Phillips County Historical Quarterly 

December, 1981

Published by
The Phillips County Historical Society

Meetings are held in September, January, April, and June, on the fourth Sunday in the month, at 3:00 P. M. at the Phillips County Museum.

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 $5.00 for a regular membership and $10.00 for a sustaining membership. Single copies of the QUARTERLY are $1.25. QUARTERLIES are mailed to members. Dues are payable to Mrs. C.M.T. Kirkman, Treasurer, 806 McDonough Street, Helena, Arkansas, 72342.

Neither the editors nor the Phillips County Historical Society assumes any responsibility for statements made by contributors.

i

---

PHILLIPS COUNTY
HISTORICAL QUARTERLY

---

---

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ii

---

CONFEDERATE MONUMENT, on one of highest spots in the ridge of hills stands guard over a small cemetery at Helena.

iii

---

THE BARTON GREEN CEMETERY

BY

Betty M. Faust

The Barton Green Cemetery is located at a Barton in Phillips County, Arkansas. It is on the west side of Highway 85 in an open field approximately 100 yards from the highway. To reach the cemetery from Helena, go west on Highway US 49 to the intersection of Highways 49 and 85, about 12 miles from Helena. Turn south on Highway 85, cross the railroad and go one half mile. There is a small white frame church on the east side of the highway and the cemetery is in an overgrown clump of trees on the west side.

At present Joe Eddins and his sister Mary Mac (Eddins) Powell own the land where the cemetery is located. Steve Cook farms this land. The cemetery is about twenty feet square. There is still standing a fence which is overgrown with honeysuckle.

According to the late E.G. "Ned" Green of West Helena, the Green family came to Phillips County from Yarlington, Kentucky, in 1847. Barton Green, Sr., was Sheriff of Phillips County during the Civil War. He and his wife Louisa are listed in St. Francis Township in the 1860 U.S. Census of Phillips County, in the Household of Dr. Russell Shelby. According to the Phillips County Marriage Records, Barton W. Green, age 32, and Lou F. (Graves), age 18, were married April 3, 1860. Lou was the daughter of Alexander "Lex" Graves, for whom Lexa was named. Their children that are buried in the Green Cemetery are Barton W. Green, Jr. (1861-1894) and Thomas Cleburne Green (1869-1899). Barton W. Green married Annie Laurie Williams of Trenton on November 18, 1888. Their

1

---

children were Nathaniel Warren "Nat" (1887-1945), Louise (1889-1894) and Edward Grandison "Ned" (1891-1973). Only their daughter Louise is buried in the Green Cemetery at Barton.

There is a picture of Barton W. Green in the June, 1973, issue of the PHILLIPS COUNTY HISTORICAL QUARTERLY. Two articles about Barton which refer to the Green family are "Barton", by Gene Bradford in the December, 1972, issue, and "Early Settlers of Barton, Part 2", by James V. Belsha in the December, 1973, issue of the QUARTERLY.

On Sunday, December 27, 1981, my son-in-law, Alan Belsches, and I made a listing of the Barton Green Cemetery as follows:

ALLISON

1. Mary B.
consort of Thos. B.W. Allison
15 Oct. 1830 26 Dec. 1853
(Marble slab flat on the ground, covering the entire grave)

GRAVES

2. Nat'l Lee
Giles Co. Tenn.
16 Nov. 1833
Barton, Ark.
19 Jan. 1902

3. Susan C.
Born Shelby Co., Tenn.
4 Jan. 1844
Died 16 Dec. 1862

2

---

Aged 18 yrs 11 mos & 12 Dys
"Blessed are the pure in heart For they shall see God."
(Carved rose on the top of the monument)

GREEN - One monument
(The name Green is inscribed on West Side at the base of the Monument)

4. B.W., Sr.
22 Feb. 1828 1 Nov. 1893
(Inscription on North Side of Monument)

5. T.C.
29 Sept. 1869 28 June 1899

6. Louise
11 Aug. 1889 25 July 1894
(Inscription for T.C. & Louise on East Side of Monument)

7. B.W., Jr.
22 Feb. 1861 26 Dec 1894
(Inscription on South Side of Monument)

8. & 9. Dr. A. J. Hughes and wife

WILLIAMS

10. Fred Alvin
Son of W. C. & F. H. Williams
18 May 1890 7 Nov. 1898
Aged 8 years, 5 mos & 19das

***

3

---

KING BISCUIT TIME

by Rose Kettler

The Helena Broadcasting Company and KFFA radio station were established November 19, 1941, by Sam W. Anderson. Partners with Anderson were John Thomas Franklin and J. Quinn Floyd. The station was originally housed upstairs in a building that served as headquarters for Floyd's Truck Line.

It was here in the studio of the Floyd's Truck Lines building at 215 York Street in Helena that the station's longest running program, KING BISCUIT TIME, began. This short daily program from a small local radio station would eventually influence the trend of popular music all over the world.

The backbone of KING BISCUIT TIME was Rice Miller, also known as Willie Miller, Little Boy Blue, and later Sonny Boy Williamson. Miller and friend Robert Lockwood, Jr. approached Sam Anderson with a proposition: The two of them would perform on his radio station every day if he'd let them announce where they would be playing that night. Anderson told them they would have to find a sponsor. They auditioned for Anderson and Max Moore, owner of Interstate Grocery Company, and signed contracts in December, 1941, becoming the KING BISCUIT ENTERTAINERS to advertise Moore's King Biscuit Flour.

The program was broadcast live Monday thru Friday from 12:15 to 12:30. KING BISCUIT TIME was an immediate success and sales of King Biscuit Flour skyrocketed. Sonny Boy Corn Meal, with a picture of a smiling Rice Miller, with his

4

---

harmonica in one of his oversized hands, sitting astride a gigantic ear of corn, was soon put out by Interstate Grocery.

Little is known about the early years of Rice Miller's life. He was born in the country between Glendora and Tutwiler, Mississippi, around 1897-99. He lived with his mother, Millie Ford and step-father, Jim Miller, and seemed to have a fairly stable and tranquil home life until sometime in his late 20s when he left home after a violent quarrel.

His early years were devoted to working on plantations where his family were sharecroppers. Most of his music at that time was church music played on the harmonica. After leaving home, he lived by his wits and survived by playing the harmonica and singing for handouts. Although he occasionally teamed up with other artists, he was basically a loner, as was reflected in his style of playing. There was a uniquely sensitive and speechlike quality in his playing. Even though Miller could play requested popular Tin Pan Alley numbers, spirituals, hillbilly or blues hits, he preferred to play only his own blues songs. He improvised many of his songs as he went along and they tended to be autobiographical.

Each day shortly before noon Miller and Lockwood would climb the rickety wooden steps to the second floor studio to take their place with Herb Langston, the announcer. The program began with the announcer shouting: "Pass the biscuits, "cause it's KING BISCUIT TIME!" Then came the songs of Sonny Boy and Robert and the commercials for King Biscuit Flour and Sonny Boy Corn Meal, written by Max Moore and read by the announcer.

5

---

Although Miller was well known for his tendency to roam and often spent money as quickly as he earned it (usually on gambling, women, and whiskey), he rarely failed to make it to the station by noon. The first few years the program ran smoothly.

In 1942, Robert Lockwood decided to modernize the sound of the KING BISCUIT ENTERTAINERS. He convinced James "Peck" Curtis to join them. He was a drummer, washboard player, singer, dancer and all-around entertainer. Peck started by playing washboard on the program and later swapped to drums. Occasionally he would amaze listeners by dancing over the air. He danced on a 5'x5' piece of plywood with taps on his shoes. It came over the air clear as a bell.

Soon afterwards three pianists played with the group. The first was Robert "Dudlow" Taylor, an immense, introverted, competent, dependable sideman. He stayed on as a KING BISCUIT TIME regular until well into the fifties. The second pianist, in 1943, was Joe Willie "Pinetop" Perkins, the resident boogie specialist. Willie Love, the third Delta pianist, was a frequent guest performer.

The show was doing very well and the KING BISCUIT ENTERTAINERS were recognized throughout the Delta. Their routine included a regular Saturday morning tour. They played from the back of an Interstate Grocery truck at gas stations, grocery stores, or anywhere there was a crowd of people. Each member wore a yellow short-sleeved shirt with his name knitted on the back. The tours went so well that Max Moore decided to give free Saturday morning stage shows at the Plaza Theatre. It was always packed.

Due to the exhausting schedule he had been keeping, Sonny Boy became slightly disillusioned

6

---

with the life off a radio star and decided to go on the road. In 1944 and 1945, he played Florida, Louisiana, Little Rock, and occasionally returned to Helena to take over the KING BISCUIT TIME from Peck Curtis, who led the band and sang in Sonny Boy's absence. In 1945 Robert Lockwood quit KING BISCUIT TIME to broadcast for a competitor.

In 1947, Miller moved into the Belzoni boardinghouse in Belzoni, Mississippi. He began broadcasting on a local radio station on a show advertising Talaho, a locally manufactured patent medicine with a high alcohol content. It was during this time that Sonny Boy, at fifty years old, fell deeply in love. On June 4, 1949, he married Mattie Gordon in West Memphis, Arkansas. Although their relationship was somewhat unpredictable, he loved her deeply. One of his last recorded songs was "Mattie Is My Wife."

Lillian McMurray produced Sonny Boy's first recording, "Eyesight to the Blind," in 1951 on the Trumpet label. It was a hit. In 1955, his recording of "Don't Start Me Talking" became a Top Ten Rhythm and Blues hit.

Toward 1960 the emergence of Rock and Roll subdued the impact of the blues movement. Some blues singers returned South, others stayed in the North and persisted, and still others went to Europe. Sonny Boy was invited to perform in a 1963 American Folk Blues Festival tour that stopped in France, Germany, Holland, Denmark, Sweden, and England. ‘Two young electric blues bands, the Yardbirds and the Animals, backed Sonny Boy on performances and recordings.

He made two successful European tours, one in 1963 and one in 1964. During his stay in London, Sonny Boy was booked for a six week run at the

7

---

Paladium. It was during this time that a young English group saw and heard him. They were the Beatles. Sam Anderson said," I have seen interviews with them, (the Beatles) where they credit Sonny Boy Williamson with having an effect on their brand of music."

Sonny Boy was attracted to English attire. He took to wearing a bowler hat, kid gloves, some suits he had made by a London tailor that were half charcoal gray and half black in a kind of harlequin design, and carrying a black umbrella and fancy leather attache case full of harmonicas. He often amused his audiences by mimicking the airs and accent of an English gentleman.

Sonny Boy once again returned to the KING BISCHIT TIME show in 1964. When questioned about why he returned to Helena, Miller replied, "I just come home to die. I know I'm sick." He spent the next few months looking up old friends and visiting old favorite places with long time friend Houston Stackhouse.

"Carrie Wilkins said he was fishin' that Monday," Stackhouse reports, " and Sonny Boy didn't say three words, just sat on the river fishin' down there. Said he was just sittin' there just lookin' into the water, just unconcerned, just fishin', and wasn't talkin' or nothin'. And so the next day (May 25, 1965) he died. When they got ready to broadcast, he hadn't showed up. Peck went back from the radio station and went upstairs there where he was livin' and found him dead.... He didn't lie about he'd come home to die. But he sure had a lot of people at his funeral. He was well thought of through that country."

Robert Nighthawk took over KING BISCUIT TIME for a short time before his death in 1967. After that time the KING BISCUIT TIME continued on

8

---

recorded music.

Sonny Payne, long time local announcer for KING BISCUIT TIME, sadly reports that the program was taken off the air in September, 1980. After Max Moore's death, Interstate Grocery was operated only a short time before it was closed down in 1981.

Many blues lovers certainly miss having lunch with Sonny Boy Williamson and the KING BISCUIT ENTERTAINERS.

SOURCES:

Poindexter, Ray. ARKANSAS AIRWAYS. North Little Rock, 1974.

Palmer, Robert. DEEP BLUES. New York: Viking, 1981.

TWIN CITY TRIBUNE October 24, 1974, p.3.

9

---

"THE OLD ALMER STORE", HELENA, ARKANSAS

by John Connaway

The restoration of "The Old Almer Store" is of interest to preservationists from two major standpoints-it was a last minute effort to save an architecturally historic building in the process of being torn down and it was a low budget restoration with a number of pursuant problems, It also involved sincere effort on the part of members of the Phillips County (Arkansas) Foundation For Historic Preservation, Inc., to return the building to as near its original appearance as possible within the limitations of available means, time, materials, and labor. Before outlining the steps taken in this endeavor, a brief historical background seems in order.

In 1858, a twenty year old Swiss immigrant named Ulric Amacher (later changed to Almer) came to the United States and settled in Iowa. He and his family moved to Missouri sometime between 1867 and 1870 and then on to Helena, Arkansas, on the bank of the Mississippi River, by 1872, According to family tradition, they floated down the river, living in a two-room house atop a flatboat. In 1872, according to property abstract records, Almer bought a lot in Helena and proceeded to build a store. Although no evidence of spikes can be seen in the building, it is said that the store was built from timbers of the flatboat. Plate 1, taken in 1903, shows the store front and a side building in which the family lived for a while. It is not known whether this side building was the two-room flatboat house, but it is said that the original two rooms of the subsequent Almer house, presently next door

10

---

to the store, were in fact on the old flatboat. Apparently this house was moved onto the south half of the lot and added to in later years as the family home.

Ulrick Almer, a craftsman and dairyman, built the 20x37 feet store, adding his own touches and skill to create the finer ornamentation in evidence. This is interesting in its contrast with the rather simple construction of the building. The store was used in the years to come to market milk products from the Almer cows, and cheese was made in the rear. In later years it was used by others as a neighborhood grocery and even as an art studio. More recently, it was abanddned and had fallen into a state of disrepair, as shown in Plates 2 and 3. The roof and porch had rotted, leading to the rapid decay of the ceiling and floor. It was at this point, in October, 1972, that a local businessman bought the property and proceeded to tear the store down, with the idea of renovating only the house next door.

Members of the Foundation learned of the demolition and immediately approached the owner with a preservation proposal. The work was stopped and tentative plans were made to the delight of both parties. If funds would be raised, the Foundation proposed to buy the property, restore the building, and open it as some form of non-profit, community oriented business. Such a plan involved certain procedures. First, money was acquired in a fund raising drive to buy the property, which included the store, the house, and the two lots. Next, a planning session came up with the idea of a community arts and crafts co-operative. In order to open a business of any kind in a neighborhood zoned "residential",

11

---

a "permitted use" variance of the zoning ordinance for a stated purpose had to be granted by the City Planning Commission and then approved by the City Council. A one-block radius neighborhood petition of agreement with the proposed use was taken to lend support to this request, and the variance was granted with no difficulty. The way was open for the major goal of restoration to begin.

Once again the problem of fund raising presented itself. This, along with a detailed restoration plan, was next on the Foundation's agenda. Fortunately, at that time, the Arkansas American Revolution Bicentennial Celebration had funds available for projects concerned with our heritage. A combination preservation-restoration-use plan, describing the entire project, was formulated and presented as an application for matching grant funds in May, 1973. This application was approved by the Arkansas A.R.B.C. in August and by the National A.R.B.C. in September, 1973, followed by receipt of the $5,200 grant in October. Later, a smaller grant of $400 was secured for completion of the project after the original funds were depleted. Both grants were matched by donations raised locally. Of course, one incentive for many of the donations was the tax exempt status of the Foundation, a non-profit corporation. The next step was to start the actual restoration.

Two things should be pointed out. First, the plan called for as completely authentic a restoration as possible, stressing original structural appearance. Second, this plan was unfortunately limited by funds, availability of material, and the sad condition of the building. This, along with the fact that Foundation members were not versed in the art of structural

12

---

restoration, presented an ominous task, and professional advice was needed. The Architectural Historian for the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program was contacted and he assisted with step-by-step instructions for the project. These were followed, with certain modifications and additions which better suited our financial situation and the condition of the building.

The acquisition of labor for the project was next. With such a limited budget, the project coordinators decided that a building contractor would be an unnecessary added expense, so a local carpenter was hired, along with two assistants. Later, after the major portion of the restoration was finished, a brick mason completed the chimney, an electrician wired the building, another carpenter (who donated his time) reconstructed the gingerbread and porch pickets, and a painter (who donated part of his time) gave it the finishing touches. The donations of labor and some materials eliminated much of the expense, a life-saver in this case because of the low budget.

The next step was securing of building materials. Where possible, original structural elements were used. The floor and portions of the floor joists had completely rotted away. Several new joists were added and old ones were strengthened by scabbing on new supports. Since the building was sagging and the mortar had decayed in the brick piers supporting it, the piers were rebuilt using old bricks found around the house next door and the building was leveled. The floor had consisted of tongue-in-groove, one inch thick planks ranging from about four to six inches wide. This had to be completely rebuilt, so for added strength, a new sub-floor

13

---

running diagonally across the building was constructed and covered with old flooring from another building recently torn down. Although this new floor has planks of the same width throughout, it is well worn and gives the appearance desired for the interior. The sub-floor gives it added strength the original did not have.

Similar problems were faced in the roof and ceiling areas. Most of the rafters were in pretty good shape, with minor repairs and only a few replacements necessary. Much of the south half of the roof had rotted through, causing damage to the elements underneath. It is interesting that all of the projecting eaves on the north side of the building, next to the street, are cut like scroll brackets, but on the south side, not visible from the street, only the first one at the rear and two at the front are cut. Several of these had to be replaced. For the sake of appearance, this was of little consequence, since paint was to cover all visible new wood surfaces.

Roof repair followed completion of the rafters. This involved replacement of all the decking, which was then covered with roll felt roofing. The original roof consisted of thin sawed cypress shingles, 4½ inches wide and 16 inches long. The only such shingles available were of very expensive cedar. A satisfactorily similar, though not original, effect was achieved by using hand-split cypress shingles which were locally available and much cheaper. These were nailed over the newly covered decking (Plate 4) and have lasted quite well, giving the roof a slightly rougher but weathered appearance similar to the original. This was followed by the installment of flashings and rebuilding of the

14

---

brick chimney.

The walls of the building, composed of 2 x 12 inch, hand-planed, cypress planks laid horizontally between vertical grooved posts, were undamaged. The only repair required was sealing the joints between the boards with putty. Originally these were sealed with waxed string, placed inside and out, to protect the structure against the elements. The putty is not visible when painted over. Since little work was required here, attention was then directed to the 6 x 20 feet front porch, which had all but disappeared. Only three posts and the framework for the roof remained. The rest had to be built completely from scratch. The old 1903 photograph (Plate 1), belonging to the Almer family, came in handy by showing many missing details of the porch and store front. Also, some of the original pickets were found under the Almer house and a rotted portion of the missing gingerbread board was lying in the store rafters.

With the help of the photo, the porch floor and roof were rebuilt, shingles were added, posts, brackets, and pickets were cut out to match the originals, and all were placed in the exact positions shown. Just under the roof, at the corner facing the street intersection, were two short boards with the street names carved in them. These are being repaired and will be replaced. Also, the gingerbread bargeboard was reproduced using the photo and the remnant for details. Thanks to the photo and careful research, the porch details are quite original. In the photo, the left or north window appears different from the right. Close inspection of the window frame revealed the reason.

Originally, both windows were fixed,

15

---

six-light structures. Sometime later, before the photo was made, the left window was changed to a side-hinged, opening type, covered by a hinged screen, which is visible in the photo. There was also a narrow, bracketed shelf placed underneath. This was all appearently done to facilitate trade through the window. In the restoration, the window was rebuilt in its original form. The window sill and mullions on the north window and the lower mullion on the south window are rebuilt. The frames around both windows and front doors are original, including the raised panel doors and transom light. The other three doors at the sides of the building were either partially or entirely rebuilt. The small, six-light window set in the gable of the front of the building is original. The two windows and shutters at the rear of the store are all original with the exception of the south window sill and lower mullion. The front shutters, which fold double to one side, have not been rebuilt yet, but half of one remains, along with the photo, by which to model them. At the rear, in order to accommodate the air conditioner and not destroy the original, a shortened duplicate of the south shutter was made to replace the old one, now in storage.

The store interior was completed next. The original beaded ceiling, which measured five inches wide, was mostly destroyed. None could be found of this width, so about three-fourths of the ceiling is now covered with 3½ inch wide beaded ceiling removed from an old house. The effect is still there and the difference is not really noticeable. In an effort to reduce utility costs, fiberglass insulation was laid down in the attic between the ceiling joists. Though the store was originally lighted by

16

---

kerosene lamps, it was wired for three ceiling electric fixtures of some vintage which do not detract from the atmosphere of the present store. Adequate lighting is necessary for its present use.

Next came the painting. Some amount of research was necessary to determine the original colors. The 1903 photograph shows at least two quite distinct color contrasts, the major portion of the building being a light shade and the trim darker. Except in a few protected areas, mostly on the front of the building, the original paint was completely weathered away. Apparently it was only painted once and the few traces left showed the building to be light grey and the trim a terra cotta or sort of rust red. Samples of the paint were sent to the State Architectural Historian, who confirmed the two colors and pointed out that this was not an unusual combination for Victorian houses. Matching color chips (light grey and redwood) were selected from a paint manufacturer's catalog, Sears, Roebuck and Co. donated the paint, and a local painter donated his time to complete the job (Plates 5 and 6). The interior walls and ceiling were painted light grey, primarily to enhance the interior lighting. It is not certain if this was the original color inside. The porch floor was made a darker grey to give some contrast, to cover the new wood surface, and to cut down on the appearance of dirt tracked in.

The final step was setting up the arts and crafts co-operative. Several people loaned old store show cases for displays. Mr. and Mrs. L. R. MacNicholas, a retired couple, assumed the duties of store bookkeeper and manager, respectively, and put the store in order. The

17

---

price of each item placed in the store for sale is first marked up one-third over the consignor's price. When sold, the store retains 25%, of which 10% goes to the manager and 15% to the store for maintenance. This is barely enough to break even on utility bills most of the time. Insurance includes fire on the building and contents and some theft coverage. Liability was too expensive to afford.

The store is now an area-wide arts and crafts co-operative where anyone may sell handmade items. It was officially entered on the National Register of Historic Places in the fall of 1974. The doors opened for business in July, 1974, and there are presently over 200 consignors displaying their wares. It is open weekdays, except Monday, from 12:30 to 5:30 P.M. and Saturday from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Merchandise includes all types of arts and crafts. Occasionally, art or craft working demonstrations are held and the store is always open during the annual Helena Pilgrimage tours, sponsored by the Foundation in April.

As pointed out in the grant application for Bicentennial funds, the Old Almer Store continues to function as part of a continuing "American experience" by not only recalling the past and our community heritage, but by exhibiting the resources and talents of our citizens. Artistic accomplishments is one way in which Americans have communicated their values throughout our history and this historic restoration demonstrates this resourcefulness in many ways.

***

18

---

PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE ALMER STORE

Plate 1. Front of the Almer Store about 1903, showing living quarters at the right side and color contrast on door and window frames. Old County Courthouse tower in rear.

Plate 2. The store as it looked probably in the 1950s or early 1960s. A small shed remains in the rear, but the porch is gone. All doors are intact, as well as the right front shutter.

Plate 3. The store as it appeared when bought in 1972.

Plate 4. Restoration proceeding during 1973-1974.

Plate 5. Front and south side view of the store after completion of the restoration.

Plate 6. Front view of store after restoration.

19

---

20

---

21

---

22

---

23

---

24

---

25

---

THE DIARY OF A SOLDIER

Introduction by Dale P. Kirkman

Thomas Jefferson Key, 1831-1908, came to Helena from Alabama, by way of Kansas, about 1857. He came with the purpose of starting a newspaper, and the fact that he had numerous relatives in the area was probably the reason for selecting Helena. His aunt, Judith Key, had married the Reverend Jordan B. Lambert, a Cumberland Presbyterian minister, and she and her family were living near Holly Grove at the time of the action described in the diary.

Captain Robert Lambert, son of the Lamberts, was killed at Shiloh in Tennessee, in 1862. Key left Helena and traveled to Tennessee to claim his cousin's body, and bring it back for burial (But burial where? Not Vicksburg or Helena, or any known place with a marker). Key lost no time in joining the Confederate Army upon his return.

Before his newspaper career had given way to his years in the Army, Thomas Key had been an ambitious journalist and publisher. His first Paper at Helena was a Democratic one, and it may have been the INDEPENDENT SOUTHRON. Later he published the HELENA WEEKLY NOTE-BOOK, a weekly Paper described on its front page as "A Journal Devoted To Democracy, Commerce, Agriculture, and Education, for the Development of Arkansas." It appeared every Thursday morning.

There is a copy of the NOTE-BOOK displayed in the Museum here, and it may have been one of the last papers published at Helena before the town was occupied by Federal troops in July, 1862. The paper is dated January 9, 1862, No. 29, and

26

---

the original newspaper is owned by the Boston Athenaeum Library, Boston, Massachusetts.

Major Key, as he became later, eventually commanded Calvert's Battery of Light Artillery, which became known as Key's Battery. He kept a diary during the Civil War, which was published in 1938, by Wirt A. Cate, entitled TWO SOLDIERS: The Campaign Diaries of Thomas J. Key, C. S. A., 1863-1865, and Robert J. Campbell, U. S. A., 1864. Mr. Cate gave consent to the Phillips County Historical Society (1976) to use any parts of the book, and he also explained how he happened to have the diaries.

"The Key-Campbell diaries that I edited were the property of Major Key's two aged maiden daughters (now deceased), whose niece was a friend of my sisters. When I finished my book, I returned the MSS to the old ladies, and I was recently informed (to my sorrow) that they have either been destroyed or lost. This little book has been used and cited in almost every study of the Atlanta campaign that has been made since its publication." Nashville, Tennessee, April 23, 1968.

***

The entire diary is not printed herein. Selected parts that pertain to Helena, or people from Helena, are used, along with entries that are especially interesting.

BOOK BEGINS

27

---

THOMAS J. KEY

Captain Thomas J. Key was born in Bolivar, Tennessee, on January 17, 1831, the son of Chesley Daniel Key who had emigrated from Virginia where he had been reared on a plantation adjoining that of Thomas Jefferson. In his early childhood young Key's parents moved to Mississippi, settling at Jacinto, the county seat of Tishomingo County. Here his boyhood was spent. When he was fifteen years of age, Thomas found employment in the office of the publisher of a weekly paper at Tuscumbia, Alabama, remaining in that position for four years until he had saved sufficient money to enter LaGrange College, in the same state. He was in attendance from 1850 to 1852, leaving school in the latter year to buy the DAY BOOK (more commonly referred to as the FRANKLIN COUNTY DEMOCRAT), the newspaper upon which he had formerly worked at Tuscumbia.

At this time the nation was greatly agitated over the question of slavery in the Kansas Territory, and the strenuous efforts toward colonization were being put forth by the slave and free states. At the height of the controversy, Key-with one hundred and thirty persons from Alabama-removed to the Kansas Territory where he himself began the publication at Doniphan of the KANSAS CONSTITUTIONALIST, the first issue appearing on May 4, 1856. Militantly slave and Democratic in its editorial policy, the paper was received with great hostility by the predominantly Northern population that had settled in this part of the territory. Meanwhile, he was elected to serve in the celebrated Lecompton Constitutional Convention.

Key soon found that the Southern element in Kansas was fighting a losing battle because of the tremendous wave of immigration that was sweeping in from the North and East. Both he and his press

28

---

were more than once thrown into the river, and when the Lecompton Constitution was rejected he decided to return to the South. Settling at Helena, Arkansas, on the Mississippi River below and opposite Memphis, he published a Democratic newspaper and served in the State Legislature. He was a member of that body in 1860 and voted for secession.

The main facts of Captain Key's military career are soon told. Having determined to enter the army, he enlisted as a private in Company G, 15th (Josey's) Regiment, Arkansas Infantry, on May 1, 1862, at Corinth. Almost immediately, however, he was transferred to Calvert's battery (Arkansas Light Artillery) of Hotchkiss's battalion, and in June he was promoted to the position of 2nd lieutenant. In this capacity, and later as lst lieutenant, he took part in most of the fighting in northern Mississippi; in Bragg's Kentucky campaign; and, on December 31, 1862, in the bloody and decisive Battle of Murfreesboro, fought as the army retreated south through Middle Tennessee. Here he commanded the artillery which henceforth won fame as “Key's battery."

At the battle of Chickamauga, September 19th and 20th, 1863, he served with unusual distinction. In their official reports, Lieutenant General D.H. Hill, Major General Pat Cleburne, Brigadier General Lucius E. Polk, and Colonel B.J. Hill cited him for gallantry and effectiveness, saying that in the fiercest part of the struggle he ran his battery hand to within sixty yards of the enemy's lines.¹ At the Battle of Missionary Ridge, fought on November 25, 1863, General Cleburne stationed Key with his battery over the tunnel where the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad passed through the ridge, and placed him in charge of all the Confederate artillery there.

29

---

In reporting that the batteries of Key and Swett bore the brunt of the fighting, he said that the former depressed his guns to the utmost and fired shell and canister down the hill in the face of a withering fire from the enemy. When the guns could no longer be gotten into position to command the precipitous slope, he led his men in rolling down stones upon the determined foe.²

With the retreat of the Southern forces after Missionary Ridge, Key helped form the rear guard which received the thanks of the Confederate Congress for saving Bragg's army from destruction, serving with particular distinction at Ringgold Gap on November 27th. Thereafter, the army went into winter quarters at Dalton while Cleburne's division, including Key's battery, acted as an outpost ten miles to the north at Tunnel Hill, Georgia (not to be confused with the tunnel through the ridge at Chattanooga). At this point the diary begins.

IN WINTER QUARTERS NEAR DALTON

December 7, 1863

Thinking that a diary of events occurring in a soldier's life might prove instructive and useful and improving, I this day take up the task and hope that I shall live to peruse these sketches long and happy years after peace shall be restored to our homes in the sunny South. Today the Confederate Congress assembled at Richmond, Virginia, and it is to be hoped that measures will be speedily introduced to raise the Southern

30

---

currency and to give confidence in the notes of this new government.

December 14, 1863

Gave all the men permission to build themselves cabins for the winter, and several volunteered to aid me and the other officers in rearing our shanty. After the day's labor was over, and while I was lying under a fly before a log heap of hickory wood roasting my feet and drowsily meditating over past happy days and thinking of my dear wife and sweet children, a band of string and brass instruments struck up inspiring music which sent thrills of joy and sacred reminiscences through every avenue of my heart. Among the pieces that the band played was that dear old tune "Home Sweet Home," around which clusters sacred memories of father, mother, sisters and the hallowed family hearthstone. How freshly it brought to mind my interesting little family and how sincerely did I pray that God would soon return me to my happy home, While the music was pealing softly out upon the still, cold air, the peaceful moon seemed to put on a sad face and keep harmony with the music and my emotions. And even the tall pines stood motionless as if enchanted by the strains of soft music which all nature was drinking in.

December 15, 1863

At early morn we began laboring on our homes. The logs were 14 x 12 feet and bravely the work went up, several of the men lending us a helping hand.

December 16, 1863

Before breakfast I went to the woods and cut 15 pine poles to make what should properly be

31

---

called the "patriot's spring mattress." Notwithstanding there was ice this morning, we made mud and I began to daub it on our chimney, almost freezing my hands in the process. In the evening, however, when we moved our blankets and scant supply of clothing into our cabin, the smoke was so bad that it was almost impossible to remain within the walls of the building. Before eight o'clock we tore down a portion of the chimney to permit smoke to pass out of the narrow flue. A hard storm followed, but our roof turned the rain.

December 17, 1863

The Doctor³ awoke and found that some of his medical chemicals had been spirited off during the night-for instance, a gallon and a half of Peach Brandy. I had the company to fall in while Lieutenant Marshall and the Doctor searched the tents, one canteen of the missing brandy being recovered. The Catholic Priest this morning had mass, the service being held under the flies combined. It was indeed novel to see candles burning in daylight in the wild forest, while the worshipers bowed before God and reverently crossed themselves.

December 18, 1863

Towards evening the wind sprang up and made everyone feel better. This morning I drew five horses, among the poorest specimens that I have seen since the beginning of the revolution. Major Haxton inspected the battery and Major Hotchkiss⁴ called upon me and spent some time in my new domicile. All were highly pleased at the comfortable appearance of our cabins. After night fall I seated myself by the fire and began perusing the (Memphis) APPEAL⁵ which contained many interesting extracts from the NEW YORK NEWS, wading into the Lincoln despotism ungloved and denouncing the test oaths required in the recent elections in

32

---

the State of Delaware. Being in bad health, I arose after midnight and spent some time by the fire reading the lectures of Bishop Morris on fashion, loquacity, dancing, etc.

December 19, 1863

Nothing worthy of note transpired today. I received my commission as Captain of the battery, which I had been commanding for more than six months.⁶

December 20, 1863

This is the Holy Sabbath and it affords me a deep, quiet pleasure to sit by my dirt jambs and peruse the letters addressed to me by my Savior.

December 24, 1863

This morning battalion guard mounting began for the three batteries. It is Christmas Eve. I am sitting in my little cabin and my thoughts carry me away to Helena where I see my good wife before the hearth with three children around her, the eldest a girl standing and looking earnestly into her mother's face; the second a boy five years old, sitting in a small chair looking into the fire; and the youngest a girl about four, leaning on her mother's lap-all listening attentively to what their intelligent mother is relating in regard to the visits of Santa Claus. This, to children, benevolent being having visited them on former Christmas Eves with presents of toys, their curiosity is at its height to know if he will come tonight and fill their stockings. Ah, will not these little innocents be disappointed? Their father has not seen them for twenty months, and is now far away battling for home and liberty, and has no means by which he can

33

---

convey them toys or money to purchase them. Whether their mother has the means to spare in procuring Christmas presents for them is unknown to me, but I pray heaven to provide her with the necessaries of life, and to bless and cheer the young and innocent hearts of my children during the Christmas holidays. Happy Christmas to my wife and children!

December 25, 1983

Before breakfast the Doctor made some eggnog, a worthy luxury that is seldom enjoyed in the army. Had sausages for breakfast, quite a treat, the first within the last twelve months. Ralph Bailey and Willie Smith called at my cabin about eleven o'clock, when Bailey made the second eggnog. All went smoothly in the battery. Out in the open air some of the men were hopping to the notes of an old fiddle, trying to be merry.

December 26, 1863

I am officer of the day for the battalion of artillery. I was invited to dine with some young gentlemen from Montgomery, Alabama, members of Semple's battery. The meal that they set forth surpassed any that I have seen in the army. There were turkey, oysters, eggs, sausages, and pound cake. I enjoyed the dinner hugely. At night the Doctor and I alternated in reading aloud Botta's "History of the American Revolution," translated from the Italian. After midnight I arose from my slumbers, donned: by sabre, and went the "grand rounds" amidst the rain and mud.

December 28, 1863

Shortly after roll call Alex Dennis came to my cabin and informed me that one of his horses was gone, and almost immediately it came to my

34

---

knowledge that Asa Hudson was seen before daylight conveying a saddle to the bushes, a circumstance which at once fixed the theft upon him. I sent to his tent and he was absent. I then put some men on horses and they pursued him and overhauled him several miles from camp. I turned him over to General Cleburne, but Major Hotchkiss had him returned to me with orders to punish him in camp. I protested against the order but had to comply with it.

I called upon General Cleburne and I had scarcely seated myself when he introduced a conversation upon the propriety of bringing into military service, and at once beginning to drill, 300,000 negroes. He remarked that this was not his idea alone, but that it represented the views of General Hindman, ⁷ Colonel Govan, ⁸ General Polk, ⁹ General Hardee¹⁰ and General Breckenridge, though the latter thought the period had not yet arrived for calling into the army the negro force. The question arose at once as to whether the slaves brought into the field should have their freedom. Would they not fight better under Pledge that at the expiration of the war they should be free? General Cleburne boldly assumed the grounds that not only those called into the field should have their freedom but that their wives and children should have the same guarantee, and that as an evidence of good faith their present social rights would be enlarged and they should be made to feel that the pledges of the government are valid. Cleburne had desponded of swelling materially our army by the plan suggested by the President, and argued that under it the year 1864 would find us as near exhausted as we have been in 1863. He assumed the position that Confederate acceptance of the Emancipation Act would turn it to our advantage whereas the Lincoln

35

---

Government was now using it to injure us.

The General contended that the negroes could be induced to fight as gallantly as the Yankees, and his promise to illustrate brought forth the Suliote slaves that fought under the Spartans. He contended that arming the slaves and promising them freedom would at once take the wind out of the sails of Northern Abolitionists and cause them to cease the war, for they would no longer have food upon which to keep fanaticism alive. He believes that such action would cause the whole of Europe to look upon the Southern people as wonderfully magnanimous, and demonstrate that we regard the attainment of liberty as paramount to all other considerations. He said that Abolitionists would no longer be able to arouse foreigners against the South by portraying our attitude toward the slaves in the most horrible colors, and that as a consequence the Northern army would no longer be filled with this deceived class of Europeans. He told me his views in extenso and said that in a few days he would publish them over his signature and that he and others would memoralize Congress upon the subject. This is one of the weightiest questions that has been brought forth since the beginning of this revolution. It will make or ruin the South. It will conclude the war speedily or cause blood to flow more freely than heretofore.

December 29, 1863

Saw the negro man, Monroe, who had been to the banks of the Mississippi River and looked upon the city of Helena across the Father of Waters. This is my dear home, but he could bring me no tidings from my family. Asa Hudson was carried before Major Hotchkiss for an investigation of the extent of his crime and to determine

36

---

whether he should be tried by Court Martial. It was established that he made two attempts to steal the horse. Captain Semple, Lieutenant McClelland, and I composed a Board to examine the newly elected officers of the battalion. Examined Lieutenant Williams today-report favorable.

January 2, 1864

This is one of the coldest mornings that we have had during the winter. At 2 o'clock this A.M. I went the grand rounds, and it was severely cold. Today I walked to Tunnel Hill and passed through its length. At the entrance we met a young lady and man, and some further in the excavation we met another pair of young lovers, the lass assisting the young male whose footfold had slipped while he was walking upon the ice that had formed upon the crossties of the railroad. It is a romantic spot for lovers. This tunnel, the walls of which are of solid rock masonry arched with brick, is cut through what is known as Taylor's Ridge and is four hundred and ninety-two yards in length. Near the center of the excavation it was so dark that we could see no object except the entrance; it was like midnight. We groped in the blackness, and as we approached the northern entrance we could see, hanging in swordlike shape, the cold stalactites formed by dripping waters.

Called on Cousin Thomas Lambert who was in great glee. He related the events of the previous night at a party in the village. He said he went to a residence to take a young lady to a party; that he knocked at the door, and, upon its being opened, to his surprise he found that the girl whom he intended to escort to the party was sitting in the lap of a young man. He said the girls smoke and chew tobacco and drink whiskey as

37

---

if they are fond of the article. The war appears to have demoralized everybody, and the rumor says that almost half of the women in the vicinity of the army, married and unmarried, are lost to all virtue. Oh, what are we coming to! How shall we preserve our character when the women-gentle, kind and good women-forsake the path of virtue?

January 4, 1964

I spent the major portion of this day in writing a letter of correspondence for the (Memphis) APPFAL, endorsing the speech of Senator Brown, of Mississippi. The propriety of asking a furlough to visit the Mississippi opposite Helena occupied much of my thought; also, how I would convey the information to my wife of my arrival near Helena, how I would get to see her, and whether she could come across the river to meet us. Would a visit of that secrecy and caution be of any pleasure to either of us? I would be in danger of being captured and she of being imprisoned for communicating with a rebel. Oh, my dear wife and children, how often every day my thoughts dwell upon you and I offer a prayer for your happiness!

January 5, 1864

Sergeant Dade and Walton, of the 15th Regiment, called at my cabin. I filled out an application to have the former transferred to my battery to act as quartermaster sergeant. He says that the whole of the 15th Arkansas Regiment, which now contains only 126 men fit for duty, desires to be transferred to my battery. I composed an article upon the expediency of making a commercial treaty with France and Spain, proposing to give them the exclusive transportation of cotton from the South if they would furnish the navy to open and keep unobstructed the Confederate ports. The colonies made similar

38

---

concessions to France in 1776, The South, it is clear, must be provided with a navy or she will never be able to retake and possess the Mississippi River, and to open her harbors. The enemy has a navy numbering about 600 vessels while we do not own one dozen. This is one cause of the great success of the Yankees, for it provides facilities drawn from the whole world while we are blockaded and cut off from the rest of mankind.

Jaunary 6, 1864

The weather is cool and cloudy. I address a brief letter to my wife to be sent by flag of truce. I rise very early these mornings, eating breakfast before daylight.

January 9, 1864

I sit by a cheerful fire this cold day in my little cabin at the foot of Taylor's Ridge, or Tunnel Hill, while to the east rears a lofty forest-clad hill or mountain with craggy cliffs. Frost and ice cover everything. The deep valleys in this section are tillable but the country is so mountainous that the land is worth but little. The few inhabitants that I have seen are illiterate and of the poorer class.

January 10, 1864

How much, on the Sabbath, I feel the need of a good minister to instruct the mind and move the heart in the holy things of God! Last year I read the New Testament through three times, the Psalms the same number, but even this did not satisfy me on the Sabbath like hearing an interesting sermon.

January 11, 1864

Had inspection of battery with men with

39

---

knapsacks on. One, Hathway, refused to take care of his horses. I sent him to the guard house to be punished. He was sent back to me. I ordered him punished in the battery and that was refused. I then addressed a note to Major Hotchkiss, asking if I had any right to punish a man guilty of misdemeanor. The battalion guard and its workings are against the interests of the country and a positive detriment to the welfare of the country.

January 12, 1864

Friday I went ot see Captain King¹¹ in reference to having his servant, Monroe, accompany me to Mississippi, the boy having made the trip before. I found the negro, who I thought would be both an aid and a guide, preparing to leave in the next ten days. I intended to get him to cross the river and inform my wife that by crossing over she could see me, or to ask his master to visit Helena and bring my wife and children to Sunflower Landing. Called upon General Polk. He was despondent of our cause and thought we could only obtain our independence by a revolution in the North of by aid from some foreign power. He thought the men were depressed and that the army was growing weaker by desertion.

January 13, 1864

At daylight I discovered that my riding horse had an attack of scours. I drenched him with salt water but he grew worse. He died a few moments before 3 o'clock P.M. Black Satin was a good animal, and he had passed through the great battles engaged in by the Army of Tennessee. I rode him at Chickamauga amidst the missiles of death and near the mouths of booming cannon, and also at the Battle of Missionary Ridge. This loss I regret and I shall miss him more if I shall

40

---

ever be so unfortunate as to go into another great battle. Black Satin, you now lie ten steps from the door of my cabin, cold and still, and no more will you snuff the fumes of powder in the battle array. Your cold form tells me that all earthly things are evanescent and that man must soon go down to the gloomy, cheerless grave. May I serve my Heavenly Master as faithfully as you have me. Farewell, Black Satin!

January 14, 1864

Dr. Brickell called on us and spent the day with us. In the evening Wight arrived from Tunnel Hill and informed me that he was told by Cousin Thomas Lambert that Major Moore had arrived from Mississippi and had brought the gad intelligence report that my good wife was declining under the wasting disease of consumption. This carried a pang to my heart, and my soul was humbled at the disappointments of man. I had been expecting to apply for a furlough and had anticipated seeing my wife in good health and happy to meet me again. But all these anticipated joys were blasted at the news of her decline under a disease which never releases its hold. Oh, how transient are the joys of man!

January 15, 1864

This morning I called "Joe" to come at daylight and make a fire, but Joe did not respond. Sent to Lupkey's tent to see if he was there, but Lupkey also was gone. At roll call Hattich "come up missing" which at once satisfied me that the three had deserted together. They were all Germans and I believe that they aimed for the enemy's country. Joe was my cook, a good one, and I shall miss him greatly. I made about a mile and a half to a residence to get a

41

---

lady to tack some stripes on my pants. The country looked sad and the houses wore a gloomy air as the black winter winds whistled about them. A Miss King sewed the stripes on my pants for $l, but it was no done in the neatest manner. As I returned I called upon Major Hotchkiss and asked him to assign Sergeant Austin to duty as Lieutenant to I could get a furlough to bring my wife out of the enemy's lines. And I told him that if I could not get a furlough after fighting so long, I would resign unconditionally.

January 16, 1864

Have heard that Major Moore has arrived from Mississippi with a letter from Cousin Mary Lambert (sister of Major Moore and widow of Captain Robert Lambert) which brought the unpleasant news that my kind wife is suffering with a severe cough and that the Yankees have taken two rooms from her in my own residence, leaving her but two back rooms. I went to Dalton today to see the Major, who gave me the letter written by Cousin Mary. The Yankees are showing but little favor to Southern ladies in the lines. As soon as I read her letter I determined to make an effort to reach the Mississippi River and get my interesting family from out the clutches of the Federals. I shall apply for a fulough in a day or two.

January 17, 1864

This is my birthday. Thanks to my Redeemer that he had helped me to see its return. May He give me health and prosperity for another anniversary of this day. I was invited to dine with Major Hotchkiss. Found a number of staff officers present and four young ladies. The men had their arms around the girls waists or necks, and the girls appeared to enjoy the sport as much

42

---

as the men. I am disgusted at this state of society. Women should have an elevating influence upon man; for this reason alone I visit their society.

January 18, 1864

This morning I succeeded in making a nice polish for boots. Yankee blacking is selling at $4 per box. The following are the ingredients for manufacturing it good and cheap: To a half bushel of Chiese berries, picked from the stems, add three gallons of water and boil until there remains only a gallon; then strain the liquid from the seed and skin the berries, pouring in a pint of vinegar and stirring in one egg. Mix in enough lampblack to make it black. Let the mixture stand for three days to work, and then bottle it up. By this labor I become independent of the sutlers with their $4 per box blacking.

January 20, 1864

Went to General Cleburne's headquarters. General Polk says the division is now 500 stronger than it was when we arrived at Tunnel Hill, notwithstanding the desertions. As a flag of truce would go through tommorrow, I wrote a letter to Cousin Mary and by the same flag will send one, written some time before, to my wife.

January 21, 1864

I visited the 2nd and 15th Arkansas regiments and had a conversation with Major E. G. Brashear about the Battle of Missionary Ridge and other matters. A large majority of the 15th Regiment wish to be transferred to Key's battery. They proposed to reorganize or re-enlist if the generals would consent that they should come to the battery.

43

---

January 22, 1864

I was quite unwell this morning. Adjutant Hoser came to my cabin and asked if I had seen the proceedings of a meeting at Helena, eulogizing the despotic Lincoln government under the title of "Glorious Union," and just twelve men going through the farce of sending delegates to Little Rock to carry the State of Arkansas back to the North. Was there ever greater treachery? Is not their offense as dastardly as that of Arnold? While these men are eulogizing the North, that government is murdering their sons and neighbors, and one individual who took part in the meeting has a son-in-law, who was killed in battle by the minions of the United States, sleeping in an honorable grave. Oh, my countrymen, how the would-be leaders have fallen! Unlike Tell and Washington they have bowed to the sceptre of the Northern despot. Oh wretched fate-shame will ever cling to their names. Dr. Ford went to the Mayor's for the paper and I have appended the proceedings of the traitorous meeting.¹² And this is the manner in which we are betrayed while we are enduring cold, being pelted by rain, going bare-headed, and suffering with hunger. Oh infamy and treachery, is not this enough to make thee hide thy head in shame!

January 23, 1864

Major Hotchkiss this morning called all the commanders of the batteries to his headquarters to consult on some plan by which the men might be induced to re-enlist. An order was also received allowing a furlough to one out of every ten who would enlist for the war. N. O. Wight this morning failed to reply "here" at roll call, and it is supposed that he has gone to the enemy. I called upon Thomas Lambert who appeared

44

---

astonished at the proceedings of the Helena meeting and remarked that the Major said if it was true he would disown his father.

January 24, 1864

The weather for the past ten days has been cool and dry. This morning is so lovely that I long to be in Sabbath School. I always delighted to visit the school and see the children so neatly dressed. Oh, God, how long shall we remain exiles from home, banished from thy sanctuary, deprived of the privileges of thy house, and denied the sweet associations of dear wife and children? Oh, how happy I would be this day to be at home and sit around the fireside and converse with my family!

January 25, 1864

This morning battery inspection was held and I had the premises as neatly cleaned as the ground would permit. Received a memorial signed by 73 members of the 15th Arkansas, asking to be allowed to re-enlist "for the war" in Key's battery. These men are from the same portion of Arkansas as the battery, and for this reason I am desirous that the petition my be granted. These are brave and noble men.

January 26, 1864

I had every man turn out with his brush broom to clean the battery for inspection. General Joseph E. Johnston reviewed General Cleburne's command and after he passed through the battery I was honored with an introduction to him by General Polk. He complimented my horses highly, and said the men were fine looking soldiers. General Johnston is about 50 years of age-is quite gray-and has a spare form, an intelligent face,

45

---

and an expressive blue eye. He was very polite, raising his cap to me after the introduction. At night the band of General Polk's brigade surprised me with a serenade. Composed of one cornet, one bass horn, two violins, two flutes, and one guitar, its music was beautiful and sweet, and its stirring strains moved my heart and aroused sacred and dear memories. The Doctor set out a bottle of whiskey and I refreshed the band by slicing up a loaf of lightbread; and even these were unusual luxuries for the army.

January 28, 1864

General Hindman addressed the soldiers in General Govan's brigade today, but being officer of the day I could not attend. In the evening, news was received that the Federal cavalry was driving out our cavalry at the Stone Church, and at once we were ordered to be ready to move against the enemy at a monent's notice. Major Hotchkiss had the battalion of artillery hitched up and moved up on Taylor's Ridge. My battery was halted on the east side of the railroad tunnel. I remained with it until 1 o'clock A.M., sitting by the fire warming, for the ground was too cold and rough for sleeping. About 11 o'clock P.M., the moon came up behind the rock-ribbed mountain and rolled its beautiful face behind the lenghtened and narrow clouds that sluggishly hung in the east. All nature seemed peaceful, while my men were slumbering on the ground around me. The Yankees returned to Ringgold at night, pursued by General Kelley. The losses on our side were small.

January 29, 1864

Last night, while lying on the ground, I heard a conversation among the men about the

46

---

Guard House. They object to taking their blankets there because ot vermin. One remarked that he saw a large grayback with these letters on his rear: "I. W.," which was the insignia that he was "in for their war."

January 30, 1864

Today I was on the Board of Administration for the battalion; also on a board to investigate charges of stolen meat. Because I drilled my company in the field at the hour of horse inspection, Major Hotchkiss threatened to arrest me. A Captain under this battalion management is a perfect automaton.

January 31, 1864

After horse inspection I called upon General Cleburne and conversed at length with him about his secret trip to Mobile.¹⁵ He says that he conversed with many of the wealthy men of Alabama upon the subject of freeing the slaves and arming them to fight against the North. He reports that many advocated the measure and believed that it would redound to the advantage of the South. In the evening I attended divine worship in Swett's battery, Reverend Mr. Hammel preaching.

February 1, 1864

The weather remains warm, though not clear. A slight rain fell last night. I received two pairs of cotton socks, presented to me through Dr. Lyde by Miss Fannie Robinson, whereupon I wrote an "enigma" upon her name. The board met today upon Lieutenant Hopwood's case and strongly concluded that they could not act without having previously notified him to appear before it. The board adjourned until tommorrow. Since the siege

47

---

of Charleston began it has been discovered that a shell weighing 80 pounds, thrown from a 100 1b. Parrott gun charged with No. 7 powder, can be thrown 8,453 yards, or over five miles.

February 3, 1864

This morning General Cleburne sent for me. I arrived at his headquarters before breakfast. He remarked that he had received a letter from General Joseph E. Johnston with the views of the President on a memorial that had been sent to the Secretary of War by General Walker. The memorial was written by General Cleburne, discussing the propriety of emancipating the negroes of the South and placing 300,000 in the army. The letter from the President said that the discussion of the question at the present time would create dissensions and dissatisfaction in our government, and that therefore the matter should not be agitated.¹⁶ at two o'clock General Johnston was to review this division, but he failed to arrive. After we returned from the review, I received the glad tidings that my leave of absence had returned, approved for 30 days.

February 4, 1864

Rose early this morning, but was in no state of mind for business. My thoughts were upon the journey before me and the anticipations of seeing my family. Intend to leave today for Dalton, Georgia, and soon as Major Moore and other friends can write their relatives I shall take the cars for the west, and in a few days I hope to stand on the banks of the great Mississippi.

To be continued...

48

---

FOOTNOTES

^lSee OFFICIAL RECORDS OF UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES, Series 1, Vol. 30, pt.2, pp. 140, 154, 158, 176-77, 183. Cf. Key's own report of the battle, ibid., pp. 186-87.

²cf. ibid., Series 1, Vol. 31, pt.2, p. 750,

³pr. P. R. Ford, surgeon for the battery.

⁴Major Thomas R. Hotchkiss, Chief of Artillery, Cleburne's division. After he was incapacitated on July 2lst, before Atlanta, Captain Key succeeded him in command of the battalion of artillery attached to Cleburne's command.

⁵When the Federals came down the Mississippi River early in June, 1862, the strongly Democratic and Southern MEMPHIS APPEAL, which had come to mean so much to the Army of Tennessee and to the Confederacy, was hurridly moved (on June 5th) to Grenada, Mississippi, where publication was continued. Under the threat of the continually advancing enemy it was subsequently issued at Montgomery, Alabama, and then in Atlanta where it remained-with correspondents in all the armies until the the fall of the city. From Atlanta it was moved to Columbus, Georgia, where it was finally captured and destroyed on April 16, 1865, when the war was almost over. The editor, B. F. Dill, was released on $100,000 bond not to publish another issue. After the war, on November,5, 1865, the paper was revived at Memphis. Cf. J. P.

49

---

Young, ed., STANDARD HISTORY OF MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE, pp. 449-50.

⁶For more than six months he had been officially designated as permanently in charge, but-as a matter of fact-for six months prior to that he had been in command while it was nominally Calvert's battery.

⁷Major General T. C. Hindman.

⁸Colonel (later Brigadier General), D. C. Govan

⁹Brigadier General Lucius E. Polk who commanded the brigade of Cleburne's division to which Hotchkiss's battalion of artillery, including Key's battery, belonged.

¹⁰Leutenant General William J. Hardee, author of "Hardee's Tactics" and one of the ablest soldiers of the Confederacy.

¹¹Captain William A. King.

¹²The meeting took place on January 2, 1864. The clipping, which does not carry the name of the paper, is pasted in.

¹³Brigadier General John H. Kelley.

¹⁴In the literature of the period, Confederate soldiers are commonly referred to as “graybacks," though the term is here facetiously applied to vermin.

¹⁵The only time that Cleburne ever requested leave of absence was to go to Marengo County, Alabama, to act as "best man" for General Hardee who married Miss Mary Forman Lewis. Among the guests at the wedding was Miss Susan Tarleton, beautiful and accomplished daughter of a Mobile cotton factor. She and Cleburne fell

50

---

desperately in love at first sight and their engagement immediately followed. The General's secret trip to Mobile is understandable in the light of these facts. Cf. J.W. Dubose, GENERAL JOSEPH WHEELER AND THE ARMY OF TENNESSEE, p 402.

¹⁶Except for the feeling aroused in Richmond by Cleburne's proposal (which Davis himself was to favor early in 1865 when it was too late to be of value), many historians believe that he would have been promoted from Major General to Lieutenant General when a vacancy of that grade occurred in the army some time later. In connection with Cleburne's proposal, see Key's entries of Dec. 28th and 30th, 1863. For the entire Cleburne-Walker-Davis-Johnston correspondence on the subject, see Irving A. Buck, CLEBURNE AND HIS COMMAND, Appendix C (p. 365).

51

---

From the HELENA WORLD, May 8, 1901
CHAPTERS IN PHILLIPS COUNTY HISTORY
CHAPTER III

by

Major S. H. King

Strange as it may seem to us today, there was not a brick business house in ante-bellum Helena, and only two brick dwellings, both in North Helena, one built by Maj. Jackson and the other by Maj. Clopton. The old cypress swamp with its teeming frogs still staid with us, though efforts had been made to drain it. Trade increased and steamboats multiplied: never a day passed without bringing several of these carriers, and sometimes there would be half a dozen at the wharf or in sight. There were no rivers and harbors bills then, and if some places in the rivers became troublesome to navigation the steamboat men had to do the best they could. One place in front of Helena became shallow, and was a source of annoyance in low water to passing boats, but still greater to those that failed to pass, for there they would stick and patiently await high water. Occasionally the river would become so low as to almost stop navigation, and then flour and some other commodities would jump in price. What a glamour attaches to those old Mississippi river boats. The stories of gambling and gamblers and the faint echoes of the revelries of aristocrats of the old South as they took them north in summer and south in winter reach us even to this good day. And how the scenes on the old river have changed! No more the hurrying of feet in the towns at the whistling of the coming boat, no more the crowds of rich and fashionable

52

---

Passengers, no more the rollicking Irish deck hands, no more the piles of freight, but the glory of the steamboat has gone forever.

With the increase of trade and population in Helena there was a corresponding increase in the number of professional men. About 1854 a gentleman came and was employed as pharmacist in Grant & Nash's drug store; he spent his spare moments in the study of law. Patrick R. Cleburne, destined to shed immortal honor upon the town and state of his adoption in a widely different field.

In 1853 J. R. Greaves held the first great religious revival ever held in Helena. A wave of religious enthusiasm swept over the town and many of the old and leading citizens changed their lives and united with the churches. From that time a steady improvement in the order and morals of the town set in. Saloons still flourished, but drunken brawls became infrequent, and most of the disorder was caused by those who did not live in the town.

During the early '50s the schools began to share in the general improvement. A school for boys was built in the northern portion of the town, and in the opposite portion one for girls. Good teachers were employed, and many of the farmers in the country sent their boys and girls to the schools in town, some boarding and others coming daily from their homes. These schools offered what would now be a high school course, and the only opportunity for education for most of the pupils. A few were sent to colleges in the old states after they had finished at home, but college men were by no means numerous.

Helena and Phillips County shared in the excitement of the slavery quarrels, and in the

53

---

spring of 1860 the Yell Rifles were organized. This was the first military company formed in Phillips county, and its first captain was Patrick R. Cleburne. It was named in honor of Gen. Yell, a distinguished Arkansan who was killed in the Mexican war. There were sixty or seventy members of the company, all of them young men of the best families in the county, and under the instruction of the captain, who had served in the British army, and of a retired United States sergeant, the company became well and thoroughly drilled.

During the Presidential campaign of 1860 deep interest was of course felt in the result. Every phase of the campaign ahead was watched with eager interest, though in the county itself there was but little difference of opinion, all being in favor of Breckenridge. Little hope was felt of the election of a democrat, for it was seen that the division of the party had destroyed almost every chance of success, and talk of withdrawing from the union in case of Lincoln's election was indulged. When it became known that Lincoln was elected great uneasiness was felt. The more conservative people felt there would be serious trouble leading to war between the two sections, but the extremist immediately began making speeches and agitating a withdrawal from the union, blindly and foolishly thinking there could be a peacable secession, or at the worst, but a short conflict. "I'll drink all the blood shed, and pay for all the powder used," exclaimed one of their orators, but when the blood letting time came, where was the orator? Echo is still answering "where!"

When the news of the secession of South Carolina came, the South Carolinians here and the extremists were jubilant, and held a great jollification meeting to celebrate it. But

54

---

these were then in a minority, the most of the people giving little heed and being little influenced by so radical a state as South Carolina. They were sure the state would act just that way, and it is probable that among the people themselves there was little thought that Arkansas would in a few months cast in her lot with the other southern states against the union. But public opinion underwent a rapid change, and the secession of Mississippi and other southern states had great influence upon Arkansas.

In February, 1861, a number of military companies from different parts of the state met in Little Rock and captured the United States Arsenal. Three companies from Phillips county participated, the Yell Rifles under Cleburne, a company of cavalry from Trenton under Captain Scaife, and the Phillips Guards under Otey. The cavalry went on horseback to Little Rock, but the Rifles went by boat down the Mississippi, then up the Arkansas. It was a delightful trip, the seventy or eighty young men were a jolly, lively set, seemingly more bent on a pleasure expedition than war-the only warlike feature being a detail occupied in making cartridges. When the last arrived Capt. Cleburne and some of the other officers ordered the men to stay on board until they themselves should return from the city. The Captain did not find enthusiastic support from the Little Rock citizens, and on his return ordered the company to form, load their guns and march to the state house. On their way they were confronted with a number of placards posted in public places, declaring that all persons coming into the city with treasonable intent against the United States government would be dealt with summarily. This was not very reassuring to the

55

---

Phillips county boys, and when they reached the state house and found there was no other company in the city it must be confessed they began to feel a bit lonely. But it was not long, however, before other companies began to arrive, and within forty-eight hours more than a thousand men had gathered in the capital city, a sufficient number it was thought to capture the arsenal, and certainly enough to arouse the enthusiasm of the citizens. The arsenal was not captured, though, and when Capt. Totten, the commander, was summoned to surrender he declined to do so, and further suggested that if they wanted the arsenal they would have to take it. Now this was not exactly what the companies wished-they preferred to obtain it, for without artillery the arsenal was almost inpregnable, and of artillery they had none. Negotiations between the governor and the officers continued and about the third day the companies were marched out and surrounded the arsenal building. After further consultation Capt. Totten agreed to surrender on condition the garrison be allowed their private property and a boat be furnished to take them north. This was agreed to, the garrison withdrew, and the Arkansans had gained the first contest in the mighty struggle so soon to begin.

56

---

THE BIG FLAG

Compiled by Dale P. Kirkman

From an 1892 issue of the HELENA WORLD

Some days since, Capt. W. S. Otey wrote Capt. J. C. Barlow of this city, that the banner presented to the Phillips Guards in 1861, by the young ladies of Helena, was at his old home in Wartrace, Tennessee, and that he would have it sent here if the veterans desired it. Capt. Barlow asked him to send it, and the precious old relic reached the city yesterday by express. The banner though now 31 years old is in good state of preservation and is still handsome, though the silk and the painting upon it have both been dimmed to some extent by age. It is made out of sky blue silk with a golden fringe around it. On one side is painted in gilt letters, "Presented to the Phillips Guards by the Young Ladies of Helena, Feb. 22, 1861. The other side bears at the top in large gilt letters the words, "Onward and Upward," and underneath these, beautifully executed in colors is the Coat of Aris of Arkansas. The banner was presented to the Guards by Miss Emma Rightor, now Mrs. Emma Morris, of Milton, Kentucky, and was received by Capt. J. C. Barlow. This gentleman stated to a WORLD reporter that the occasion of the presentation and every incident connected with it was fresh in his memory, and added that he could call to mind but two other members of the company who are now residents of this city, Mr. R. C. Moore and Capt. Allin Banks. When the presentation took place, war had not been declared between the states, though several of the Southern states had already seceded. The South at the time had no flag, and the ladies were a little in doubt as to the kind of banner that

57

---

would be appropriate under the circumstances, as Arkansas was still in the Union.

The old relic will be suspended in full view at the headquarters of the ex-Confederate Veterans' Association, and Capt. Barlow says he will arrange to have some one carry it in the procession on Memorial Day. A sight of the banner and the circumstances and enthusiasm attending its presentation, as related by Capt. Barlow, will fire the heart of many an old soldier next week, and will call to his mind a similar occasion in his own experience, the memory of which will not be effaced on this side of the grave.

***

58

---

The Big Flag

The following clipping is from a Helena newspaper, probably the HELENA WORLD, and was preserved in a scrapbook kept by the late Mrs. Andrew Coolidge and then was in the possession of her daughter, the late Mrs. Mary E. Coolidge Miles. It concerns an invitation which was sent to General Jo Shelby to attend the dedication of the Confederate monument in the Confederate Cemetery, Helena, on May 25, 1892. He had participated in the Battle of Helena with his Missouri troops.

From General Jo Shelby.

Adrian, Mo., May 22, '92

John J. Hornor, Esq:

Your very fine favor was duly received--my intention was to avail myself of the kind invitation, not only at your hands but likewise of President Barlow and Mrs. W.E. Moore, secretary of the Pat Cleburne Monument Association. If there is a people on earth that I feel attached to it is those of your state. I was with her in her great struggle for "Constitutional rights" and should events of the future require her again to arms to vindicate her honor and rights, I being alive will join her gallant sons in her vindication.

Do you know there is hardly a path in your state, hardly a ford to a stream that I did not know. Hardly a county but I had Many acquaintances in; and now my great desire is to traverse your grand old state once more before I am called off. I will do it too. I am devoid of language

59

---

to express my feelings of appreciation and affection for the people who resided there at the time. To die without making an effort to see those who have been spared, I shall never consent to do so.

"Helena," God bless Helena. Yes, I have been there not only in daylight, but in the night. The last time I made the effort I failed, as you well know. We could (the Confederate army) and should have whipped the Yankees on that day. We had the men, the men had the courage, the men were determined to take the enemy or die in the effort. No battlefield ever presented a better of more courageous, or more patriotic or determined body of men than those who marched under our glorious flag on that eventful and unfortunate day. Had we been properly handled we would have forced the surrender of the enemy or driven them into your grand river. The fault was with the commanders, not the men.

Ambitious leaders often injure their cause more than the enemy, and the battle of "Helena" was an illustration of those who participated. Now then my dear Hornor, I will state what I should have mentioned first. Some weeks since my wife dislocated her shoulder. I delayed writing to you, Mr. Barlow and Mrs. Moore, in hopes all the time she would recover, thereby enabling me to join you on the occasion referred to. To my great regret she is not well enough for me to leave. She was banished during the war when quite young from the fact of being my wife, and it more than behooves me to care for her my best, for what she had undergone for me in the past. I will be with you sometime in the future, sure. Forget you, you say, never; as you will find out sometime.

Now Hornor, see Mr. Barlow and dear Mrs. Moore, and thank them for me, and tell them my excuse for

60

---

not being able to be with them on the Holy occasion. My heart and spirits are with you, and I rejoice to know the efforts of our noble women in your section have been crowned with success in honoring the noble dead, who fell in defense of the rights of the best people of God's Creation.

God bless you. Your friend,

Jo O. Shelby.

(Major Hornor was at one time commander of the Arkansas division of the United Confederate Veterans. He was at different times on the staffs of Generals Price and Tappan, and was at the Battle of Helena in 1863. Mrs. Moore was the wife of Colonel W. E. Moore, who was Chief Commissary of the Army of Tennessee, and they were the parents of Ophelia Polk Moore, after whom the Home here was named. Captain Barlow was a member of the Phillips Guards and father of Mrs. Coolidge who kept this scrapbook.)

61

---

The Big Flag

From an issue of the HELENA WORLD of 1929 or 1930

The United Daughters of the Confederacy, Seven Generals Chapter, held their December meeting on Wednesday afternoon at the Museum. The chapter was very proud of this meeting because the two cases which the Daughters have purchased were in place. One of the cases, a long table case was purchased from Mr. Grant for twenty-five dollars and will hold many Confederate relics and the other was a specially made case to hold the flag which the Daughters own. This flag was made by the young ladies of Helena in 1861 and given to the regiment on leaving here and was carried through the war between the states and brought back here. It was the property of Mr. Barlow, the father of Mrs. Andrew Coolidge, who gave it to the Daughters and so beautiful and historic is this flag that the Daughters have had a special case made which will show both-sides of the flag and preserve it for other generations to come. This case cost seventy-five dollars.

The usual Christmas work was decided upon. The Daughters each year try to bring a little cheer into the hearts of the few remaining Veterans or their widows and there is still one ex-slave living in Phillips county and a basket will be sent to him.

A picture of General Pat Cleburne which has been in storage for a long time was brought out and touched up by Mrs. J.I. Moore, then framed and presented to the Museum.

***

62

---

Photographs on next pages

1. Memorial Day at the Confederate Cemetery. How to hang that flag?

2. Distinguished visitors at the museum, 1981. Dr. John L. Ferguson, State Historian of Arkansas, and Calvin Smith, Museum Services, Inc. Dr. Ferguson explained some of the symbols on the Flag.

3. The Big Flag.

63

---

64

---

65

---

66

---

SPEECH GIVEN BY JAMES P. BAKER, JR.
AT DEDICATION OF HORNOR MARKER IN
WEST HELENA, MARCH 4, 1967

Edward Chaffin Hornor and John Sidney Hornor put together their talents for the planning, development and building of West Helena. Their background and their capabilities blended together into an extremely effective team for carrying into effect the project that was before them. Their task was one of considerable magnitude and I think that now--57 years later--we can thank them and say "they played their part well."

E. C. Hornor, the son of Major John Joseph Hornor, was born in Helena on the fifth of November, 1861. His mother, Betty Tully of Columbia, Tennessee, died in 1863 and was buried in Little Rock when the family was on the way from Helena to Texas to avoid some of the problems created by the Civil War. At the time of his mother's death, E. C. Hornor was only two years of age, and one of the interesting events of his early life was that during the trip to Texas he fell off the wagon and they had gone some distance before he was missed and they had to turn around and go back up the road and pick him up.

Major John J. Hornor served as a major in the Confederate Army and, of course, he was away when his little son was growing up and when Major Hornor returned to Helena after the Civil War, he lived in his law offices and E. C. Hornor was actually reared by his grandparents, John S. Hornor and Elizabeth Johnson Hornor. John S. Hornor was, also, the grandfather of John Sidney Hornor, the other gentleman whom we are

67

---

honoring today. John S. Hornor came to Helena from Fauquier County, Virginia, and he died in Helena on the fifth of November, 1890, at the age of 84. His, also, was a very useful life. He taught school, served as County and Probate Clerk in Phillips County and he founded the Bank of Helena.

Major John J. Hornor, father of E. C. Hornor, and uncle of John Sidney Hornor, took a keen interest in the Episcopal Church and prior to the outbreak of the Civil War he formed a law partnership with General James C. Tappan. Major Hornor read law under Honorable William K. Sebastian who was a United States Senator and who--as United States Senator--had the respect and confidence of President Abraham Lincoln. Major Hornor eventually formed a law partnership with his son, E.C. Hornor, and together they had a thriving law practice. Major Hornor owned a substantial interest in the Arkansas and Midland Railroad and he played an important part in the development and building of the Gas and Electric Plants in Helena and, also, the formation of a company to build artificial ice. Major Hornor, also, served as a member of the Constitutional Convention of Arkansas in 1874 which adopted the present Constitution of our state.

E. C. Hornor attended Locust Dale Academy in Rapidan, Virginia, and the University of Virginia. He was a rising young lawyer until he gave up his law practive to become engaged in the management of the Bank of Helena. He died on the 18th day of February, 1944, and left surviving him the following children:

Aurelius Pointer Hornor
Edward Tully Hornor
George Lambert Hornor, now deceased
Mrs. Leonora Hornor Morris

68

---

John Sidney Hornor, the other co-founder of West Helena was born in Helena, Arkansas, on December 14, 1873, the son of Hamilton S. Hornor and Caroline Polk Hornor. Hamilton S. Hornor was known as "Uncle Hamie" and he spent his life in mercantile pursuits, first as a partner in McKenzie, Hornor and Co., and later his business was known as H. S. Hornor and Co., which Company was engaged in the general furnishing business in Helena. Caroline Polk Hornor, mother of John Sidney Hornor, was a native of Helena and she was a great-aunt of Cadwallader Leonidas Polk who practiced law in Helena for a number of years prior to his death in 1950.

John Sidney Hornor attended a preparatory school known as the Dinwiddie School in Virginia, which in that day and time was a prominent Presbyterian school. He then entered Virginia Military Institute from which he was graduated on June 27, 1895. As most of you know V. M. I. has now and had then one of the most exacting and rigid curriculums of any school in the nation, which is why it has produced such men as Stonewall Jackson and George Catlett Marshall. As one who spent five years next to the V. M. I. Campus, I have always had the greatest admiration and respect for anyone who could earn his degree from this institution.

On January 3, 1900, he married Fannie May Moore, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Moore and they had two children, Robert Moore Hornor and Frances Carolyn Hornor Curtis. John Sidney Hornor formed a partnership with the late Charlie Wooten and they were engaged in buying, selling and shipping of cotton and this firm was very successful and they had customers not only in the United States but in England, France

69

---

and Germany. One interesting fact about the firm was that--as did most other cotton shippers of that day and time--it entered into binding contracts to sell cotton which would be delivered tater on during the harvesting season. In the fall of 1907 it rained, so they say, "forty days and forty nights." The cotton crop was deteriorating rapidly so they sent a representative to Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, to buy cotton in order to meet their commitments. In any event the firm of Wooten and Hornor weathered the storm.

John Sidney Hornor no doubt inherited some of the traits of his grandfather, John S. Hornor, for whom he was named and who was a school teacher and banker. John Sidney Hornor was offered a professorship in mathematics at the University of Arkansas and it has been said that he was very good with figures and he could figure interest in his head as well as anyone could do.

He, also, served as Alderman on the City Council of Helena, having been elected by a “Landslide Margin."

So you can easily see that when E. C. Hornor and John Sidney Hornor merged their efforts to build West Helena each had a very formidable background and extremely impressive credentials. It has seen said that at the time of the death of E. C. Hornor in 1944 that he had as a result of his association with his grandfather, John S. Hornor, and his father, Mayor John J. Hornor, one hundred and eleven years of knowledge about Phillips County.

In the latter part of 1907 James R. Bush, father of the late Jim Bush, whom we knew so well, wrote an article--in pamphlet form--about the growth of Helena in which he stated that building

70

---

sites in Helena were limited because of the hills on one side and the river on the other. No doubt he also took into consideration the fact that because of possible flood damage there was not any safe building sites north of Walker Levee or south of Cross Levee. Mr. Bush further stated that it would probably be wise to go on the west side of Crowley's Ridge where the terrain offered possibilities for economical development, particularly for industry.

Mr. Bush and E. C. Hornor were close friends and they proposed as early as 1907 that the plantation known as the "Old Hoggatt Clopton Place"--later known as the "Worthen Place"--become the townsite of West Helena. E. C. Hornor was the first President of the "Business Men's League" in Helena which was concerned with the economic development of Helena and he recognized the physical limitations as above set forth, and he was, also, fully aware that the trading territory of Helena--as of that time--from our agricultutal standpoint--was only from the south. He realized beyond any doubt that industrial development was the solution to the problem and that obtaining the "Old Hoggatt Clopton Place" or "Worthen Place" was the key to the solution. This place was the most typical of the remaining Plantations in the area. The Plantation House was located about 200 feet south of what is now Sibley-Porter Supply Company and faced East. The Home had an expansive lawn with a long line of cedars paralleling the approach walkway to the home. The land area of this farm was level and extremely suitable for residential, commercial and industrial development. From where we stand today you can see that they started this development just on this side of the ridge. Drainage was a problem but not too big a one, and, strange as it seems now, water was somewhat of a problem

71

---

then because of the depth that they had to go in order to obtain water of good quality.

In 1902, Helen M. Worthen purchased this property consisting of 2358.6 acres from Hoggatt Clopton and in 1907 she conveyed this property to James R. Bush for $30,000.00. In 1908 Mr. Bush conveyed this property to E. C. Hornor for about $39,870.00. On March 31, 1910, he conveyed 2321.6 acres to The West Helena Company which was incorporated in February, 1910 by E. C. Hornor, John S. Hornor and James Tappan Hornor. L. R. Parmelee became Engineer for this company in March, 1910 and he held this position until December, 1911 when he resigned to accept the office of City Engineer of Helena, a position that he still holds. R. L. Hope succeeded him as Engineer for the West Helena Company, which position he held for a number of years.

M AND N. A. RAILROAD

The M and N. A. Railroad played a major role in the development of West Helena and much more than I had anticipated. In March, 1907, L. R. Parmelee joined the party of engineers who were locating the right-of-way from Helena northwest to Searcy. Allegheny Improvement Company was organized by a group of St. Louis men who were anxoius to build a diagonal railroad across this part of the United States extending from the wheat fields of Kansas to the deep water of the Gulf. Pensacola was the proposed southern terminus. In 1907 E. C. Hornor and Major C. H. Purvis made a trip to Pensacola and obtained options on the right-of-way between here and Pensacola and, also, on waterfront rights in Pensacola. Some of the promoters of the road--in the early stages--wanted the line to run east from Heber Springs to Memphis rather than to Helena. However, the Business

72

---

Men's League of Helena headed by E. C. Hornor persuaded them to run the line on down to Helena. Without the M. and N. A. Railroad the development of West Helena would have been extremely difficult and because of the fact that this road ran through West Helena it caused the Missouri Pacific Railroad to run a spur out to West Helena to handle an increasing volume of freight.

It has been said by reliable authority that the Frisco Railroad wanted to buy the M. and N.A. and extend the road on to Pensacola and, as a matter of fact, the Frisco ran a survey in the area and the route was projected on the other side of Crowley's Ridge. About this time the Frisco became in financial difficulties and this was a big blow to the local supporters of the project. It is interesting to note that the first migration of people into West Helena came from Northwest Arkansas and on the M. and N. A.

CAR LINE

These men displayed their courage in acquiring the land for the townsite of West Helena even before the car line was built and in 1909 they organized the corporation to build the car line. In that day and time there were only about a half dozen automobiles in Helena and the building of this line was the crux of the problem in the successful development of West Helena. Without any means of communication between Helena and West Helena there was not any chance that the project would succeed. E. C. Hornor and John Sidney Hornor hoped that some other firm or group would come in from other parts of the United States and build the car line, but when this was not possible, they went on with this part of their project on their own. They

73

---

obtained the services of Major C. H. Purvis, an engineer, to survey a proposed right-of-way from Helena and West Helena. It was, of course, necessary for them to select the shortest possible distance for the building of the road. After the right-of-way was obtained they then began to cut through the hills and the result is the road that we have today between Helena and West Helena.

It is interesting to note that the building of the car line was the one phase of the development of West Helena that caused them the greatest concern from a financial point of view but, in the end, it proved to be one of the most successful. They had some luck in the beginning in that they were able to obtain some rails that had been used in the construction of the Arkansas Midland Railroad which ran between Helena and Clarendon. These were the first steel rails that had been brought into eastern Arkansas and they had been brought in before the Civil War by a Dutch Company. These rails were thirty-five pounds in weight and they were too light for use on the railroad. They actually bought these rails from W. D. Reeves who had used them in the building of a road out to a log camp near Helena. Major Purvis was the engineer in construction of the car line.

T. W. Keesee of Helena was given a temporary leave of absence from his duties in the Bank of Helena to serve as Conductor on the first street car that ran between Helena and West Helena. Today Mr. Keesse remembers this event with a great deal of pleasure.

LAYING OFF WEST HELENA

Major C. H. Purvis was the engineer in charge of laying out West Helena. He was an

74

---

educated and intelligent gentleman and a capable engineer. E. C. Hornor and John Sidney Hornor were good in the selection of their associates and Major Purvis was no exception. He completed his survey and map of the new townsite on March 28, 1910.

In the laying out and in the planning of West Helena I believe that E. C. Hornor and John Sidney Hornor displayed infinite wisdom and great imagination. They were years ahead of their time in their thinking and in their reading of the future, and we should bear in mind that while they were doing their dreaming and making their plans it was a little more than twenty years before the State of Arkansas had adopted even a small-scale zoning law and about fifty years before ‘our General Assembly passed a comprehensive law in reference to zoning and planning. We have been fortunately blessed up to now in not having had too much litigation in zoning matters and in every single decision the essential character of the neighborhood--as envisioned by E. C. Hornor and John Sidney Hornor--has been preserved.

The lots in West Helena as originally laid out were of sufficient size to meet requirements of modern day living. Practically all of the east and west lots were 66 feet in width and 132 feet in depth. Other lots were smaller in size. The streets are wide and contained plenty of space to meet the requirements of the automobile age. Tenth street is larger than most of the streets because it was thought that perhaps the citizens of West Helena would like to take a ride around the City and, therefore, Tenth Street should be larger. The area from Tenth east including St. Andrews and St.

75

---

Anthony Place was an afterthought.

When E.C. Hornor and John Sidney Hornor decided to develop the area between Panama Road and Sebastian Street as an industrial area and they developed same into ten acre sites, in my opinion this was their "Finest Hour." The first industry was located across Plaza from where H & M Lumber Company is now located and was known as the Helena Veneer Company and was operated by Messrs. Van Briggle and Wilkins. The next industries grew into the north and adjacent to the M and N. A. Railroad and others then grew south along the M and N. A. Later the Missouri Pacific ran a spur through the center of this industrial area which helped industries to develop and locate on each side of their line. The entire industrial area was bounded on the east by a road of unusual width which has served the area well even today and on the west Panama Road is a secondary road which had served the industries well.

In the development of West Helena they, of course, planned well for the development of the sewer and water facilities and other utilities.

Does not all of this have a modern-day ring? How often do we read of a community obtaining a large area of land running railroads and highways and utilities to it and developing industrial sites?

It, also, took a great deal of time and effort to obtain the industries and to help them locate and become adjusted here. I know the effort that must be put forth even to obtain two or three industries. In addition to the industries that were located between Sebastian Street and Panama Road I should think that one of the greatest accomplishments of these two men was

76

---

in obtaining a site which enabled Chicago Mill and Lumber Company to locate here and which plant was the back-bone of our economy for so many years and particularly during the dark days of the Depression.

HOW THE NAME OF WEST HELENA?

At one time Helena and West Helena was the second (so I have been informed) largest hardwood manufacturing center in the world. This was brought about by several factors, the presence in this area of an abundance of timber in our forests, the availability of labor and having favorable shipping rates to the east by virtue of the Y & MV (Illinois Central Railroad) crossing the Mississippi River at Helena. In order to obtain these favorable rates for shipping to the east from industries in West Helena it was necessary for shipping from West Helena to be considered as part of the Helena Yard of the Missouri Pacific under the existing rules and regulations of the Interstate Commerce Commission. It was a great day for us when the Missouri Pacific Yard in Helena was extended west to include West Helena. As we all know this helped in our struggle for economic survival and this one fact has helped the industries in West Helena as well as Helena to ship on a competitive basis with industries elsewhere.

PLAZA

The main thoroughfare through West Helena was designated as "PLAZA" and not Plaza Street. E. C, Hornor and John Sidney Hornor wanted to provide for a promenade where the citizens could walk and visit on Sunday afternoons, in the evenings and on other occasions. This, along with the right-of-way of the car line and the

77

---

highway, accounts for the remarkable width of 117 feet of the Plaza which had inured to our great benefit until this day. This Plaza is the heart of West Helena today and with great forethought is was laid through the center of the town, connecting with Chicago Mill in a straight line on the west and crossing Sebastian Street and Panama Road.

BEECH CREST

The Founders of West Helena believed in hard work but they also, believed in parks and recreation. They exercised excellent judgment--in my opinion--in the selection of the beautiful site known as "Beech Crest." In this park there was a zoo, bandstand, picnic grounds and a theatre where the summer shows could be held. Later on it was a prominent place for dances for the younger set.

HELENA COUNTRY CLUB

E. C. Hornor and John Sidney Hornor transferred at the nominal figure of $774.00 this property to the Helena Country Club for the erection of a beautiful golf course, and this club has provided a great source of recreation to many residents of this and other areas and today the members of this Club are now adding an additional nine holes to the golf course.

CAR LINE - PLEASURE

The Car Line from Helena to West Helena has--in addition to serving a very vital economic link between Helena and West Helena, also, provided much pastime for pleasure rides between Helena and West Helena. People would drive their buggies and ride their horses a considerable distance merely to have the

78

---

opportunity to enjoy a ride on the new streetcars. On one occasion a gentleman got on one of the cars and gave the conductor a five dollar bill and told him to "keep it" because he wanted to "ride it up," On one Fourth of July over 8,000 people rode these cars between Helena and West Helena.

In conclusion I would like to say that the plain and inescapable fact is that the two men had a plan; they knew how they wanted to carry out this plan and they did so with unerring efficiency.

As I look back over their lives I can't help but think of the many benefits that we have all derived from their good work. I wonder how this entire community would have gotten along without Chicago Mill--without old Pekin--and other industries which these two gentlemen helped to nurture and develop through their friendship with the principal owners of these and other firms. Also, their long-range planning in providing wide right-of-ways had been of inestimable value for those driving through West Helena and on into Helena. Even today one of the roads that they laid out and built will serve as an important factor in the building of the modern approach to the Helena Bridge.

They both had great hopes for the future. They both were early proponents of a bridge across the Mississippi River and it must have been a great disappointment to E. C. Hornor the day he sat in the "White House" about thirty years ago and watched the late President Roosevelt veto the legislation providing for the erection of the Helena Bridge. However, through the efforts of those in his family and others

79

---

this dream of theirs has now come true.

So, I say to the present-day planners of our community and of our area and of our state "STUDY THE PLANS THAT THESE MEN MADE: MAKE YOUR OWN PLANS BUT DO WHAT THEY DID--"CARRY THEM OUT."

Needless to say I am deeply touched that because of the life of my father and mother in this community I have been asked to participate in this ceremony. On behalf of my sister and my brother and our families I want to say to the members of the "HORNOR FAMILIES," "THANK YOU".

***

Pictured on the following page, left to right, are :

E. T. Hornor, A. P. Hornor, and Mrs. Leonora Hornor Morris, children of E. C. Hornor. Ancther brother, George L. Hornor, had died several years before this time. Pictured on the right side are Mrs. Carolyn Hornor Curtis and Robert M. Hornor, children of John Sidney Hornor.

*

80

---

81

---

NOTES

Tom Tappan, former president of the Phillips County Historical Society who now lives in Memphis, is teaching a course at Memphis State University on Mississippi River Steamboats.

*

Winston Mosby, veteran Phillips County lumberman, was the speaker at the regular meeting of the Historical Society at 3 P. M. at the Phillips County Museum on Sunday, January 24. Mosby enlarged on his article which appeared in the June/September 1981 issue of the QUARTERLY entitled "The Lumber Industry in Helena and Phillips County, Arkansas." The first steam sawmill erected west of the Mississippi River was built in Helena in 1827.

A great deal of research as well as a life long association with the lumber industry enabled Mosby to give a panoramic view of the development of the lumber industry in this area and the rest of the country.

*

The next meeting of the Historical Society will be on Sunday, May 2, 1982, at the Phillips County Museum in Helena at 2 P. M. Note change of time. Porter Young, retired newspaper man, will speak on the history of the local newspaper, "The Helena World."

*

82

---

CLOSING EXERCISES.

---

JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL.

---

OPERA HOUSE,
June 10th, 1898, 8:30 p. m.

---

PROGRAMME.

83

---

INVITATIONS

84

---

85

---

86

---

87

---

88

---

89

---

Black Oak Tree, Maple Hill Cemetery.

90

---