SALINE COUNTY, AR - GOODSPEED HISTORY *********************************************************** Submitted by: Date: 25 May 2002 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************************** SALINE COUNTY - ORIGINAL BOUNDARY - COUNTY SEAT-PUBLIC BUILDINGS-JUDICIARY-EARLY COURT TRANSACTIONS-CRIMINAL CALENDAR-BEGINNING OF SETTLEMENT-PIONEER REMINSCENCES- EARLY COMERS-LOCAL COLONIES-LIST OF OFFICERS-THE COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR-COMMERCIAL CENTERS-JOURNALISTIC ENTERPRISES-SECRET SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS-MORAL AND SPIRITUAL AFFAIRS-FINANCIAL REPRESENTATION-LOCATION-DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS-NATURE OF SOIL, SURFACE. PRODUCTS, ETC.- RESOURCES- ADVANTAGES OFFERED- BIOGRAPHICAL None Can say here nature ends, and art begins But mixt like th' elements, and born like twins. So interweaved, so like, so much the same. - Denham. SALINE COUNTY* was carved out of Pulaski County in 1835, and then included a large portion of what is now Grant, Perry and Garland Counties. The commissioners elected to select the site for the seat of justice were Rezin Davis, Green B. Hughes and David Dodd. Benton had been started about two years previous and owing to its central location in the most thickly settled portion of the county, was chosen as the county seat. This same board of commissioners retained their office (except that Abijah Davis was appointed some time in 1836, to take the place of David Dodd resigned) until the July term of the county court, 1839, when after reporting, they resigned. This report, *Kind acknowledgements are Rev. Finis Leach, Thomas Pack, D. M. Cloud, Col. S. H. Whitthorne, Col. T. C. Mays and others for valuable information contributed the compilation of this sketch. shows that the receipt from the county and State revenue from November 2, 1835 to July, 1839, amounted to $6,045.87 and that the expenditures for the same period aggregated $5,422.42. The latter included the cost of land for public buildings, surveying the county and township lines, and the building of the court house and county jail. The first court house, a brick structure, 60x60 feet in size and two stories high, was erected in 1838, under the supervision of the board of commissioners. Jacob Hoover was the contractor for the brick work. This building cost $3,574. Being poorly constructed it was condemned by the court in 1856, and the next year was torn down, the present house subsequently being erected on the same foundation. There have been three county jails built in Saline County. The first a log structure, and of great durability, was erected in 1838, at a cost of $975. It was burned in 1859, by a rather disreputable character named Thornton. The second jail was erected the next year and was a strong log and brick building; like the first, it was also destroyed by fire in 1877. The incendiary was the murderer, Tom Staner. The present jail is a good brick house two stories in height, 20x60 feet in dimensions, with cells below and the jailer's residence above. It was built in 1879. Too first court in the county was held at a school-house, about five miles west of Benton, in November, 1885. Very little business was transacted other than the confirmation of officers. Whisky was sold on the ground, and it is said that the court and all of the members became so influenced by this "intruder" that the records were lost. The next court convened at the Baptist meeting house, near Duncan's, January 25, 1880. The county officers elect were soon sworn in and their bonds accepted by this court, after which it adjourned. There was no business of importance before this honorable body except orders for opening roads. On April 29, 1836, the court ordered that the county should be laid off into six municipal townships. The first probate business transacted in the county was during this same term, letters of administration being granted to Rebecca Collins, on the estate of W. Collins (deceased). The first order to levy a tax was made at the April term in 1837, taxing one sixth of one per cent on property of white male citizens; and on all over twenty-one and under fifty years of age, a poll tax of fifty cents, providing such persons had no taxable property. Notwithstanding the fact that a number of murders, homicides and serious crimes were committed in the early and later times in Saline County, but few cases appear as matters of record. The first murder trial in Saline County was brought here on change of venue from Pulaski County. This was the case of John Wilson (representative) for the killing of Hon. J. J. Anthony, in the State Capitol at Little Rock, as previously mentioned. Wilson was acquitted. The killing of George McDaniels by H. D. Cross, about 1840, brought about the first trial for murder committed in the county. Both parties were saloon keepers of Benton, and the crime was the result of boated passion growing out of top much whisky. Cross was convicted of manslaughter, fined $1,000 and sentenced to one year's imprisonment, but was pardoned by the Governor and did not serve his term. William Colvert, a substantial citizen of Benton, was a witness for the State in Cross' trial. A deadly feud sprang up between them; both were popular, and their quarrel, instead of remaining personal matter, caused a division throughout the county. In the same year Colvert killed Cross, and was tried but acquitted on proof that his life had been repeatedly threatened by Cross. This tragedy left a feudal feeling for several years, but no murders resulted. The most shocking crime perpetrated in this county was the murder of Mrs. McH. Staner and a neighbor lady, Mrs. H. T. B. Taylor, in 1877. This took place in what is now Jefferson Township, about eighteen miles northwest of Benton. The murderer, Tom Staner, was a nephew of McH. Staner, and was partly reared by the latter. The deed was done for money. Mr. Staner was away from home, and young Staner thinking that he knew where his uncle kept his money, selected that time to obtain it. Going to the house he killed Mrs. Staner, and proceeded to rifle his uncle's trunk, supposed to contain the money. While thus engaged Mrs. Taylor came in, and the fiend turned upon her and caused her immediate death. The first person to discover the crime was a boy about sixteen years of age, who was working for Mr. Staner, and had left the field at the dinner hour. This boy, Samuel H. Brooks, was a half-brother of the murderer, and was included in the plot of the criminal. Great excitement prevailed throughout the country, and circumstances threw suspicion on Staner, who was arrested and incarcerated in the jail at Benton. While in confinement he wrote a letter to his brother describing some hidden money, which letter fell into the hands of the sheriff, and that officer, following the directions contained therein, found the money, and with it some of Mrs. Staner's jewelry. When confronted with this revelation Staner confessed to the commission of the deed. The wildest excitement prevailed, and the prisoner was removed to Pulaski County jail for safe keeping. His trial followed shortly after. His confession, together with the evidence adduced, disclosed the most fiendish plots, and proved that the criminal had been thwarted in a desperate career of rapine and murder. Staner was convicted and sentenced to be hang the same year, and was publicly executed in the court house yard in Benton, in, November. 1877. The murderer's intention had been to kill his half-brother, Samuel H. Brooks, and Mrs. Staner, and secure what money he could there, and then to commit a number of similar crimes, and leave the country. After his sentence, and while in jail awaiting execution, he made a desperate effort to escape, burning a log out of the wall of the building in order to make an aperture, and even succeeded in getting on the outside, but the appearance of the jailer, J. F. Shoppach, at an opportune moment, and the firing of three effectual pistol shots, brought the escaping man to a halt. The jail burned, and the murderer was nursed and guarded in the court house till the day of his execution, when he was carried to the scaffold, and hanged in the presence of an immense concourse of people. The victims of this brutal affair belonged to highly respected families, and the crime cast a gloom over the entire community. The ladies were killed with an ordinary fire poker. Several instances of horse stealing have occurred from time to time, the most important of which is the Thornton-Garner case. The parties in this affair were Peter Garner, Field Garner, and William Thornton. The Garners were convicted, and sentenced to five years' imprisonment each, and Thornton to a term of ten years in the penitentiary. Thornton burned the first jail, but was not tried for the offense. He died while serving his sentence for horse stealing. Saloon licenses were freely granted, and intemperance had fall sway for a number of years, and it is stated that with the exception of the Staner murder case, and one or two others, whisky caused the greater amount of crimes. As early as 1872, the temperance people began to agitate the liquor question, and experienced various successes and failures, sometimes almost successful, and at other times discouraged. In 1878 the county voted on local option; every township was carried by the temperance people except Saline. In 1882 the citizens of Benton took advantage of the three mile law, and since that time there have been no spirituous liquors legally sold in this county. As in the case of other localities mentioned in the present volume, the territory which is now embraced by Saline County was originally a part of Arkansas Territory, and later Pulaski County. Occasionally a hunting party or a solitary trapper passed through the dense forests of Saline River bottom, killing deer and other large game in cane brakes, or taking fish from the limpid waters of the river. The natural inhabitants of the community remained undisturbed for many years. The first man (white) to break the forests of Saline County, and signalize advancing civilization, was William Lockert, who came in the spring of 1815, with his family, settling four miles south west of Benton, at the point where the military road crosses the Saline. For two years these persons were the only ones here. Some time during the year 1817, Abner Herald and his two stepsons, Isbam and John Pelton (with their families), and James Buckan and family reached Mr. Lockert's, and later selected locations for homes, a little farther up the river. About the same time, or within the period between 1817 and 1821, Josiah Stover located a few miles west of Lockerts, and James Prudden, four miles south; Judge William Caldwell, William Duncan, Joseph and Harlan Clift selected farms west of the Saline River. About 1823 Ezra M. Owen and several others began a settlement at Collegeville. Owen planned a school, which he hoped to make the State University, and named the town or settlement Collegeville. As Owen's settlement was near the geographical center of the territory he laid off the town, and endeavored to secure the capital at that point. Being in a good farming section, Collegeville was rapidly settled. Robert and Valentine Brazil, and Samuel Williams, came to the county about 1820, and opened farms near Benton. In 1825 twelve families, removed to Collegeville from Lawrence County. Ark., and from that place out a road through the woods to the Saline River where they made a settlement, now known as the "Lindsey Settlement," seven miles northwest of Benton. Among this brave pioneer band were Caleb Lindsey, Sr., John Y. Lindsey, Abijah Davis, Henry Louis Fletcher, George James, William Williams (Blind Billy), Burket Lindsey, and others whose names are not now remembered. This was one of the most important beginnings in the county as the men comprising it were a thrifty class of individuals who were seeking permanent homes. Others entered soon after. A large number of families from Kentucky opened farms and made for themselves abiding places, naturally giving to the locality the name Kentucky Township. Many of their descendants still live here, comprising some of Saline County's most substantial citizens. Prominent among those who came after 1830 might be mentioned Green B. Hughes, Rev. Andrew Hunter, David Dodd, Rev. Samuel Henderson and Rev. Aaron Bolt. From 1838 to 1887, William Scott, Thomas Pack, William Shoppach and A. R. Hockersmith settled in and around Benton, and during the summer of 1837 ninety families took up their abode in Saline Township. The leaders of this colony were Thomas Keese, Robert Calvert, Berryman McDaniel, George Cobb, John Green, Joab Pratt, Nathan Pumphrey and Jacob Leach. After this the county was settled more rapidly; churches and schools were formed and material progress and advancement were noticeable. Very few of the old landmarks of that day and generation remain, a large percentage of the first settlers having passed to the "silent majority." Some have moved to other States. None of Lockerts or the original family of Caldwells are at present living in the county. Of those who came in 1817, Sibby (Pelton) Shoppach (consort of William Shoppach and the mother of the present sheriff of Saline County) is the only survivor. Harlan Clift and Mrs. Rutha A. Wills, both of whom located here in 1824, are still living. From 1815 to 1825 early customs and experiences were not very different from those of other sections. Settlers ground their corn on hand-mills, requiring the labor of one member of the family for about half the time; all articles of clothing including shoes were made, by hand; wild game of different kinds abounded, hunting and fishing were the principal sports and pastimes, as well as the most profitable means of subsistence, and the pioneer found Little Rock, a small trading post twenty-three miles away, the only place where any of the products of the farm or the chase could be exchanged for commodities, or where a "turn of corn" might be ground. Being determined to overcome these inconveniences as far as possible, Samuel Williams, in 1825, erected a water-mill, the first on Williams' Creek, about ten miles northwest of Benton, and for a few years enjoyed a thriving business, or until the entire mill was washed away by a freshet. About 1880 Charles Caldwell built a water-mill five miles northwest of Benton, and in the same year Joseph Clift erected a horse-mill eight miles, southwest of that town in what is now Fair Play Township; in 1838, James Harrill and Burket Lindsey constructed a water-mill on Holly Creek, four miles southeast of Benton, in Shaw Township. Later a number of grist-mills and cotton-gins were erected. The county enjoyed a healthy growth for an inland section, till 1873, when the Iron Mountain Railroad was built through it, this lending material aid and giving an impetus which still continued, proving of decided benefit to further improvement and development, and about that time the manufacture of pottery was begun, which soon became the leading manufacturing industry of the county. With every colony entering the wild and unbroken territory of Saline, there were Godly men, whose sole aim in life was to build up a commonwealth rich in religious and moral virtues, and these did their work well. The house of the first settler (William Lockert) was the place where the earliest preaching was heard; and there, too, are many groves sacred to the memory of the oldest citizens, who first heard in this region, from the lips of the pioneer preacher, the "Words of Life." Others there ware different in thoughts and purposes, and whose aims seemed in decided contrast to the minds of the more spiritually minded; hence, like all frontier settlements, the virtues and vices of the new locality flourished together. Religious meetings were about the only public gatherings of early days, and these were attended by every one. Some would take their guns, with them, hiding them during services, and perhaps kill a deer or turkey on the way home. To become a skillful hand with the rifle was the highest ambition of the pioneer youth. "Logrollings" and "corn huskings" were common diversions, and a means of mutual benefit, and the scene of many athletic encounters between those who "banked" on their muscle; in those times, too, the "little brown jug" played its part. The official list of Saline County comprises the following named individuals, all well remembered and esteemed, whose terms of service are annexed: Judges of the county courts: T. S. Hutchinson, 1835-36; H. Prudden, 1836-38; R. Brazil, 1838-40; W. M. Scott, 1840-42; A. R. Crisp, 1842-44; G. B. Hughes, 1844-46; Robert Calvert, 1846-50; W. M. Scott, 1850-52; W. E. Beavers, 1852-54; Joseph Scott, 1854-60; James T. Poe, 1860-62; W. Scott, 1862-1868; J A Medlock, 1868 to July, 1868; T. A. Morris, from July, 1868, to February, 1869; then J. A. Medlock again, till 1874; J. W. Adams, 1874-78; D. J. McDonald, 1878-82; Barton Howard, 1882 to November, 1888; then John L. Laymon, judge (vice B. Howard, deceased), till 1884; A. A. Crawford, 1884-90. Clerks of the county courts : Samuel Caldwell, 1835-86; G. B. Hughes, 1836-38; S. S. Collins, 1838-40; G. B. Hughes, 1840-42; E. M. Owen, 1842-46; A. B. Hockersmith, 1846-52; J. W. Shoppach, 1852-42; L. Collins, 1862-64; A. R. Hockersmith, 1864-66; M. J. Henderson, 1866-48; J. A. Mills, 1868-72; J. P. Henderson, 1872-74; J. H. Shoppach, 1874-80; J. F. Shoemaker, 1880-88; J. L. Parham, 1888-90. Sheriffs: T. Brazil, 1835-36; Samuel Collins, 1836-38; E. M. Owen, 1838-42; G. W. Rutherford, 1842-44; Thomas Pack, 1844-48; J. M. Mills, 1848-50; Thomas Pack, 1850-52; William Crawford, 1852-54;W. A. Crawford, 1854-58; M. S. Miller, 2858- 62;Thomas Pack, 1862-68; W. M. Pack, 1868-72 (L. G. Williams was sheriff from July to October, 1868); W. W. Thompson, 1872-80; J. F. Shoppach, 1880-90. Treasurers: J. T. Lindsey, 1836-40; N. Davis, 1840-44; A. B. Bates, 1844-46; M. . Cloud, 1846-48; D. E. Steel, 1848-50; James Carter, 1850-40; William T. Poe, 1860- 2; J. F. White, 1862-66; C. F. Moore, 1866-68; R. M. Thompson, 1868-72; G. W. Hunnicutt, 1872-76, M. W. House, 1876-78; J. Kirkpatrick, 1878 84; John A. Wilkerson, 1884-86; J. A. Wilkerson, 1886-90. Coroners: C. Lindsey, 1835-36; J. J. Joiner, 836-38; George McDaniel, 1838-40; E. Hooper, 1840-44; W. G. W. Erwin, 1844-46, J. Brooks, 1846-48; J. B. Lane, 1848- 50; W. H. Keltner, 1850-52; J. T. Walker, 1852-54; M. R. Thompson, 1854-56; Wiley Lewis. 1856-58; E. Leech, 1858-62; J. G. Glidewell, 1862-68; J A Halberd, 1868-72; W. W. Jordan, 1872-74; W. Leech, 1874-76; William Leech, 1876-78; William Brent, 1878-80; T. Lewis, 1880-82; H. Holland, 1882-84; W. S. Winchester, 1884-88; D. F. Dobbins, 1888-90. Surveyors: A. Carrick, 1835-36, J. R. Conway, 1836-38; C. P. Lyle, 1838- 42, F. Leech, 1842-46; J. H. Nisewander, 1846-48; F. Leech 1848-52; George J Cloud, 1852-56; J. H. Martin 1856-60; J. W. Smith, 1860-62, A. J. McAlister, 1862-66; W. A. Wilson, 1866-68; W. R. Gregory, 1868 to March, 1871 (then W. L. Lee, till 1872); J. W. Hammond, 1872-74; W. S. Lee, 1874-80;J. W. Hammond, 1880-86; J. F. Wright, 1886-90. Assessors: The sheriffs were ex officio assessors from 1835 to 1868; E. H. Vance, Jr , 1868 70; followed by R. Thompson, until 1872; J. Cooper , 1872-76; J. M. Cooper, 1876-78, J. L. Crabtree, J 1878-86; D. A. Cameron, 1886-90. Representatives: Charles Caldwell, 1836-38; W. S. Lockert, 1838-40; R. Brazil and David Dodd, 1840-42; Robert Calvert and R. Brazil, 1842-48; Charles Caldwell, 1844-45; Green B Hughes, 1846-47; W. M. Scott and William Henslee, 1848-49; J. M. Wills and D. Dodd, 1851 52; James F. Fagan, 1852-53; A. R. Hockersmith, 1854-55; L. H. Bean, 1856-57, William A. Crawford, 1858-59; Robert Murphy, 1861 -61, also 1862-63. Saline County had no representative in the Fifteenth legislature, 1864-65; B. S. Medlock, 1866-67. The Seventeenth legislature elected the members by districts, and Saline was represented together with Dallas and Perry by G. H. Kyle and J. G. Gibbon, 1868-60; Grant, Perry, Dallas and Saline represented by W. R. Harley and J. H. Scales, 1869-71, and by J. W. Gossett und W. B. Harley, 1872-73; Dallas, Perry and Saline represented by M. M. Duffie and J. W. Gossett at extra session, May, 1874; Alexander Russell, 1874-75; Isaac Harrison, 1877; same, 1879; J. W. Adams, 1881-82; S. W. Adams, 1883-84; J. A. P. Bingham, 1885-86; P. M. Trammel, 1887-88; V. D. Lafferty, 1888-90. On some accounts it might perhaps be well to overlook the part which Saline County took in the late internecine strife, not that it is unworthy of mention, but to avoid the recollection of what is now being rapidly forgotten. The following facts, however, will serve to show that as a whole loyalty to those interests felt to be right was maintained, and the county emerged from the strife satisfied to go forward and repair the devastation wrought by the ruthless hand of war. Saline furnished not far from 1,300 men for the Confederate service, about twenty per cent of whom returned; the remainder bravely laid down their lives in demand to the call made upon them. Heroes they were, and the memory of their devotion will live on forever. The companies raised for the war were as follows: Company E, Capt. James F. Fagan (later general); First Arkansas Infantry, Capt. M. J. Henderson, a full company for the Third Arkansas Cavalry; Capt. J. W. Adams, a full company for the Twenty-fifth Arkansas Infantry. The Eleventh Arkansas had from Saline County full companies made up by Capts. John Douglas, Mooney, Vance, Smith and Waters, in 1861; Capts. Walter Watkins, Mark Miller and Capt. Brown each raised companies, which were transferred to the Trans-Mississippi Artillery; Capts. Threlkill, Gregory and Brown recruited companies in 1862, and in the same year Capts. Isaac Harrison, A. A. Craw ford, and A. C. Hockersmith raised recruiting companies. There were no battles fought within the county's limits, but the people suffered a full share from the hands of the Federal troops, as well as from marauding parties and unprincipled men belonging to neither army. One martyr, David O. Dodd, a son of Andrew Dodd, a youth of eighteen, was sent by the Confederate commander, as a spy, to ascertain the strength and position of the Union army at Little Bock, in December, 1864. His actions aroused suspicion, and led to his arrest. The papers found on his person showed that he had performed his work well. He had complete drawings of the Union strong-holds and weak points, and plans that indicated others were with him. The young man was tried and sentenced to be hanged as a spy. On account of his youth Gen. Steele, the officer in command, disliked to execute the sentence, and offered to pardon young Dodd if he would give the names of the others that were with him, but the brave boy replied that he preferred to die, rather than to betray his friends, and was accordingly hanged January 12, 1865. Two companies were made up for the Federal army in Saline County, one by Capt. Patrick Dodd, and another by Capt Sol. Miller, in 1862-63. During the winter of 1868-64 a portion of Gen. Steele's army were camped at Benton. They built a fort on the military road in North Benton, which is still well defined, also constructing an embankment across the same road, in the south part of the town. Neither of the fortifications, however, were ever used. It is a fact apparent to every close observer, that centers of commercial importance in any community seem to indicate the real condition of the agricultural region surrounding them. The towns and villages of Saline County, while not noted as large cities, are especially important in their relation to the county as a whole. Benton was not the first town laid out in Saline County, bat it was a place of business as early as 1834. In that year Joshua Smith kept a store in his house, and as the country around began to settle up, others came and engaged in mercantile business, each for a short time. In 1837 Joshua Smith and William Calvert formed a partnership and built a large storehouse, putting in a large stock of goods. Smith died just as the new firm was about to begin business, which was subsequently carried on by Calvert. About the same time A. R. Hockersmith and Thomas Pack each erected buildings and entered into merchandising, and later on James Moore and George A. McDonald built a hotel on the present site of Pack's Hotel After this the town grew rapidly for several years. An order of incorporation was granted at the April term of court in 1839. Rezin Davis was appointed mayor, and Jacob Hoover, James Cox, Presley L. Smith, William Calvert and Robert Gregory, conncilmen. Judge Halsey Prudden making the appointments. Originally there were but eighty acres laid off for the town of Benton, and that land was deeded to the commissioners by Rezin Davis for a consideration of $83. Prior to the war twenty acres were added on the north called North Benton. In 1853 Allen's addition of twenty acres to the southern part was made, followed in 1870 by Field's addition of 160 acres on the west. These additions, together with the original eighty acres, comprise the present area of Benton. It is a growing town, at this time numbering about 900 inhabitants, and includes among its interests the following three churches, Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian; two good school buildings, in which five teachers are employed; ten general stores, three drug stores, two groceries, a butcher, two barbers, three hotels and two boarding houses, one livery, four blacksmiths, seven resident preachers, five lawyers, four physicians, one saddle and harness shop and two shoemakers. The leading industry is the manufacture of pottery, there being seven large plants in and near the town. Two gin and grist-mills, besides a planing mill and a tannery lend additional strength to the business of the place. Most fortunately there are no saloons here, and, as might be expected, the moral atmosphere of the town is elevating. Being centrally located in the county, twenty-three miles south of Little Rock on the main line of the St. Louis & Iron Mountain Railroad, Benton's prospects for future prosperity are most encouraging, and there is every reason to expect a permanent, substantial growth, not in the distant future, but now. Traskwood, the only town in the township of the same name, is situated in the southern part of the county, on the main line of the Iron Mountain Railroad. It was commenced its early as 1873, but only existed as a flag station until 1882, at which time several new houses were erected, and the place entered upon a successful growth. It now comprises a railroad depot, four general stores, one hotel, a lumber yard and one gin and grist mill, besides sundry interests. The Traskwood public and private school at this point was established in 1880 by Prof. W. P. Johnson, with the assistance of other leading citizens of Traskwood. It is one of the best institutions in the county, and an important factor in the development of educational affairs. Collegeville, the oldest town in the county, and on this account a place of prominence, was settled in 1824 by Ezra M. Owen, who laid off forty acres of land in town lots, and made other preparations for a large center. As elsewhere stated, he planned a school, that was intended to become the State College, and gave his town the name of Collegeville. Quite a "boom" was created in this pioneer village by its enterprising founder, and Collegeville came very near being the capital of the State, in 1836, only losing that distinction by a few votes. While not having met the expectation of its originator, it is now a brisk little hamlet containing six families, two stores, one church and a good private school. Bryant, started in 1878, is a live little village on the Iron Mountain Railroad, in Bryant Township. It is situated on the highest point between Little Rock and Texarkana, on that road, and has a railroad depot, four stores, a blacksmith shop, two churches and a Masonic hall. Woodson is a thriving town in Perkins Township, on the Little Rock, Mississippi River & Texas Railroad, located in the best farming section of the county. Its population is forty. Hensley, also in Perkins Township, is a comparatively new town started in 1881 by Mr. W. B. Hensley. Its enterprise and prominence as a place of local commercial importance have gathered within its limits about 460 people. Journalistic efforts have combined in all ages to wield immense influence in the channels to which their attention has been directed. The first paper published in Saline County was the Saline County Digest, founded by W. A. Webber, in 1876. This was a seven-column folio, published weekly, and of Democratic tendencies politically. The Digest enjoyed a good patronage, and had a circulation of 1,000. In November, 1882, the paper became the property of B. B. Beavers, who called his publication the Saline County Review. It was edited and published by him till November, 1883, when Col. S. H. Whitthorne bought Beavers' interest and gave to the Review the name of Saline Courier, increasing the size of the paper, and making it a nine-column folio. The Saline Courier (same name as the above) was established by Col. S. H. Whitthorne, in September, 1882, and was ably conducted by him, as its editor and proprietor, until August, 1883, when the office was sold to Jim Tom Story, the latter moving the same to Malvern. The Courier had been from its first issue the rival of the Digest, notwithstanding both were Democratic in politics. In November 1883, Col. S. H. Whitthorne, complying with the request of a large number of the citizens of Benton and Saline County to resume the newspaper business, purchased the Review outfit, and again entered upon the publication of the Saline Courier. The Courier office, with all its contents, was destroyed by fire in December, 1883, but was replaced by an entirely new equipment, fifteen days later. This journal afterward changed hands a number of times, being bought by T. K. Whitthorne in April, 1885, who sold in November, 1885, to H. D. Laymond. Its founder, Col. S. H. Whitthorne, once more assumed control in August, 1886, and decidedly improved it, increasing its size to that of a nine-column folio, and greatly enlarging its circulation. In October, 1887, Col. Whitthorne sold out to A. F. Gardner, who ran the paper without change till October 10, 1888, when he sold to Col. T. C. Mays, under whom able management it now goes forth weekly, as a five-column quarto, Democratic politically. It is doing a great service toward the development of the resources of Saline County. In changing the form of the paper, its present, editor, also changed the name to the Benton Courier, under which title it enters the homes of many readers. In the matter of secret societies Saline County is-well represented, the inducements offered by these various organizations being substantially appreciated by the residents of this locality. The first Masonic lodge in the county was Benton Lodge No. 84, which was organized January 14, 1850, under dispensation from E. H. English, G. W. M. of the supreme lodge. Those named in the dispensation as officers were C. Scott, W. M..; Isaac T. Cole, S. .W., and Henry T. Cole, J. W. Among those present were Jacob Leach, Joseph Dirgan, Abijah Davis and David Dodd, who joined in the petition to the grand lodge for organization. Thomas Pack and Robert Garrett were subsequently initiated at the first meeting of the lodge. Other societies of this order organized later in the county are Ionic No. 877, of Union Township; Paran No. 309, of Jefferson Township; Bryant No. 441, Bryant Township; Iron Springs No. 842, Banner Township, and Adoniram Lodge, Hurricane Township, and Fair Play Lodge in Fair Play Township. All have good halls, and are in a flourishing condition. Saline Lodge No. 9, I. O. O. F., located at Benton, was organized September 20, 1852, Capt. J. A. P. Bingham, Simon Mora, A. Oswald, David F. Leach and C. L. Davis being among the charter members. This society has a pleasant lodge room over the First Methodist Episcopal Church, and includes a membership of fourteen at the present time. S. M. Sweeten is noble grand, and Dr. C. Hays, secretary. Corona Lodge No. 7,(Rebekah Degree), I. O. O. F., was instituted October 24, 1884. Its membership numbers sixteen. Eva Torrey is noble grand, Dr. C. Hays also being secretary of this body. Benton Lodge No. 26, I. O. G. T. was organized September 22, 1875, by Col. S. H. Whitthorne, G. W. L., by whom also it was reorganized Nov. 12, 1880. A convenient lodge room is in the Odd Fellows' Hall. This society has the best interests of the community at heart. Saline Lodge No. 1819, which was organized January 8, 1879, with twenty-seven members, has paid six benefits, and has a membership of fifty-eight at present. Their room is in the Odd Fellows' hall. It is very important that special attention should be directed to the educational development of a locality as indicating the true tone of its advancement and culture. As may perhaps be supposed, there were very few public schools in Saline before the war, owing to the lack of popular favor manifested toward the free school system, but good select schools have been numerous since 1836. Prominent among the pioneer "wielders of the birch" hereabouts were J. L. Yaney, William Jones, Rev. Finis Leach, Mrs. J. C. Moore, W. S. Lee, Richard Hammond, and a Mr. Thorington, who taught subscription schools, and many of the substantial citizens of this county were their pupils. Of the teachers named only one, Rev. F. Leach, is at present living. Public schools became more popular about 1872, and in that year buildings were erected in every township, fifteen in number. The following summary shows the actual condition of the schools in 1889: White children, 3,996; colored, 683; aggregate, 4,679; number enrolled, 4,446. Number of teachers, sixty-two; amount paid to teachers, $2,018.88; number of schools taught, fifty; number of houses erected during the year, six. The receipts for the year aggregated $13,881.41, while the expenditures amounted to $13,032.59. Two institutes have been held during the year, attended by nearly every teacher, and proving of much good and encouragement in the direction of youthful instruction. The school-houses are generally well furnished, and the schools are in a prosperous condition. Several good private schools are also maintained in the county. As the earliest forerunners of religious denominations in Saline's present territory the Methodists deserve prominent mention, having been the first to establish churches, and hold services here. Until 1836 Arkansas belonged to Missouri Conference. As early as 1817 Revs. William Stevenson and John Harris were appointed to Hot Springs district, and were probably the pioneer Methodist ministers in this part of the State. Mr. Stevenson, the more distinguished of the two, was made presiding elder of Hot Springs district, and served four years in that capacity. Some time in 1817 Rev. Stevenson held religious services at the residence of William Lockert, probably the first in the county. At that time there were only six families in what is now called Saline County, and for several years after meetings were held in neighbors' houses and in groves. Benton Methodist Episcopal Church was founded about 1836, and the present building erected in 1853. This was the first church in Benton, and was built by all denominations, the Odd Fellows aiding by their assistance in completing the upper part of the house for their hall. Saline Church, organized perhaps as early as 1840, is the site of Saline camp ground. It is in Saline Township and was founded by Rev. Patrick Scott. Mount Zion and New Bethel, in Saline Township; Pleasant Hill, in Union Township (founded in 1870); Wesley's Chapel (now Bryant), at Bryant; Oak Grove (organized in 1856); Mount Carmel (1889), in Saline Township; Hunter's Chapel (organized in 1886 and dedicated by Rev E. N. Watson, P. E.); McNeleand's Chapel (1889); Pleasant Hill, Shaw Township (1858); Sardis, Hurricane Township, (1858), the site of Centenary camp grounds; Saline Hill, Banner Township (1857, originally Old Saline); Collegeville, Owen Township (1856); Paran, Jefferson Township; Liberty, Liberty Township (1870); Hickory Grove (1859), Fair Play Township; Traskwood (1889), are all flourishing societies, and nearly all have good Sabbath-schools connected with them. Saline camp ground referred to above, and one of the most noted in the State, was started in 1867, under the leadership of Rev. Patrick Scott. It in located six miles northwest of Benton, and has, in addition to a commodious tabernacle over 100 booths. Centenary camp ground was commenced and improved by Sardis Church. A camp ground in Hurricane Township, twelve miles east of Benton, was laid out in 1884 by Rev. Harvey Watson, the leading spirit; a good tabernacle and twenty-four booths are here. The Baptists, like the Methodist brethren, began religious work at a very early date. The first minister of this denomination, of whom anything can be learned, was Rev. Jesse Bland, who is mentioned as early as 1825, Later are found the names of Revs. Samuel Henderson, Silas Dodd, Aaron Bolt and Allen Samuels. Union Baptist Church was the first Baptist organization in the county, having started in 1830, with eight members at the house of Rev. Jesse Bland. Services were held in groves and private houses until 1835, when around log church building was erected. Jesse Bland and Silas Dodd were the most prominent among the original members. The church continued without a pastor till 1834, when Rev. Samuel Henderson was called to serve them, remaining till 1840. He was followed by Rev. Aaron Bolt up to 1845, and since that time a number of others have occupied the pulpit. They now have a good building near the site of the original church, and a membership of 106. Rev. .J. T. Henderson is pastor. Spring Creek (Benton) Baptist Church was the second organized in this county, the meeting being held in the house of David Dodd, on the first Sunday in April, 1836. Rev. Samuel Henderson preached the sermon, Revs. Allen Samuels, Silas Dodd and Moses Bland being instrumental in the formation. The charter members were David Webb, Elizabeth Webb, Samuel Henderson, Aaron Bolt, David Dodd and Sarah Dodd. Rev. Samuel Henderson was moderator. Spring Creek Church continued to grow and prosper, and in 1878 changed the name to the First Baptist Church of Benton, worshipping in the Union Church until 1881, when the present substantial edifice was erected. They now have a membership of 150, and a flourishing Sabbath-school, of which D. M. Cloud is superintendent. Rev. B. F. Milam is pastor of the church. Salem Church was organized, in 1836, by Rev. Allen Samuels, who was its first pastor. It is situated in Jefferson Township, and is now under the spiritual guidance of Rev. H. A. Goodwin. North Fork Church was organized in Holland Township, in 1837, by Samuel Henderson, who was pastor up to 1841. Kentucky Church, situated in Kentucky Township, six miles northwest of Benton was organized by John Y. Lindsey, in 1837, and services were held in groves and private houses until 1840. A house was then built in the grove where the church was organized. . Rev. Lindsey was pastor of this church from 1837 till his death, in 1865. Rev. F. Moore served until 1869, and Rev. J. T. Henderson from 1860 to 1874. The present membership is 169. There are a number of other churches of this denomination in the county, twenty- two in all. Every township has at least one. Spring Creek Church was the body with which the First Baptist Association met that convened south of the Arkansas River in Arkansas. This was in October, 1836, delegates being in attendance from Louisiana and Southern Arkansas, some of whom traveled over 200 miles in ox-wagons. Rev. Samuel Henderson was moderator. The Presbyterians began church work in Saline County in 1838, and in that year founded an organization four miles south of Benton. Rev. William Harland was pastor, and Robert Calvert, Thomas Keesee, Jr., and Gideon Keesee, ruling elders. The society was called "Saline Congregation," and for a time flourished, but finally went down. It was reorganized at Benton, in 1851, by Rev. John F. King, pastor, and F. Leach, Robert Calvert and John Lindsey, ruling elders. Up to 1884 worship was held in the Methodist Episcopal Church building at Benton, but at that time a good frame house (the present one), in Benton, was constructed and utilized. The present membership numbers eighty; Rev. J. P. Lemon is pastor. A good Sabbath-school is an encouraging branch of the church work. Rev. Finis Leach, one of the original members, and who joined at the first organization, still survives. Financial affairs always occupy a prominent place in the proceedings of courts, and Saline is no exception to the general role. The amount of taxes collected for the year 1837 was $546.62 1/2; 1838, $1,241.01; for 1839, $2,349.33. A gradual increase was subsequently observed in the tax system, and the methods of collecting delinquent taxes were much improved. In 1882 Saline County's indebtedness was $24,000, and, in 1889, $3,339.64, the indebtedness having been reduced to its present limit since the closing of the saloons. Prior to that time a decided annual increase obtained. The delinquent tax is now small, and the county will be entirely free from debt in two years. A spirit of improvement is manifested throughout the entire community. A $5,000 iron bridge over the Saline River, on the military road, was ordered at the October term of court, 1889, and other improvements of decided benefit are assured. The total rate of taxation is 15 mills, apportioned as follows: County, 4 mills; bridge, 1 mill; special school tax, 5 mills; State, 5 mills. Having in these pages given a sketch of the material affairs of Saline County, it may be of interest to note its natural advantages of production and growth, so abundantly supplemented by man's wisdom and enterprise. The county's location is a most favorable one. Situated in the central part of the State, it is bounded north by Perry, east and northeast by Pulaski, south by Grant and Hot Spring, and west by Garland and Perry Counties, in a section peculiarly fertile. From its eastern extremity on the Arkansas River, in Township 2, south, to its most western point in Township 2, north, is fifty-four miles, and its greatest width on the line between Ranges 15'and 16, west, in thirty miles. This territory is divided into nineteen municipal townships, included in which are twenty postoffices. The area of the county is 600 square miles, or 441,600 acres, of which the United States Government owns 62,000 acres, subject to homestead entry; the State about 40,000, and the Iron Mountain Railroad Company 90,000 acres. Nearly fifteen per cent of its tillable land is in cultivation. In the eastern part a generally level physical aspect is presented, heavily timbered. Soil of a light sandy loam predominates, except on the Arkansas River, where it is darker and heavier, and exceedingly fertile, being unexcelled in the production of corn and cotton. The central portion is more broken, the soil here being of a red sandy and gravelly nature, except on the bottom lands of the Saline River, and is admirably adapted for the raising of fruits, corn, cotton and vegetable. Strawberries and peaches are also produced very early in the season. The county's western portion is mountainous; here the soil is a red sand and gravel, and it is well watered by the tributaries of the Saline. The Saline River traverses the central portion of the territory, in a direction somewhat from northwest to southeast. Its tributaries, North Fork, Alum Fork, Middle Fork and South Fork, entering the county on the borders of the north west, central, and southwestern parts, converge and form thin river about three miles northwest of Benton, and that stream flows on through the county. Lands on the Saline and its tributaries are excellent for farming purposes. The uplands are fairly timbered, while the valleys are in many places an unbroken forest, in which some of the finest timber in the State can be found. Oak, ash, hickory, walnut and yellow pine are the leading varieties, though many other kinds, equally important and useful, abound. Almost the entire mountainous portion of the county is underlaid with valuable minerals, showing traces of gold, nickel, silver, cobalt, iron, manganese, copper, lead, zinc, sulphur, arsenic, antimony, graphite, steatite, granite, kaolin, potter's clay and fire clay. The predominating minerals so far as developed are nickel, sand carbonate and steotite (soap stone). Some efforts are being made to disclose these various storehouses of nature, and utilize the riches which are only awaiting human appropriation. Rabbit Foot Mine, two and one-half miles northwest of Benton, on Saline River, yields nickel and most of the other minerals found in the county, but the principal ore is nickel. The future prospects of this mine are very promising. It is owned and operated by Col. S. H. Whitthorne, of Benton, mention of whom is made in subsequent pages. The American Mine, located in the extreme western portion of the country, has yielded sand carbonate and a considerable showing of gold. Steatite of a superior quality is found in various localities. Wallis' Mine, twelve miles north of Benton, in Beaver Township, has been partially developed, and shows an exhaustless bed of the finest quality of steatite. Potter's clay of a good quality is found in the central part of the county. Ever since 1800 pottery has been manufactured in the vicinity, but the business was greatly enlarged in 1873, and from that period the present extensive interests properly date. There are now seven good factories, producing various grades of ware, and, as this is at present a leading manufacturing industry, large shipments are constantly being made to the outside world. The agricultural productions of the county for the year 1879, as shown by the United States Census Reports in 1880, were as follows: Indian corn, 292,628 bushels; oats, 38,046 bushels; wheat, 7,589 bushels; hay, 178 tons; Irish potatoes, 7,682 bushels; sweet potatoes, 22,949 bushels; tobacco, 9,418 pounds; cotton, 5,075 bales. The average yield of seed cotton is 1,000 pounds per acre; wheat, 16 bushels; corn, 30 bushels, and oats, 50 bushels, while the vegetable production is enormous. What more need be said in indicating to the would be immigrant Saline County's desirability as a place of residence? It offers a natural wealth hardly exceeded; its attractions rest upon favorable facts impossible to dispute; society is of that order which surrounds moral, law-loving and law-abiding individuals; climatic and atmospheric conditions are all that need be asked; and here may the worthy, enterprising citizen, by application and manifested energy, obtain that just recognition which at all times is an incentive to honorable living and a benefit to any community.