause this instrument of writing to be authenticated and recorded and for that purpose have hereunto set their hands and affixed their seals at Helena the second day of January in the year 1821.

"The foregoing Map or Plat, and Descriptive List, and guarrantee of rights and privileges or conditions of the Town of Helena, are true and correct records of the originals filed in my office for record on the 20th day of March, A. D. 1821, except that in the discriptive list Lot Numbered 428 in place of being in its proper place is put between Nos. 445 & 446.

Sylvanus Phillips, Clk. and Ex Officio Recorder."

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LETTER OF SYLVANUS PHILLIPS TO SAMUEL C. ROANE,
ATTORNEY OF UNITED STATES, ARKANSAS DISTRICT

(from "The Territorial Papers of the United States, Volume XIX, The Territory of Arkansas, 1819-1825," compiled and edited by Clarence Edwin Carter. U. S. Government Printing Office, Washington: 1953)

***

"Helena, July 28 1822

"Dear Roane As the male has not yet gone out I will say something more to you than my note of yesterday contains. I think strong representations should be made to the general government respecting the lands on the margin of the Mississippi river it aught by all means to be brought immediately into market or at any rate as soon as posable, I am certain that the whole of these lands would now sell if a market was open, three fourths of these lands can be cultivated to advantage in cotton corn or any other article which our land grows; the balance would readily sell for timber - I have been long a resident on the bank of the mississippi, and have been a great deal through the swamps and do assert from my own knowledge that much the largest portion of this great valley (or swamp as called) can be cultivated to advantage notwithstanding the assertion of one writer in the Arkansas Gazette that the margin of the Mississippi never can be settled, and of an other that the useless ash and cottonwood will not sell the land on the river. If this Ash and cottonwood is useless why does thousands of cords sell every year at a price from one & a half to three dollars. And if such large quantities of cypress is to be had in the low country for the cutting as one of those writers represent why does so many Yankees come so many hundred miles to cut cypress in this country and raft it off to the low country ("where it is so plenty") in large quantities cutting down whole cypress swamps that is worth 25 to 100 dollars per acre I am warrated in asserting this price from experience in cutting cord wood off my own land I have sold three hundred cords of wood off produced from two acres of land which wood when sold at a fare price will bring money enough to a poor man to buy a snug little farm, the lands most valuable for timber is that which lies West and least susceptable of cultivation and from actual observation is worth the price before stated for the timber, And notwithstanding the assertion of the Gazette that but little Cypress has been cut there has been verry large

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quantities cut and to my knowledge thousands of logs of the prime of the timber lies now roting in the swamp, Cut by foreigners who would get first into a swamp and to secure to themselves the whole and keep others out would cut down large quantities of trees with out even cuting of the top or doing any thing more they have then sometimes taken large rafts sometimes small one and sometimes none atall leaving allways large quantities to rot. I have not time now to say more and think I have sayed enough to convince you that the statements in the Gazette is incorrect and that the great interes of the Government is to bring these lands into market which I hope you will endeavour to further; I may say more again for the present adieu

"With much Esteem Sir Your Obedt Servt.

Sylvanus Phillips

"Sam C. Rone Esqr. Att U. S."

Phillips County's early settler obtained some results with his letter. Mr. Roane enclosed the foregoing in his own letter to Josiah Meigs, Commissioner of the General Land Office, Washington, recommending that the lands on the margin of the Mississippi be speedily brought into market, as civil suits against trespassers on the public lands had failed.

Sylvanus Phillips settled at the mouth of the St. Francis about the year 1797. In 1799, by order of the Spanish Governor, he was ordered in to the Post of Arkansas, but returned to the St. Francis settlement about 1800. On the plat of Old Helena his home is shown on the block between Perry and Porter Streets and Columbia and Franklin Streets.

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ROSTER OF MILITIA OFFICERS, MILITIA OF ARKANSAS
(LC: ARKANSAS GAZETTE, June 14, 1825)

***

-- excerpt from "The Territorial Papers of the United States, Volume XX, The Territory of Arkansas, 1825-1829," compiled and edited by Clarence Edwin Carter. U. S. Government Printing Office, Washington, 1954. Pages 68, 74, 75.

Some familiar names appear in the list of officers of the Fourth Regiment, Arkansas County:

By order of the Governor, Geo. Izard, dated June 10th, 1825, the Commanding Officers of Regiments, battalions, and companies of the Militia in the counties of Pulaski, Arkansas, Crawford, Phillips, Chicot, Independence, and Lawrence were to report in person, or by letter, to the Adjutant General's Office, at Little Rock, on or before the 1st day of July next.

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GARDENS I REMEMBER

by

Virginia Hornor Lambert

(from the notebooks of Mrs. Nina Gould Ware)

***

"The gardens of Helena in the "long ago" were not the formal arrangements of today. As I can recall my childhood memories of the flowers, I seem to see beds of exquisite hue and rare perfume adorning the front yards of stately homes or humble cottage. The flowers in those yards were of many varieties - roses, pansies, sweet elyssum, geraniums, petunias, violets, verbenas, nasturtiums, and many, many others. Even now I can see my Grandmother bending over her beds of heliotrope mignonette, and verbenas which flourished on either side of a stately portico whose columns reached to the roof and up whose sides climbed the beloved vine of the Southland, the starry white jasmine. A large bed of geraniums bordered with nasturtiums reached to steps leading to a lower terrace. Upon the balustrade of these steps were tubs filled with colorful riot of petunias.

"On Beech Street, where now stands the residence of Mr. Bloom, was the only formal garden I can recall. Mr. L. Archias was a florist of no small ability, and the only one selling flowers and shrubs. He had a very lovely place, and it was quite a delight to visit his garden.

"Mrs. M. T. Sanders, mother of Mrs. A. N. Tanner and Miss Lucy Sanders, had lovely flowers in her yard on College Street. Many friends were honored and delighted with nosegays from this charming woman's home.

"Mrs. P. O. Thweatt also rejoiced in possessing many beautiful flowers - roses, lilies of different varieties. Especially do I remember her calacanthus bushes, so fragrant when crushed. Her rose geraniums, too, were my childish delight, as also were the honeysuckle vines.

"One of the most beautiful yards was that of Mrs. Nick Straub, mother of Mrs. Clara Bush. In her yard on Porter Street old-fashioned flowers of all varieties

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could be found and a visit to it was a pleasure long to be remembered. Especially would one recall the splendor of a huge Marchal Niel rose whose foliage and blossoms covered one entire end of the porch. Dr. McAlpine, a well-known physician and loved man, the father of Mrs. Janie Nicholls, lived on Walnut Street. It was a privilege to be numbered a friend of the family, and its gentle, lovely mistress was justly proud of the many beautiful flowers growing in her cherished garden. Two handsome oleander trees grew there, and friscate magnolias, with their tiny lemon colored blossoms were especially admired.

"Farther out on Porter Street was a yard in which grew the most gorgeous snowball bushes, bridal wreath, and many other flowering shrubs, making the home of Mrs. McCabe a thing of beauty to delight the passer-by.

"Another home on the same street was that of a colored woman affectionately called "Aunt Fannie" Alexander, and many were the friends among her "white folks" who were cheered by beautiful bouquets from her well-kept garden.

"The flowers in these gardens I have written of were of many varieties - roses, petunias, geraniums, pansies, mignonnette, sweet elyssum, lilies, verbenas, violets, nasturtiums, and many, many more.

"There are doubtless many other gardens most worthy of mention. I was asked to tell of the ones I remembered. These few stand out as vivid pictures of childish days; their sweet perfumes still linger as a precious memory of a happy childhood that has sweetened many hours of a long life.

V. H. L."

Virginia Hornor Lambert, the daughter of John J. Hornor and Betty Tully Hornor, was born at Helena, Arkansas, on January 9, 1858, and died there on February 2, 1947. Her grandparents were John Sidney Hornor and Elizabeth Johnson Hornor, the "Grandmother" mentioned in the above article. The "Bloom" home on Beech Street is 623 Beech Street, now, in 1962, the 0. D. Butterick home. Mr. L. Archias (Leon Archias) was the first caretaker of the Evergreen Cemetery, which is now Maple Hill, and his garden was in that vicinity. The M. T. Sanders home was at 816 College Street, now the home of Charles Katz. The P. O. Thweatt home was on the southwest corner of the intersection of Porter and Poplar Streets. The McCabe home was at 1002 Porter and Fannie Alexander's home was on the northeast corner of Porter and College Streets.

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Traced by Dorothy James from an old photograph by "Banker Gallery, Helena, Arkansas."

FIRST EPISCOPAL CHURCH BUILT IN HELENA

in 1860 on Southwest corner of Cherry and Rightor Streets

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EXCERPTS FROM THE DIARIES AND LETTERS

OF

REVEREND OTIS HACKETT

from

THE FILES OF ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, HELENA, ARKANSAS

Furnished by his son, Mr. G. H. Hackett

*****

"From the very brief and imperfect data at hand, we find that the first services, according to the rites and usages of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in Helena, were held by Bishop Polk, Missionary Bishop of the diocese of Louisiana, in which Arkansas was then embraced, in Oct., 1839, at the residence of Dr. P. G. Kennett. After him Bishop Otey made one or more visits and held services. The next were by Bishop Freeman, in October, 1846. For the next seven years Bishop Freeman visited, and administered to the needs of the congregation, as often as his time permitted. On the 29th day of November, 1853, on one of his visits, the Bishop organized the parish of St. John's at Helena, and twenty persons subscribed to the articles of association. In January, 1854, the Rev. A. Wheelock was settled as missionary in charge of the parish and remained for a period of six months. In May, 1856, the Rev. Otis Hackett was placed in charge of the parish, and remained until April, 1859." (from Helena Weekly World, Feb. 1, 1899)

*****

"May 7, 1854. After leaving Opelousas, Louisiana, arriving at New Orleans, May 7, 1854, went on board the "Moses Greenwood" bound for Little Rock "if she can go up so high."

"May 10-11, New Orleans. Busy buying furniture clothing, and other supplies. Paid out over $300.

"May 12. Our boat put out last night.

"May 17. Arrived Little Rock last evening. Called this morning on the Reverend Mr. Freeman. The Bishop was in Texas, but his lady and son received

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me most cordially. Mr. Freeman has consented to accompany me to Van Buren.

“May 18. arrived at Van Buren.

"May 20. Mr. Freeman preached at night at Van Buren.

***

In April, 1856, Father left Fayetteville and arrived in Helena, Sunday, April 20.

“Soon found some friends of the church among whom Dr. Cage invited me to his house. At night held service in Methodist meeting house - large and attentive congregation."

" May 3, 1856. Returned from a week's visit in the country. At Judge Jones, twelve miles out, I enjoyed myself very well. Thence I went some twenty-five miles to Oteyville. I arrived there, at Col. Forman's in the midst of a hard rain and found the country, the "Flat Woods" as it is called, almost all under water. The object in going there was to ascertain if the three or four church families there desired, on condition that I should visit them once a month, to unite with Helena in the support of a clergyman. They professed a willingness to do so, but took no action." On his return to Helena: "The acting members of the vestry tell me they will assume the responsibility of making up the salary. They have nearly enough already. I have therefore written the Bishop, signifying my intention of settling here.

"May 6. I, this day, received from the vestry of St. John's Church, Helena, a formal call to become the rector of this parish, with a salary – including the missionary stipend - of $1,000 and house rent. I signified, of course, my formal acceptance.

"May 7. Commenced boarding at Col. McGraw's at $7.00 per week.

"May 11. Preached for the first time in the County Court House.

"May 20. Have taken up my lodging in the office building belonging to the house rented for me by the vestry. Commenced boarding also at Mrs. Butler's. Boarded just two weeks at Col. McGraw's (Commercial Hotel).

(Father notes preaching at the Methodist Camp

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Meeting grounds in Judge Jones' neighborhood, June 11th and 30th, "to large and very appreciative congregations."

"July 18. Returned from a two days’ visit at Col. Rhobard's.

"Aug. 6. Left Helena this Wednesday morning on the J. C. Swan, arrived the 10th. Left on the 11th by railroad via Alton and Joliet, Detroit, and Canada to Syracuse. Reached Norwich (N. Y.) the 14th Aug." (Arrived Helena Sept. 17)

"Nov. 9. Too cold for services in the open air.

"Nov. 20. Went up to Memphis in company with Mrs. Jones and children. Bought stovepipe for church which could not be had here.

"Dec. 11. Have just had a visit from Bishop Freeman. Confirmed five persons, ladies.

"Jan. 1, 1857. Bought from a flat boat a bushel potatoes for which I paid $4.50, a tall price.

"Feb. 10. Mrs. Hackett commenced teaching school today. Only two scholars the first day, Lyman Cage and Gabrielle Thompson.

"Mar. 22. Two gentlemen, not communicants, nor members of the vestry, have determined to make an effort to build a church.

“Apr. 3. Judge Butts (communicant) died at McGraw's Hotel last night.

(On Easter Monday Mr. Hargraves, "principal man" in the vestry, resigned and Mr. Tappan elected in his place, "a gentleman who has recently evinced much anxiety for the building of a church in this place and has been soliciting with some success for the object.")

"At the first meeting of the new vestry considerable spirit was manifested. It was ascertained that the subscription for building amounted to something more than $1100.00 and many were yet to be called upon. They thought they could venture to take the preliminary steps for building. A committee to negotiate for a lot and to report a plan for the church, also to raise my salary for the next year. Yesterday

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they were to have had another meeting, but none came together, and Mr. Tappan tells me he must resign his office as vestryman."

"May 5. Took in hand myself today subscription paper for church.

"May 6. Have been circulating subscription paper today and added some $500.

"May 9. Returned from Old Town. Received some assistance and made valuable acquaintances. Subscription now $1760.

"May 14. Severest hail storm I have ever known. Came down with frightful violence, smashing through all unprotected windows, tearing off shingles. Some small animals were killed. Hailed less than five minutes, yet ground covered and white as winter's snow. Stones enormously large, some size goose eggs and beside houses fences lay in winrows. I gathered up 12 large water buckets full and emptied in cistern. Vegetable garden ruined.

"May 18. Church service at Marianna. First time clergyman our church ever preached there.

"May 28. Visited Columbia, Chicot County. Found in vicinity of the river lake several wealthy and intelligent church families and very anxious to enjoy the privileges of the church.

"June 8. Got up this morning at 3 o'clock to look at the comet, if it is a comet. Somewhat larger than a first class star, very bright but with no tail.

“June 15. Miss Pardee took the school off Mrs. Hackett's hands.

"June 27. Advertised our school to commence 1st Sept., under the name of "St. Mary's."

"July 2. Reported to D.C.: present number communicants, 21; families, 18; individuals, 7. S.S. teachers, 3; pupils, 18; infant baptisms, 4; adults, 3.

"Oct.31. Commercial panic. Banks all over the Union have suspended with few exceptions. Mercantile failures numerous, thousands of laborers thrown out of employ. Specie 25 per cent premium. Cotton from 19 cents has

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gone down to 10 or 12.

"Nov. 13. Provisions exhorbitantly high and hard to get. Just paid for butter, 32 cents, ham 20, pork 15, eggs 25.

"Dec. 23. Had a concert last night for raising funds to pay for melodion. Well attended, result $80.00.

"April 12, 1858. Had a vestry meeting. Attempted a meeting on Easter Monday for the purpose of electing wardens and vestrymen, but failed for want of attendance. The old vestry consequently holds over.

"April 24. Received letter from Rev. Andrew Freeman saying his father, the Bishop, was lying at the point of death and earnestly requesting me to come to him at once. Accordingly left on first boat, 9 P. M., same day.

"Detained two days at Napoleon. Arrived Little Rock 28th. Bishop still alive, wholly unconscious. Died on following day, April 2dth, and was buried on the 30th. I simply read over him the burial service, his son desiring there should be neither sermon, nor remarks upon the occasion. Had to wait until May 5th for a return boat."

"May 13. Left home aboard the "Switzerland" for Old River Lake, Chicot County. Got off at Columbia May 14th. Rode horseback to the Lake, thence in boat to Mr. Stuart's. Visited the Reids and Judge Davis.

“May 16, Sunday. After service a parish was organized and vestrymen and wardens elected. The vestry then desired me to visit them once a month and agreed to give for my services and expenses $400. Returned home on "Belfast."

"May 23. Baptized George Herbert." (His son)

"May 29. River alarmingly high.

"June 11. Left on "City of Memphis" for Columbia. Wouldn't land me at Columbia, compelled me to go on to Greenville, Miss., where I stopped that night and early next morning returned to Columbia on "Pennsylvania." Made my trip cost ten dollars.

"June 13. Preached twice, at the courthouse and to Judge Sutton's servants. On "Eclipse" back home.

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"June 16. Home early this morning. Heard the "Pennsylvania" blew up shortly after I left her.

"June 27. In constant fear of a break in levee. River higher than '44 or '50. 2 P. M. Levee has given away mile and a half below town.

"June 28, Monday. Packed up our things and moved on board wharf boat to await the first Cincinnati and Louisville boat.

"June 29. Took passage on "Diana" 2 P. M., arrived Louisville, and took "Jacob Strader" for Madison, where we arrived 6 P. M.

"July 2. Stopped at Madison Hotel.

"July 6. Rented two story brick 6-room house, pleasantly and centrally located, for $8. Moved into it.

"July 27. Returned via Louisville to Memphis. Invited by Bishop Otey to stop over Sunday. Entertained by Dr. Shanks. Preached at Grace Church, Rev. Mr. Schatkey, Rector, morning service, and for the Bishop at Calvary Church, evening.

"Aug. 2. Left on the "Katie Frisbie" for Helena.

"Oct. 4, Monday. Went up to Holly Springs, Mississippi, to assist in consecration of new church there. Stopped by previous invitation at Mr. Nelson's. Was directly called on by the Rev. Mr. Ingraham, and, shortly afterwards, introduced to Bishop Green and Rev. Mr. Fagg of LaGrange and the Rev. Mr. Gierlow, a Dane whom the Bp. ordained a priest on the following Friday. The church was consecrated Thursday morning.

"Oct. 6. The Bishop preached. Mr. Gierlow preached in the afternoon and I at night.

"Oct. 10. Reached Helena.

"Oct. 12. Have determined to leave Helena, as they will not build a church and without one comparatively little can be done.

"Oct. 18. Visited Dr. Gray's, Dunn's, Rice's, and Judge Jones'. Concerned about my going. Ask me to reconsider. Jamison Rice offers me a house and as much land as I want rent free, and Dr. Gray offers to

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double his subscription, etc., etc.

"Nov. 22. Bp. Otey preached Saturday night and Sunday morning and evening in the Cumberland Presbyterian meeting house. Administered the rite of confirmation to six persons: Mrs. Susan Butts, Miss Sarah Ann Rolla, Mr. Jamison Rice, Mr. A. J. Heslip and Master Joseph Stone.

"Mar. 15, 1859. This day resigned again my charge of this parish."

Copied from "The Spirit of Missions" for May, 1859, page 223.

ARKANSAS

HELENA - REV. OTIS HACKET

"I find myself obliged to resign my post. I anticipate a few days in the dating of this, and give you my report to the first of April, at which time I wish my resignation of this station to take effect.

"I designed to take my family back here again this spring, but finding it impossible to obtain a roof to shelter us, I have no choice but to leave.

“Whether I shall give up Old-River Lake, I am not yet certain. It is an interesting field, and if I remain in the South, I shall very likely settle here. Though but little more than six months old as a parish, they are already both more able and willing to STAND ALONE than many congregations that have been established and ministered to for years. If I go there, I am in hopes they will undertake my entire support.

"Helena will need still more of nursing. There are difficulties to contend with here that render it anything but an easy field to work. Our members are scattered, most of them living in the country, and the planters look askance upon the town, feel no pride in its growth, and take no interest in building it up. It is little, therefore, and in some instances nothing that they will give toward the building of a church in Helena. Besides, both town and country are now suffering severely from the effects of last year's overflow, and at this present writing we are greatly threatened with another. It is only our levee that keeps the Mississippi out of town and from some of the

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richest plantations in the country now, and, as the river is still rising, whether this artificial barrier will continue to protect us, is, with many, a question of absorbing interest.

"But notwithstanding all drawbacks, Helena grows; and I am still of opinion that it is destined to be an important town, and doubt not but it is the policy of the Church to sustain a missionary here. If the Craig will is sustained - as seems likely to be the case - bequeathing more than half a million of money to the founding of a University here, this, of itself, will do much for the place."

Mr. G. H. Hackett writes: "Father returned to Columbia, Ark., May 29th, 1859 - moved to Lake Village, August 10th."

Helena did finally build its first Episcopal Church. The Helena Weekly World of February 1, 1899, continues:

"The Rev. Mr. Hackett was succeeded by the Rev. F. W. Boyd. Up to this date the parish continued to grow, as many were added to the church by baptism and confirmation, and a goodly interest was manifested on the part of the parishioners, as the following will show:

"At a meeting of the vestry, held May 7th, 1860, the Rev. B. R. S. Boemond was elected rector of the parish. A note from the parish record says: "Subscriptions were now begun for a church in Helena, and about ($4,000) subscribed. The vestry being assembled by the rector, resolved that a church building be erected; that it be placed east of the Cypress, and as the ground is unfavorable to the duration of a brick building, that it be constructed of wood. John Anderson Craig, Esq., of Susa Place, Phillips County, was requested to build the church, with full powers as to size and style, the cost being limited by the amount subscribed. To all of which Mr. Craig acceded."

"The vestry at this time was composed of Gen. Patrick R. Cleburne, Dr. Richard H. Hargraves, Mr. John P. McGraw, Mr. Thos. W. Banks and Mr. Lycurgus Cage.

"On October 30th, 1860, James C. Tappan, Esq., presented to the church a lot of ground which had been selected by Mr. Craig for the site, and the said

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lot was purchased by Mr. Tappan for the purpose at a cost of five hundred dollars."

NOTE: Recorded in Record Book "R", page 563, official records of Phillips County, Arkansas, appears deed executed October 30, 1860, by Robert Malony and Glenn Malony, his wife, to Jno. C. McGraw, Patrick R. Cleburne, Richard H. Hargraves, Lycurgus Cage, Thomas W. Banks, as Vestrymen of St. John's Church of Helena, Ark., and their successors, conveying Lot 163, Old Helena, for a consideration of $500.00. This first church was located on the southwest corner of the intersection of Cherry and Rightor Streets, the present site, in 1962, of Ciener's.

"This same lot, which the liberality of Gen. Tappan placed in the hands of the church, was sold in 1896 for $9000.00, the proceeds of the sale going toward the building of the new church. To the rector and vestry of that important period when the first church was being built; to the parishioners who so generously contributed of their means for the erection of the same; to Mr. and Mrs. John Anderson Craig, so indefatigable in labor and gifts, who gave the lumber that went into the building; to Gen. J. C. Tappan, sometime vestryman in St. John's church, who has lived to see his gift multiplied many times; to Col. J. B. Miles, who furnished the pews and the doors and window sashes that went into the church; to Gen. P. R. Cleburne, a liberal contributor; to Dr. John F. Hanks, who was a most assiduous worker, furnishing two carpenters and taking upon himself a large part of the duty of superintending the erection of the church; to Drs. Richard H. Hargraves and J. S. Deputy and many others for liberality in contributions and in labor; to Mrs. Elizabeth Lyman Cage, who, together with Mesdames Tappan and Walker, founded about this time, or shortly after, the Ladies Aid Society, an organization that has done much work in the church and of which she was president up to the time of her death; to these all and more, all honor is due for their wisdom and generosity in providing for the future welfare of the parish.

"The church was completed and the first services held by the Rt. Rev. H. C. Lay, Easter Even, March 30th, 1861. The Rev. Mr. Boemond continued his rectorship for nearly two years, and was succeeded by the Rev. W. H. Smyth, who remained but a few months. For the three following years the parish was without a rector, and without services, and "the church was used for

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purposes foreign to the intentions of its founders," for it was a time of war."

War clouds were gathering, and national election was held in November, 1860, whereby Abraham Lincoln and Hannibal Hamlin, Republicans, were elected President and Vice President of the United States, and Henry M. Rector was elected Governor of the State of Arkansas. In his inaugural address, on November 15, 1860, Governor Rector said:

"Should any one of the Southern states, prompted by a spirit of just resentment toward the North, deem it necessary to declare her independence and assert a separate nationality, Arkansas, having like grievances and a common purpose to subserve, ought not to withhold her sympathies and active support, if coercive measures be adopted by the General Government."

On December 6, 1860, Henry C. Lay, Missionary Bishop of the South-West, directed the following Pastoral Letter to the clergy and Congregations of the church in Arkansas.

"Brethren: In the Providence of God, we are fallen upon troublous times. After agitation which has reached every hearth and home among us, a crisis has arrived. The solemn Future just before us cannot be as the Past. It must bring to us either a return to peace and brotherhood, or a wider estrangement and an angrier strife.

"The Church of Christ is not commissioned to be a judge, or a divider among individuals, states or nations. In matters of State policy, she has no authority to pronounce judgment. It is a grateful recollection that throughout this period of sectional strife, the Protestant Episcopal Church of America has lent no breath to fan the flame of unholy discord. But yet she has vocation and authority. It is hers to enunciate in the name of God the great principles of morals, and the just rules of human conduct. In every time of apprehension her voice should be heard, bidding us to look above the troubled waters to Him who holdeth the winds in the hollow of His hands, and who stilleth the tumult of the people.

"I exhort you then, in this crisis, to intercede with God for our common country. We have been a singularly boastful people; and in our unexampled, national prosperity, have been little mindful of our dependence

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upon Divine Providence. Let us with penitent heart confess this our sin. As Christians, we believe that God orders all things, even the Sparrow's fall. Let us realize that He is Governor among the nations. He can bring light out of darkness, and order out of confusion. Let us look unto Him, and cry daily unto Him, until He send deliverance.

"And, especially, as citizens, let us be grave and serious in our deliberations. This is no time for noisy disputants to lead us. We should ask counsel of the experienced, the sober, the God-fearing men among us. We may follow peace, and yet guard our country's rights; nor should we in concern for our own, forget the rights and duties of others.

"Lastly, we should remember that we are the subjects of the Prince of Peace, and that He has pronounced a blessing on the peace-makers. If words of healing can be found, let them be uttered rather than words of bitterness and contumely. May He who maketh men to be of one mind in an house, be evermore our Helper and Defender!

"The following prayer for wise counsel is set forth and authorized to be used in the congregations, at the discretion of the Minister, until the fourth day of March next.

"I remain yours in the bonds of Christ,

Henry C. Lay,
Missionary Bishop of the
South-West.

Fort Smith, Ark., December 6, 1860."

"A PRAYER FOR WISE COUNSEL

"Almighty God, who didst raise up to Thy people Israel, judges and counsellors, whensoever they cried unto Thee; and who hast promised to give liberally to such as lack wisdom and ask of Thee; look graciously upon us Thy unworthy servants and upon all the people of this land; leave us not comfortless, but send to us the Holy Ghost to comfort us.

"Send to us, O Lord, in this our day of trouble and disquietude, righteous judgment and prudent counsel. Save us from all error, ignorance, pride and prejudice. Grant us peace in our borders, and security in all our lawful employments. Prosper the right and

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let not wicked men prevail. Help us to be valiant for the truth, and to put all our trust in Thee; for Thou, O Lord, sittest in the throne judging right, and therefore we make our supplication unto Thee. Thou art the great God who hast made and rulest all things; be gracious unto Thy servants and save us for Thy mercy's sake. Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Thy name. O deliver us, and be merciful unto our sins for Thy name's sake.

"O blessed Saviour, who didst preserve Thy disciples in a great tempest of the sea, hear, hear us, and save us, that we perish not; for we do acknowledge Thee, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, one God over all, blessed forevermore. Amen."

On January 15, 1861, Governor Rector signed an act of the legislature providing for the holding of an election to decide whether the state should hold a convention to consider the question of seceding from the Union.

On February 4, 1861, Bishop Lay wrote the following letter:

"Fort Smith, Feb. 4th, 1861

"To the Clergy of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Arkansas:

"Brethren:

You are authorized to use the Special Prayer previously set forth until further notice.

If a Convention of this State shall assemble you will during its session offer this prayer, as for Congress, reading the first paragraph thus:

"Most Gracious God, we humbly beseech thee, as for the people of this State in general, and especially for their representatives in Convention assembled, that Thou wouldst be pleased, &c."

In the event of the secession of Arkansas, you will, in this proper prayer, substitute the words ("thy servant the President of the United States") these words ("thy servant the Governor of Arkansas.")

Yours in Christ,
Henry C. Lay
Miss. Bishop of the South West."

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"I will endeavor to meet the appointments hereto appended: I will thank the clergy in organized parishes to arrange for the celebration of the Holy Communion; and wherever it is possible to appoint a service for the servants on the afternoon of Sunday.

On February 5, 1861, a body of armed men, about 800, arrived at Little Rock to take over the Little Rock Arsenal. Many of these men were from Phillips County. On February 8th the post commander, Captain James Totten, at the request of Governor Rector, withdrew his troops and surrendered the Little Rock Arsenal to the State of Arkansas. Captain George Otey, with a detachment of militia, known as the Phillips County Guards, was placed in charge.

On March 4, 1861, the Secession Convention assembled for its first session. On May 6, 1861, Arkansas seceded from the Union and on May 10th became one of the Confederate States of America.

Mrs G. H. Hackett writes, about his father, the Rev. Mr. Otis Hackett: "March, 1861, returned to Columbia.

"Oct. 30, 1862. Moved into the Dan Sessions plantation house at Linwood (Sessions had removed all of his ablebodied slaves but left 70 - old and infirm, sick and very young.)" NOTE: Linwood is in Jefferson County, Arkansas, southeast of Pine Bluff). "In June, 1863, the house was pillaged by Federals and set fire to several times. Father saved only a portion of our wearing apparel – deserted the house and were guests of the Chapmans and later of John Saunders. On Aug. 13th they moved to the Robinson's house - opposite Lake Village. Went through some pretty hard times. Had to cut his wood and wheel it a half mile on a wheelbarrow. Paid $50 per barrel for flour and $15 per bushel for salt. In April, 1864, went to Canada where a parish was offered him and had charge of Arnprior, Canada West (!)"

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Helena was captured and occupied by Federal General Samuel R. Curtis in July, 1862, and remained in the hands of the Union Army throughout the balance of the war and for some years after the end of the war. An attempt was made by the Confederate Army on July 4, 1863, but the battle of Helena was lost by the Confederacy.

From 1864 to 1868, when "the carpetbaggers" took over, Arkansas was governed by Isaac Murphy, of Madison County, in an effort to peacefully return Arkansas to the Union under Lincoln's 10% plan. This government was made up of men who hoped to effect a peaceful transition from war to peace, and did a good job under difficult circumstances. The Congressional Reconstructions Acts passed in 1867 ended all hope of a peaceful return to the Union, and in 1868 the "carpetbaggers" took over.

Mr. G. H. Hackett continues:

“Was invited to return to Helena, arriving there October 12th, 1865, and were scattered around as follows: Father and Mother at the Commercial Hotel (Whayne's); Emma and Augusta at Dr. Hargraves, Nellie at Arthur Thompson's, Kemper and Herbert at Mr. Cage's."

When the Rev. Mr. Hackett returned to Helena, in 1865, the town was still being governed by the Army, but its County Officials and the Judge of the First Judicial District, which included Phillips County, were a part of the Murphy administration. These officials were subject to interference from the Army and from the Bureau of Freedmen, Refugees and Abandoned Land, commonly called the "Freedman's Bureau," which was in charge of all matters concerning the recently freed Negroes. This Bureau was using the Church as a Negro school. Brig. Gen. Napoleon B. Buford was Commanding Headquarters Distrist of Eastern Arkansas, at Helena. On May 26th, 1865, the Confederate Army of Arkansas was finally surrendered, and the ex-soldiers began returning to their homes.

Continuing Mr. G. H. Hackett's report:

"Commenced housekeeping December, 1865 – Finds House rent ($25.00) and groceries (flour $17 per bal., butter 60¢, ham 40¢, eggs 75¢, etc.) about double the price when they were there before. The missionary

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stipend was $500 and the Helena church agreed to raise $500 additional! The house they rented for $25.00 had two small rooms and a kitchen. No house to be had at any price.

"From Diocesan Report 1866: 8 children baptized, 5 adults baptized; 23 confirmed; 32 communicants last report; 52 communicants this report; 6 S. S. teachers; 40 S. S. pupils; 1 marriage; 9 burials.

"Report of 1867 gives number of inhabitants (of Helena) as 4000.

"April 10th, 1867 - a dreary time. Our church is under water. (from diary)"

***

COPY OF MISSIONARY REPORT - 1866

"Helena, Ark., Otis Hackett, Jan'y 1, 1866.

"Rev. and Dear Sir:

"Having been notified by you of my appointment to this mission and signified my acceptance of the same, I made immediate arrangements for my removal, and leaving Arnprior, C. W., with my family Oct. 3rd, reached Helena in safety on the 15th of the same month.

"The following Sunday I held service in a private house, the dwelling of Licurgus Cage, Esqr., whose rooms, kindly offered for the occasion, were filled to overflowing. I have seldom - never, I may say ministered to a more attentive and devout congregation. By long deprivation they had learned to appreciate and doubly enjoy the services of the Church.

"On my arrival I found the Church still occupied as a negro school house. Application was made to the proper authorities for its restoration, and after some weeks' delay it was at length made over to the Vestry. It required some time to put it in order; fortunately, however, it had suffered comparatively little material injury during the military occupation and once more affords the people a decent and comfortable place for the worship of Almighty God.

"As yet I have been able to make myself but partially acquainted with my field of labor. Almost im-

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mediately on my arrival I was attacked with fever and ague, and for some twenty-five days - notwithstanding the best of medical attendance - had a chill everyday, and sometimes two. I was reduced very low, and my friends - whose attentions were unremitting became alarmed for me. However, through the goodness of God, the chills were at length broken, and I began rapidly to amend. On the 26th Nov. the Church, after having been closed (for religious purposes) some four years, was again opened for divine Worship, but I was able only to go through with a partial service. The Sunday following I had full service and sermon, and now I have very nearly recovered my usual health and strength.

I may say that I have been most warmly welcomed back, and that there is a deep feeling of gratitude among the people that they are enabled once more to enjoy the precious privileges of the Church. From all I see and hear, I cannot but regard our prospects, notwithstanding the crippling reverses of the past, as most encouraging. Our congregations are large and seriously attentive. Many from without - some who have been prominent in other congregations – are looking Church-ward, attending our services, and evidently thinking of making a home with us. — Helena is full of people, life and bustle, and seeming prosperity. Confidence is reviving and a disposition to build up the waste places of the city, and to enter upon new enterprises. Still the city and county are sadly unlike the old Helena and country that I knew in happier times. The old buoyancy of spirit is gone and grave forebodings are entertained for the future and indulged by not a few. Hope languishes, because there is nothing definite, settled, or reliable on which to rest it. More than ever it is felt that we "know not what a day may bring forth." Disloyalty, there is none - so far as I can learn. The people cheerfully, or at least, resignedly, in good faith “accept the condition" and are disposed to make the best of it possible; --- but the grand difficulty which perplexes the wisest and staggers the most hopeful is the labor question. The Planters would gladly hire the negroes at remunerative wages, but it is felt and found that they cannot be depended upon. As their own masters they are restless, shiftless, and idle. They are slow to learn that there can be any connexion between liberty and labor. They may work well for a few days or weeks, but no sooner have they earned a trifle than they are eager to be off and spend

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it. Hence all industry and enterprise are in a measure paralized. The Planter has no labor basis on which to make safe or definite calculations. He knows not what he may undertake, or what expect. Even if able to engage the requisite number of hands, he has no assurance that the half of them will not desert him before the end of the year, and leave his crops to rot upon the ground. Nor may it be better for him if they remain with him, for he cannot make them work, and they may not earn the bread they eat. I allude to this subject because without its consideration - so important an element is it in our Southern life, whether socially or religiously considered - that no true estimate can be formed of our condition or prospects. We hope for the best. The Negro in time may learn the duties and responsibilities of his new position, and, accommodating himself to his altered relations, take on sober and industrious habits. For such a consummation so devoutly to be wished, for the sake alike of both races, white and black, all good men will pray.

"Our people, as you would naturally suppose, are poor, most of them very poor, having lost everything amid the disorders of the late unhappy war. But for the aid extended by the Society - for which they are most grateful - the privilege of the Church would still be denied them. They are utterly unequal to the maintenance of a clergyman. They will do what they can, cheerfully and gladly, but it is all that many of them can do to live. In some cases they are unable to provide themselves with the necessaries of life. It may be pardonable perhaps in illustration of this statement to mention the following incident. But a few days ago, not having seen a gentleman, who was formerly one of my wardens, in his place in Church, I called on him to ascertain the cause of his absence. He was embarrassed. I said to him that I was surprised at not having seen him at service - that from my former knowledge of him I supposed he loved the Church and would be the last to forsake it. "I do love the Church," he replied with much feeling, "and my heart will never forsake it. But look here," he continued, "is this a coat, are these clothes to go to Church in? I cannot go unless I can go decently - and this is my best suit and it is out of my power to buy another!" It makes one's heart ache to witness the cruel reverses which so many, once in opulent or independent circumstances, have suffered in consequence of the miserable events of the last four years. God grant that this may be our last experience of the HORRORS

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OF WAR.

I must say a word or two in reference to that personally important, but generally uninteresting, topic - my own support.

The expenses of living here are enormous. I am compelled to pay, upon an average, for the necessaries of life, three times as much as I have been accustomed to do. Rent - and I have been enabled to secure but a fraction of a house, three rooms, and we require twice that number in order to live comfortably or decently costs me $300; flour, $17 per bbl.; butter, 75¢ per lb., ham, 40¢ - and others in proportion. How, therefore, with such prices, I am to "make both ends meet" I do not clearly perceive. The appropriation of the D. C. in ordinary times would be most liberal and ample. Years ago when I was here my stipend from the Committee was $400, but the people made me up $600, besides paying my house rent, which made me a comfortable amount. Now they will not be able to raise me at the utmost more than $ ; so far the amount subscribed is only $ .

I need not say that your missionary cannot live certainly not as you would desire him to live – upon such a sum. A thousand dollars was better when I was here before - from 1856 to 1859 - than two thousand would be now.

I have very little doubt, however, that another year, should peace and growing prosperity continue to bless us, that the people will contribute toward my salary largely in excess of what they are able to do now. —-- My statistical report is meager. A Sunday School has been organized, but there has not been time yet to gather in many pupils. There is every prospect that the attendance will be largely increased. There is also a goodly number who are awaiting confirmation."

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COPY OF REPORT TO D. C. BY REV. OTIS HACKETT CONCERNING OVERFLOW IN HELENA, MARCH, 1867

"Helena, Ark., April 1, 1867

Rev. and Dear Sir:

"A grave calamity, as doubtless you will have learned from the papers, has overtaken our city. On the night of the 5th Mar. the levee opposite the town suddenly gave way and let the Mississippi in upon us with a rush and violence that scarcely gave the inhabitants time to escape to the hills. So rapid was the inundation that the whole city proper, in an incredibly short time was overflowed to a depth varying from two to ten feet. It was a cold, tempestuous night, and some families, afraid to venture out into the darkness and the storm, ere morning were imprisoned by the angry floods in their houses and unable to get away until boats were sent to their relief. Providentially I was living in my "own hired house" upon the heights, and thus exempt from the peril and losses to which most others were exposed, and were able to shelter some of our friends whom the Mississippi had so unceremoniously turned out of house and home.

"By this grievous visitation our merchants have been driven en masse from their places of business - all with more or less of loss or damage of their goods. What were streets are now avenues of water, traversed by skiffs, dugouts, flat boats, and occasionally by smaller steamboats. The people, excepting a very few still living in the upper stories of their houses, are now domiciled upon the hills - a fractional portion of the city known as West Helena - where every house is crowded to its utmost capacity. Here also the merchants in rude, hastily constructed shanties, having fished out their goods from their old stands and boated them to dry land, are trying to do business again. But for them - as for all of us – the future has a very dreary look. The river at this point is still rising, and the reports from above are anything but encouraging. All the bottom lands – our best lands - are deeply overflowed, and if the waters do not subside in season to make crops, merchants and planters must be alike ruined. I do not mean merely commercial ruin; the loss of a crop to us now means more than that - it means starvation. Already we have been visited by two of the terrible trinity of evils-

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War, Pestilence, and Famine - and all appearances bode that we are next to become the victims of the third, pitiless famine. The Lord have mercy upon us!

"I am doing under the circumstances, or aiming to do, the best I can. I "still bear up," tho I cannot add "nor bate a jot of heart or hope," for I confess I am at times badly "out of heart" and well nigh hopeless.

"A smit ten people before - weighed down by burdens as heavy as we could well stagger under - this recent affliction, which in happier times would have been a comparative trifle, threatens to be like the last ounce that breaks the camel's back. What is to become of us - what we are to do as a church, what as a people, are problems from which I should turn away in despair but for trust in the Divine Mercy. When all else fails there is still a world of comfort in good old Bishop Chase's motto - Jehovah first.

"At this present writing the water in our Church is several feet deep; it is over the top of the pews and into our organ which we had recently had repaired at a heavy expense and elevated, we supposed, above the reach of an overflow. Our Sunday School books are ruined, and carpets, for so suddenly and unexpectedly did the water break in upon us that there was no time for removing or securing anything. I keenly feel the loss of our S. S. books, some $20 worth of which we had just purchased, for our people will feel too poor to furnish money again very soon to buy more. Would that some whose delight is in doing good might kindly remember us and minister to our need. Our Church fence also has been swept away."

***

LETTER FROM THE RT. REV. H. C. LAY, D. D., TO THE REV. OTIS HACKETT AT HELENA

"Little Rock, April 18th, 1867

My dear Sir:

“On my return home I find yours of the 2nd inst. Let me assure you of my hearty sympathy with you and your people in your heavy trials.

"Do not be discouraged. The waters will abate,

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the sun will shine out, the Dove will come.

"Dr. Loring will send you $300. I have so written to him that it cannot fail. You may count on it as so much extra - and I will try to do more.

In much haste,

Yrs. affly.
HCL

Rev. Mr. Hackett, Helena."

***

MORE EXCERPTS FROM DIARY OF OTIS HACKETT

"1857 ST. MARY'S SCHOOL Dr.

"Transferred to opposite page."

(alas, we do not have the opposite page!)

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ST. MARY'S SCHOOL 2d Sess. Cr.

(We don't have the next page of this either)

***

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Mr. G. H. Hackett writes: "Most of my recollections are childish ones. For instance my most vivid recollection of the Church is that a Mrs. Bodely lived next door to it and had a most interesting monkey and it was hard work for the teachers to get the boys away from that monkey when Sunday School was started.

"My sisters Emma and Gussie taught the Williams and Higgins children out on Moon Lake some ten miles from Helena. Emma tutored the two Higgins boys, Joel and Brand, and Gussie the Williams children, Lena and Sallie. Afterwards Emma tutored two boys of Capt. J. N. Brown across the river from Helena in Miss., Harry and Beverly. I spent some happy days at the Williams and Brown plantations. The Williams girls each had a pony and Mr. Williams furnished me an easy riding mule to accompany them. An old Negro man went with us and watched over us, and I'll never forget "Mammy", a large jovial yellow woman who had charge of the girls and ruled them with supreme power. I am 79 now so not much chance of my old playmates living. I have a photo of Morrie, Carrie and Willie Wygant. Morrie was about ten or twelve then, had lost one eye. He was one of My especial chums.

"My sister Emma's children have an old scrap book made by Emma during the war and afterwards. It is very interesting reading. Clippings from the "Clarion" Helena's paper when we were there are quite frequent in its pages." (from letter dated Mar. 10, 1936)

Reverend Hackett left Helena on April 6th, 1869, for Cheneyville, Louisiana. His son writes: "Father's stay in Helena was one succession of illness, and he left on this account." In the 1870s Rev. Hackett was rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church at Waco, Texas. He died at Point Celeste below New Orleans in 1878.

***

Mr. G- H. Hackett, when he sent the letters and excerpts from his father's diaries, also sent a small photograph of the first Church and a picture of his father taken in Waco, Texas.

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When the Helena World reported receipt of the foregoing diary excerpts and letters of Reverend Otis Hackett, in 1936, the story recalled memories to former Senator John Quarles. He says, as reported in the Helena World of May 26, 1936:

"This article brings memories of various subjects I heard my grandmother, Mrs. P. B. Quarles, and my father, Clarence Quarles, as well as others, discuss. They spoke of the period between 1850 and the Civil War and the building of St. John's Episcopal Church at the southwest corner of Cherry and Rightor streets.

"In mentioning Mr. Hackett's trip to Old Town on this trip, according to what I heard my grandmother tell, Mr. Hackett paid them a visit as they were Episcopalians. From their home Mr. Hackett made a visit to see John R. Williams, who lived where Piney Grove now is. From there he made his way back and made a trip around Old Town, stopping at the Wards, where Mr. Chandler now lives, then on to see the Higgins, Scandlins and others. I do not remember the amounts of contributions, but for the times they were considered liberal.

"Then, after the war when the church was built," (NOTE: The church was built in 1860), "various members of the church made donations of cypress lumber which was in part, if not all, smoothed or planed by hand, and was in lengths of approximately 20 feet.

"The inside and out was built with the planks standing straight up and down as in a box house construction, which was the prevailing manner of construction in those days. The inside was finished in its natural color and painted with a clear varnish which was retained until the building was torn down.

"After a new church was built at the corner of Perry and Pecan this old church was sold to the Negro New Light Baptist Church and the building was moved to 117 or 119 Walnut Street.

"The trip of Mr. Hackett to Old Town and around Old Town Lake back to Helena in distance was only 45 miles, but he was three days making the trip..... A part of the roads then were mere trails through the woods, cane brakes and swamps, with no bridges."

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MARRIAGES PERFORMED BY REV. OTIS HACKETT

****

The following marriages by the Rev. Otis Hackett are those which are recorded in the Marriage Record Books of the official records of Phillips County and appear in Transcript Record Book No. 1, which is a copy of a great many of our first marriage records typed by the W. P. A., as well as in the original marriage record books. A few of the first marriage records are either lost or misplaced, and some of our earlier records have been rebound and renumbered. Thus the marriage record referred to as Book "D" in Transcript Book No. 1 is now Book "A".

Reverend Hackett was very meticulous. Each marriage record, which the ministers always wrote and gave to the Clerk to be recorded, gives the bride and groom's ages and their place of residence.

Hamilton H. Chalmers, aged 23, of Yazoo, Miss., to Emily E. Erwin, aged 20, of Helena, on March 26, 1857. Transcript Book 1, page 274, Marriage Record Book "C", page 286.

Henry Childs, aged 40, of Maysville, Ky., to Ruth Fearin, aged 32, of Helena, on May 25, 1858. Transcript Book 1, page 294, Marriage Record Book "C", page 427.

Andrew Jackson Heslip, aged 40, of Helena, to Christina Saint, of Helena, aged 27, on June 16, 1858. Transcript Book 1, page 295, Marriage Record Book "'C", page 428.

Powell Clayton, aged 31, of Pine Bluff, to Ben A. McGraw, aged 25, of Helena, on December 14, 1865. Transcript Book 1, page 381, Marriage Record Book "D", page 123.

Powell Clayton became Governor of Arkansas in 1868, serving during the period of Reconstruction and the "carpetbaggers."

Benjamin Miles, aged 20, to Anna Lambert, aged 18, both of Helena, on February 8, 1866. Transcript Record Book 1, page 390, Marriage Record Book "D", page 141.

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George H. Walker, aged 51, of Rossier Parish, La., to Margaret B. Tappan, aged 30, 0f Helena, on February 28, 1867. Transcript Bock 1, page 433, Marriage Record Book "D", page 141.

Washington L. Martin, aged 28, to Henriella L. Biscoe, aged 18, both of Helena, on February 14, 1867. Transcript Book 1, page 433, Marriage Record Book "D", page 220.

Malcom Lancaster Hicks, aged 28, to Florence Alice Warner, aged 28, both of Helena, on May 9, 1867. Transcript Book 1, page 437, Marriage Record Book "D", page 227.

Wm. H. Stone, aged 26, to Sallie L. Miles, aged 17, both of Helena, on September 9, 1867. Transcript Book 1, page 442, Marriage Record Book "D", page 234.

Cameron B. Watkins, aged 24, to A. Agusta Hackett, aged 20, both of Helena, on September 4, 1867. Transcript Book 1 page 442, Marriage Record Book "D", page 234.

(The bride, A. Agusta Hackett, was Reverend Hackett's daughter.)

Charles Lawson Moore, aged 31, to Gabriella Thompson, 21, both of Helena, on November 27, 1867. Transcript Book 1, page 446, Marriage Record Book "D'', page 241.

Creed Bumpass, aged 46, to Fannie Moore, aged 31, both of Helena, on December 4, 1867. Transcript Book 1, page 446, Marriage Record Book "D", page 241.

Leonard H. Mangum, aged 30, to Anna W. Scanlan, aged 19, both of Helena, on December 24, 1867. Transcript Book 1, page 447, Marriage Record Book "D", page 242.

Joseph H. Stone, aged 20, to Mary Cook, aged 18, both of Helena, on May 14, 1868.

Mathew L. Sanders, aged 31, to Sallie Alexander, aged 30, both of Helena, on September 17, 1868.

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NOTES, NEWS AND COMMENTS

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On May 1, 1820, Phillips County was created of territory taken from Arkansas County. On Sunday afternoon, April 29, 1962, almost 142 years later, the Phillips County Historical Society was organized at a meeting held at the Phillips County Museum, in Helena, by the adoption of a constitution and by-laws, and by the election of officers.

Three officers were elected for a term of one year each: Mrs. Hesta McElroy was elected President, O. C. Brewer, Vice President, and Mrs. Dan Whelchel, Secretary. Mrs. Curtis Jeffries was elected Treasurer for a term of three years. Members of the Board of Directors are as follows: Mrs. Floyd E. Curtis, for a term of one year, John C. King, Jr., for a term of two years, and Miss Lily Peter for a term of three years.

Annual dues for membership in the Society are: for individual active members $2.00; for institutional members, that is, any organization, board, school, or library, and for contributing and sustaining members, that is, a group or firm offering special support to the objectives of the Society, $5.00. Any person interested in Phillips County history is invited to join. Dues are payable to Mrs. Curtis Jeffries, Treasurer, whose mailing address is: 136 Oakland Avenue, Helena, Arkansas, or payment may be made to Mrs. Jeffries at the Phillips County Library in Helena during any working day.

Charter members, to date of publication, are: James P. Baker, Jr., O. C. Brewer, Charles J. Burrus, Mrs. Roy Cooke, Mrs. Floyd Curtis, Al Haraway, Sr., Mrs. Al Haraway, Sr., A- P. Hornor, Dorothy James, Mrs. Curtis Jeffries, John C. King, Jr., Mrs. C. M. T. Kirkman, Mrs. Hesta McElroy, Bessie McRee, C. L. Moore, Jr., Mrs. Leonora H. Morris, Mrs. James H. Pillow, Charles Purvis, Mrs. F. W. Schatz, Dan Whelchel, Mrs. Dan Whelchel, Jack Young, and the late Mrs. John Sidney Hornor, Dr. J. W. Butts, Mrs. Nellie Schieffler.

Those interested in becoming charter members of the Society may do so by payment of dues. The roll of charter members will be closed at the end of the next meeting.

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Four representatives of the Society, Mrs. Hesta McElroy, Mrs. Dan Whelchel, Mrs. Roy Cooke, and Mrs. F. O. Griffin, Sr., attended the Spring meeting of the Arkansas Historical Association in Fayetteville on May 3rd, 4th, and 5th.

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There is a wealth of material, published and unpublished, about the history of Phillips County. However, there has never been a published history of Phillips County, and thus the published articles about our County are scattered, appearing in newspapers and publications primarily devoted to other subjects. The scrapbooks in the Public Library donated by various organizations and by Mrs. John N. Ware and other individuals are invaluable, as are the old copies of newspapers in the library files. Mrs. John Sidney Hornor in her lifetime also made a large collection of valuable papers. All of these, because they are priceless and subject to great deterioration, are not available to those who do not have the time or the opportunity to study them at the Library. We shall, therefore, from time to time include in our Quarterly some of this material. To that old reliable of Phillips County, The Helena World, we duly express our thanks for any of their published articles we may use.

The unpublished material is plentiful, but must be unearthed and written. The memories and knowledge of our older citizens should be reduced to writing and published. The old letters, old books, diaries, and old newspapers should be preserved, and, where possible, published. Our churches have valuable records that would be of great interest, and we have already found some of this. The record books in the Phillips County Courthouse date from 1820, and none have been lost by fire as in so many other counties - the deed records, probate proceedings, and marriage records, are wonderful historical sources. We plan to use this.

This first publication is an experiment. Your Editors are inexperienced and are frankly calling for help. If you have any material, won't you please contribute it? If you are interested in writing about any part of our history, won't you do so? If you have any suggestions, please don't hesitate to make them – they will be welcomed.

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