WHITE COUNTY& OBITUARIES & MISC. NEWS CLIPS

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MAN'S DEATH IS UNSOLVED
Helenan Struck by Train - Doubt It Was Death Blow

HELENA, Ark., Nov. 2, 1936- Declaring that the victim was evidently struck by a Missouri Pacific train, a
coroner's jury returned a verdict to that effect today in the death of Buck Waddle, 36, but added "there is no
evidence that he was alive at the time he was struck."
Waddle's body, the head crushed, was found beside the railroad tracks about a mile south of here Saturday
night and taken to a local undertaking parlor, where it was identified by Herman L. Talbot, brother-in-law of the
victim, yesterday.
Funeral services were conducted this afternoon from the Waddle residence in West Helena by the Rev. E. L.
Sharpe, Christian minister of Helena, with burial in Odd Fellows Rest.
(Special thanks to R. D. Waddle, who submitted this August 11, 1997!)

November 2, 1936
RELATIVE IDENTIFIES BODY HELD AT HELENA

Buck Waddle Believed Struck by Train While Asleep
HELENA, Ark, Nov. 1.- The body of a man found last night near the Missouri Pacific tracks about a mile
south of town, the head crushed, was identified this afternoon as that of Buck Waddle, 36, West Helena.
The body was identified by Herman T. Tolbert, brother-in-law of the victim. Tolbert and his wife make their
home with the Waddle family.
E. K. Campbell, engineer on a train arriving here shortly before 8 o'clock discovered the body and reported it to
local authorities. It was removed to a local undertaking parlor where it was helf for identification.
It is thought that Waddle was struck by a train either while asleep or in a daze. A smouldering fire was near the
scene.
His family became uneasy when he failed to return home last night and Tolbert set out to look for him. He went
to the undertaking parlor upon learning that a man had been killed last night.
He leaves his widow and two children, Cledis, 6 and Finis 17 (months, sic), all of West Helena; his mother,
Mrs. Winnie Hicks, Amagon, Ark.; a sister, Rena Hicks, Hughes, Ark., and two brothers, Clarence and Ivory
Hicks, both of Bederville, Ark.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
(Special thanks to R. D. Waddle, who submitted this August 11, 1997!)

Kokomo Daily Dispach
Wed., May 3, 1893
Five Men Lost
Searcy, Ark., May 3, - Allen Brown, Robinson Caruth, Joe Scott, Sandy Cooksey & Allen Booth, employed at
the government rock quarry 2 miles south of this place, got in a small boat at noon, Tuesday & attempted to
cross the Little River to go to their dinner. When they had reached the middle of the river the raging torrent
overcame their strength and their boat was thrown violently against a rock, wrecking it. The men were thrown
into the river & were soon carried down with the current. The bodies have not been recovered.
(Thanks to Donnie, the Van Buren Co. volunteer!)

Ark. Gazette
June, 1882
Judson University
The exercise connected with the seventh annual commencement of the above institution located at Judsonia in
this state occured last week. The baccalaureate sermon of Prof. Parnelle, address by Rev. J. F. Rivers, Jr., and
Rev. J. S. Thomas of Searcy were highly appreciated. On the 15 th inst. the commencement proper took place.
Two young men recieved the degree of Bachelor of Science, Albert E. Baker & Charles D. James. Their
orations were well written & admirably delivered. The president informed us that he had succeeded in
liquidating the most pressing claims against the property, so that the University will open the fall term Monday,
Sept. 11, under the most auspicious circumstances. 

Judsonia Advance
July 4, 1888
Another victim of the joiner at the Box Factory. Mark Smith gratified his curiosity as to the sharpness of the
knife, resulting in the loss of the ends of 2 fingers on his right hand. This is the 3rd party whose digits have
been abbreviated by that machine.

Judsonia Advance
April 21, 1918
Last Sunday two grown & six young wolves were killed in the Sheepneck neighborhood. The dogs ran the
wolves into a den in Cedar Hollow on the farm of L. N. Hilger. A large crowd gathered. Three blasts of
dynamite failed to discharge the wolves. Finally Wiley Carruthers crawled into the cave, flashed a light into the
wolves' eyes & killed them. The male weighed 60 pounds, & the female 46 pounds.

Southern Economist
Vol. VI, no. 29
Aug. 3, 1893
Beebe notes - Mr. Tom Cranford residing near Antioch, died a slow fever last Sunday. Mr. Cranford was an
enterprising & successful farmer, a good citizen, & his death is deplored by all who knew him.

Judsonia Advance
Aug. 24, 1887
Joseph Wetzel will finish burning his kiln of brick this week & our citizens will not be bothered in the future to
secure bricks for flues & curbing.

Judsonia Advance
Sept. 7, 1887
Some of our young people are again induldging in amateur telegraph lines. One has recently been established
between the houses of T. B. Drake & F. Franceur.

Ark. Gazette
Oct. 22, 1899
At Searcy
There was a charming little reception held at the Gill House last Mon. evening. The decorations were of roses &
palms. The refreshments were dainty & the evening was a social success. Miss Cline, vocalist at Galloway,
sang twice, her full rich voice floating in mellow tones & giving enjoyment to all. Miss McKennon of the
institute played a difficult instrumental piece. As her fingers glided unerringly smoothly over the most difficult
passages, each felt that Searcy had never her superior as a musician. in her reading Miss Fowlkes proved
herself as an artist.
Tues. evening a merry party of 23 went 'possum hunting chaperoned by 2 young married ladies. The moonlight
was perfect & no doubt cupid was busy somewhere among the few young couples, as only 3 'possums were
reported to have been caught.
Wed. Mrs. Percival took her guests at the Gill House down below Ria Vista -otting, an eighteen mile drive.
They landed in the woods gathered and hauled about 10 bushels of large nuts; took sapping at Bald Knob &
drove home by moonlight. They reached Searcy at about 9 o'clock, a happy, successful party.
Friday the gentleman at the Gill House went visiting down on Little Red river.(part missing here) -- are located
at the Sulphur Springs Hotel, also Mr. Lyons & wife of MO. There are 18 families of drummers located at
Searcy. There has never been case of scarlet fever or diphtheria in this little city. Several years ago there were
several cases that had diphtheretic symptoms & one case of a little child who was thought to have scarlet fever
but who was out again in a week. Searcy is noted for her sulphur water, her new schools her high moral
tone-hence the number of men who have their families here.

Judsonia Advance
Sept. 28, 1887
E. D. McAllister, proprietor of the Pacific Hotel, has purchased a new hack to run between his hotel & the
depot. It is driven by the most accomodating of drivers, Ben Key.

Arkansas Gazette
Oct. 18, 1899
Jesse Goff of Cleburne Co. was brought in by Deputy Collector, Fred Johnson. He was caught in the illicit still
which he was running & his plant was destroyed.

Judsonia Advance
Nov. 23, 1887
Saturday a horse belonging to Mr. A. T. Jones of West Point became frightened & breaking his halter ran
through town apparently mad with fright. He attempted to run into 2 different stores in town & finally made his
way toward the river; running through the saw mill before he tried to jump a deep ditch near there but failed in
his attempt & fell in. He was hoisted out, having sustained a few slight injuries.

Judsonia Advance
June 6, 1888
Floyd Coe had quite an accident with his team Tuesday which came near resulting seriously. In driving the ferry
boat the chain with which the wagon wheels were tied broke & pushed his horses into the river. Before they
could be disengaged from the harness they came near being drowned.

The Southern Economist
Vol. VI, No. 29
Aug. 3, 1893
Strayed or stolen: from the Jim Watson place, on Des Arc Creek, 3 miles from Center Hill, one black roan mare
& mule colt one year old. Owner, J. M. Davis, Center Hill, AR.

The Southern Economist
Vol. VI, No. 29
Aug. 3, 1893
J. D. DuBois, of Judsonia will move to OK in Sept.

The Arkansas Gazette
Oct. 15, 1899
At Searcy
The Home Mission Society of the Methodist Church has had a refreshing week of prayer & enter on their full
duties with renewed energy.
Misses Bevle Wood & Mildred Watkins will enjoy the charming hospitality of Mrs. Percival at the Gill House
for the next few days.
A knight of the grip, John Stevens of St. Louis, with his family, is registered at the Sulphur Springs Hotel for
the winter.
A cotillion at the popular Gill House is one of the anticipated events by the young people in the near future. 
The Missionary Society of the Searcy Female Institute has a record for the past school term of which it may well
be proud. When it is remembered the number of boarders in this school is to 20 & less than that number was in
the school when the term closed, the sum given by the girls of $36 was a handsome amount. This institute is
very quiet about its work but the work accomplished is very thourough & effective & will be recognized as
unsurpassed in the near future.
Galloway is rapidly nearing the finishing touches. The family of the contractor, Will Stewart, has returned to
Newport to fit the home up for the home-coming of the father within the next week. The Gill House does not
"speed the parting guests" but rejoices with Searcy in the completion of this handsome building.

The Arkansas Gazette
Oct. 15, 1899
Brief Points about People
Miss Sue Ellen Pride of Searcy is visiting her cousin, Mrs. O. K. Schaad.

The New York Times
Mon., March 23, 1952
Storm Cellar No 'Folly'
22 Ark. Neighbors Saved by Shelter They Ridiculed. Midway, Ark., Mar. 23 (UP) - 22 of her neighbors in
this small community are grateful today to Mrs. Bratt Faulks. The Faulks folly, they think now, when the
Faulks moved here from Heber Springs, Mrs. Faulks insisted that her husband add a storm cellar to the new
house he was building. Mr. Faulks did so reluctantly, amid jibes from neighbors who declared the idea useless.
Friday night 22 of these neighbors crowded with the Faulks family into the "useless shelter". The Faulks home
& several others were demolished by a tornado. (see also the page on the Judsonia tornado accessable from the
main White Co. page)

The Southern Economist
Vol. VI, No. 29
Aug. 3, 1893
Tues. afternoon at the residence of Mr. J. E. Massey, father of the bride, Dr. J. W. Fuller, of Augusta, & Mrs.
Nettie Neal, of this city, were united in marriage by Rev. W. B. Hays, of Augusta. After the ceremony the
couple left for Augusta, their future home.

The Southern Economist
Vol. VI, No. 29
Aug. 3, 1893
The following marriage license have been issued since our last publication last week: W. T. Sutton & Julia E.
Holyfield; Jas J. Kizziar & Georgia Hackney; W. B. Ward & J. E. Bailey; J. W. Fuller & Mrs. Nettie Neal; W.
C. Malone & Amanda Ward.

The Southern Economist
Vol. VI, No. 29
Aug. 3, 1893
A horse belonging to J. T. Quick, of El Paso, fell into an old well in Mitchell's wagon yard, Sunday & was
killed.

The Southern Economist
Vol. VI, No. 29
Aug. 3, 1893
Beebe notes - Rev. F. M. Wylie has accepted a position as traveling agent for the Lebanon Female College, of
Lebanon, Tenn., & left Monday on his work, going from here to Helena.

The Southern Economist
Vol. VI, No. 29
Aug. 3, 1893
Criminal cases before the Circuit Court: State vs W. H. Hope - sabbath breaking, not guilty; St. vs Jas. Ross -
sabbath breaking, fine $25; St. vs Carrie Holliday - grand larceny - 1 year in pen; St. vs Otho Lews - grand
larceny - 1 year in pen; St. vs Jas. Caruthers - carrying a pistol - fine $50.

(Much thanks to Mitzi, our White Co. Quattlebaum researcher for the following!)
The White County Citizen , Searcy, Arkansas 
Wednesday, November 26, 1941 
Mrs. Bill Tucker and son, Billie Max, of Judsonia spent the weekend visiting relatives here and her sister Mrs.
George Reed accompanied her home Sunday afternoon.

Buddie Cox who was lately inducted into the army, received a 72 hour leave to come home on account of his
grandmothers death left this Monday morning for Camp Robinson to await his transfer to his post.

We are sorry to report Mrs. Arthur Hughes was on the sick list the past week, hope she soon recovers.

T.T. Hughes also is numbered with the sick ones.

Dr. Spain was called to see J. E. Barton again today(Monday).

Mrs. John Brown went to Floyd last Thursday evening to visit her daughter, Mrs. Chunk Benton, who is sick
with flue and pneumonia.

J. C. Harrison of Searcy spent the week end here, the guest of his brother, J. B. Harrison and sisters, Mrs. J.
E. Barton and Mrs. J.P. Findley.


LETONA NEWS

Our school house sure was packed with an unusually large crowd of people Monday night when Lonnie
Glosson and his Sugar Creek Gang gave us a grand show.

Miss Evelyn Rowland went to Searcy Monday and had a minor operation, but she is doing nicely.

Miss Irma Gene Bogle made a business trip to Searcy Monday.

Some people have been killing hogs here at this place.

Our school is getting along fine. We are selling candy to get a basketball, so help us by buying some candy
from the school.

We are very sorry to hear of the death of Mrs. Maggie Horn. She was loved by all of this place. Her loved ones
have our deepest sympathy.

White Co. Record
Oct. 28, 1876
Divine Service
Rev. Waler Killbough will preach at the presbyterian church on to-morrw (Sunday) morning at the usual hour.
Mr. Killough is a young man, well educated, a good preacher, & withal a White Co. boy. His sermons are well
studied, and are admire by his listeners & his delivery is excellent. The public are respectfully invited to attend.

New Goods at Hicks, Lightle & Co. They are right pretty, too. George Faucette takes delight in showing pretty
calicoes, and he was busy as a bee taking them out of the boxes while we were there. Friend John Lightle is
back from the centenniel & will wait on you with pleasure and also give you some idea of the big show.

The Central House at Little Rock has been leased by our townsman, Capt. Henry Booth, for 5 years, and is
controlled by him solely & exclusively.

George McNeil has gone to Little Rock to clerk at the Central House.

Mr. Jas. E. Skillern has opened a nice lot of goods at Quitman.

The Gazette, Little Rock, Arkansas (Thanks to Mary Ann Mitchell for this!)
April 25, 1906.
A. B. HOUSE, PIONEER, DIED AT HIS HOME
Father of Hon. Joseph W. House of Little Rock Expires at Age of 83 Years in White County
A. B. House, a pioneer of central Arkansas and for more than half a century a leading citizen of White county,
died at his home at West Point, eight miles east of Searcy,Monday.
One of Mr. House's sons is Hon. Joseph W. House of Little Rock, who, accompanied by his wife, has gone to
West Point to attend the funeral.
Deceased was 83 years of age and when quite a young man he located in White county and had engaged in
farming since then. Mr. House was esteemed as one of the most exemplary citizens of that county. Col. John
M. Moore and John R. Jobe, former residents of White county who knew him well, spoke last night in terms of
high prasie of Mr. House, as a man and citizen. Although taking deep interest in public affairs, in line with his
occupation of the duty of every citien, he did not seek office himself, although no man was held in higher
regard or was deemed worthier of preferment in public office. Mr. House was content to remain a private citizen
always.
Besides Judge House of Little Rock, deceased leaves another son, J. Polk House, who resides at Searcy.

Paper name unknown
Date after Nov. 30, 1931 (date he died)
S. M. Plant Funeral Services at Rosebud
In the church at Rosebud he helped to build & in which his name stood first in the membership role, funeral
services were held Tues. afternoon for Stephen M. ("Uncle Steve") Plant, 84-year-old Confederate veteran &
well behaved citizen of the Rosebud community, who died there Monday morning. The services were
conducted by Rev. Geoge Wiman & Rev. Hagar, pastor of the church.
Mr. Plant was born near Quitman, April 3, 1847, and his entire life was spent within a few miles of his
birthplace. His parents moved when he was quite young to White Co., at the community & church afterwards
called Plant's Chapel, in honor of his father. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the Confederate army & served the
last year of the civil war under General Gates, surrendering in 1865 at Jacksonport, Ark. In 1866 he was
married to Nancy Jane Smith, who died July 31, 1920. To them were born 9 children, of whom 8 survive.
They are J. Zeno Plant & Mrs. S. M. Acker of Searcy, C. D., W. E. & J. P. Plant & Mrs. Allie Holt of
Rosebud, Mrs. Nola Munn of McAlester, Oklahoma, and Mrs. Ada Linton, of Las Cruces, N. M. All the
children were with him in his last illness except Mrs. Munn & Mrs. Linton. He is survived by 32
grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren & 1 great-great-grandchild, also by one sister, Mrs. Josie Wilson. One of
his neices is Mrs. Avery E. Moore of Enders, widow of the former state auditor.
Mr. Plant was noted as a zealous supporter of Christian religion & prohibition. When his sons were young he
told them not to drink, curse of smoke until they saw or knew of him doing it. His greatest interest was in the
Methodist church at Rosebud & during his last illness he worried into delirium over a fear that the church had
been sold.

The Daily Citizen (Searcy - Special thanks to Robert L. Lytal for sending this in!)
Tues., April 2, 1940
Mrs. Susan E. Shelby
Mrs. Susan E. Shelby died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. H. L. Wallace, near McRae, March 28. Mrs.
Shelby had lived in White county since childhood. She was 98 years, 2 months and 7 days old. Interment was
in the Sidon Cemetery Saturday, March 30. Westbrook Funeral Home was in charge.

The "Arkansas Democrat," (Special thanks to Larry Vick for this!)
11 Feb 1934, p. 4 says 
"Dr. Little, Physician Of Judsonia, Dies Judsonia. Feb. 10. - (Special)-Dr. R. L. Little, aged 68, prominent
physician of Judsonia, died at his home here early Saturday morning, after a long illness. He practiced medicine
here during the past 35 years. Dr. Little was a past master of the local Masonic lodge and was active in church
work. He was chairman of the board of deacons of the First
Baptist church. Dr. Little was married in 1892 to Miss Robbie Bell Rushing. By this marriage there is a son,
W. D. Little of Norman, Ark., and a daughter, Mrs. Henry B. Fraser, McGehee. In 1910 he married Mrs.
Rose M. McCauley, who survives him. Mrs. Little is the mother of Lieut. J. Wayne McCauley, who is
stationed at Kelly Field, San Antonio, Tex. In addition to his immediate family, Dr. Little is survived by a
brother, Jim Little of Bradford, and a sister, Mrs. Emma Coffman Payne, Memphis, Tenn. Funeral services
will be held in the First Baptist church at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon in charge of the pastor, William Kelley,
assisted by Rev. S. C. Vick of Arkadelphia. Burial will be in Evergreen cemetery."

The "Arkansas Democrat" (Thanks again to Larry Vick for this & all the other info he's supplied!)
(Little Rock, 9 Sep 1961);p. 3
"Mrs. Rose Little JUDSONIA - Mrs. Rose Best Little, 80, of Judsonia died in a Little Rock nursing home
yesterday. She was the widow of Dr. R. L. Little. Survivors include a stepson, Dallas Little; two
step-daughters, Mrs. Henry Fraser of McGehee and Mrs. Theodore Johnson of Little Rock; three brothers,
Lonnie Best of Helena and Louis Best and Porter Best of McCrory, and three sisters, Mrs. E. N. Jordan and
Mrs. Cyril E. Bryant of Booneville and Miss Myrtle Best of McCrory. Funeral arrangements will be announced
by the Thompson-Wilson Funeral Home of McCrory."

Unknown newspaper (found in Q. D. Baker Family Bible)
Handwritten above article: Died Sept. 5, 1969
Mrs. Martha Q. Cato
Beebe - Martha Jane Quattlebaum Cato, 92, of Searcy, died Friday. She was a Missionary Baptist. Survivors
include 3 sons, Johnny Cato & Leonard Cato of Searcy, & Bedford Cato of Jacksonville; four daughters, Mrs.
Willie Morgan of Cabot, Mrs. Arlee Guier & Mrs. Q. D. Baker of Searcy & Mrs. Lester Barnett of Missouri; a
brother, Phillip Quattlebaum, of Searcy; 19 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren & 12
great-great-grandchildren. Funeral will be held at Westbrook Funeral Home. Burial will be at the Quattlebaum
Cemetery.

Unknown newspaper (found in Q. D. Baker Family Bible)
(This article is almost the same as the above)
Funeral Services held for Searcy Nonagenarian
Funeral services for Mrs. Martha Jane Quattlebaum Cato, 92, who died Friday, Sept. 5, at her home, 908 W.
Race, were held Sun., Sept. 7, at 2 p.m. at the Westbrook Funeral Home in Home Chapel in Bebee.
Services were conducted by Rev. R. L. Spears. He read Psalm 23, Rev. 23:4 & told of her many Christian
deeds. A chorus directed by Eddie Price sang "Amazing Grace", "Precious Memories" & her favorite hymn,
"I'll Fly Away". Pallbearers were Hoyt L. Baker, Carvillee Benton, Donnie L. Bolding, Achel E. Cato,
Weldon Cato & Johnnie L. Quattlebaum. Internment was in Quattlebaum Cemetery at Gravel Hill by
Westbrook.
Survivors include 4 dau., Mrs. Arlee Guier of Searcy, Mrs. Millie Morgan of Cabot, Mrs. Roni Baker of Joy &
Mrs. Luvenie Barnett of Bloomfield, Missouri; 3 sons, Johnnie & Leonard Cato, both of Searcy & Bedford
Cato of Jacksonville; 19 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren & 12 great-great-grandchildren.

Unknown newspaper (found in Q. D. Baker Family Bible)
Handwritten above article: Died Oct. 27, 1962
Final Rites Held for T. J. Cato
Funeral Services for Thomas Jefferson Cato, 89, a retired farmer of Searcy, who died at his home, were held
today, Oct. 29, at 2 p.m. at the Gravel Hill Missionary Baptist Church by Rev. R. L. Spears. Burial was at the
Quattlebaum Cemetery by Westbrook Funeral Service in Beebe. Mr. Cato was a member of the Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Janie Quattlebaum Cato; 3 sons, Leonard Cato & Johnny Cato, both of
Searcy, & Bedford Cato of Jacksonville; 4 daughters, Mrs. Millie Morgan of Cabot, Mrs. Luvine Barnett of
Missouri & Mrs. Arlee Guier & Mrs. Roni Baker, both of Searcy, 19 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren &
2 great-great-grandchildren.


Unknown newspaper (found in Q. D. Baker Family Bible)
(no date given)
Mr. & Mrs. H. L. Tilley Jr., & children Jackie, Terri, James, David & Rex went to Mrs. Tilley's parents
Sunday for the Q. D. Baker's 32 nd wedding anniversary. Those attending were Mr. & Mrs. Frank Cowan &
baby daughter, Shannon, Mr. & Mrs. Hoyt Baker & children & Miss Linda Baker, all of Little Rock & Mr. &
Mrs. Q. T. Quattlebaum & children of Joy. All had a big dinner & reported a good time visiting.

Copyright (c) Bonnie Palmer, all rights reserved