___________________________________________________________________________ I want air, and sunshine, and blue sky, The feeling of the breeze upon my face, The feeling of the turf beneath my feet, And no walls but the far-off mountain tops. Longfellow ___________________________________________________________________________ Geologic Formation Pike County in its northern part is composed of tolerably high ranges of sandstone, and shales of the millstone grit, which extend south nearly to Murfreesboro. South of this the Little Missouri winds through the cretaceous formation. At the Plaster Bluff, on the Little Missouri, on Sections 29 and 30, Township 8 south, Range 25 west, are valuable beds of gypsum. This plaster-bed must become of some practical importance, from the fine quality of the plaster-stone that may be obtained here, and from the associate limestone, both highly useful to the agriculturist as mineral fertilizers. Royston's chalybeate spring is situated on the east half of the southwest quarter of Section 33, Township 7 south, Range 25 west. It is a saline chalybeate, and possesses good medicinal properties. The hard shell limestone of the cretaceous formation shows itself frequently in the vicinity of Murfreesboro but it is mostly covered by a quaternary gravel. There is also cretaceous limestone on the north side of Prairie Creek, bearing south of west, which extends two or three miles, and is then succeeded by sandstone and slate. No limestone was observed from the mouth of Prairie Creek, on the Little Missouri, to the extreme southeastern limit of this county. ___________________________________________________________________________ Sources of Revenue - Products Advantages for Residents Along the valleys of Pike County are found some of the most fertile farming lands in Southern Arkansas, narrow bottoms between the hills, on which the farmers have no trouble to raise a bail of cotton every year. The bottom lands along the Little Missouri River are of considerable extent, covering much of the southern and southwestern parts of the country. Not more than a sixth of these magnificent lands is under cultivation, while the extensive tracts yet awaiting occupation are ample to support a population equaling all the inhabitants of the county now. Pike County may justly be called a good farming country, though the northern portions are hilly, broken and rough; the other parts have a good sandy soil, running into a sandy loam, with clay subsoil, with large tracts of the celebrated red lands, which are the most productive of all uplands soils. All these lands are very easily cultivated, not requiring more than a third of the labor which the planters of the Mississippi River bottoms are compelled to bestow on theirs to make crops; for this reason, the farmer in the uplands of Pike County realizes as much, ion proportion to the labor expended, as the planter in more fertile localities. This fact, coupled with the more favorable conditions of health and good water, show the advantages of Pike County as a place of permanent residence. Cotton is the principle crop, and an average yield for bottom lands is 1,400 pounds, and the uplands 800 pounds per acre. The people of this county also raise almost everything that is needed for home consumption in the way of vegetables and fruits, and nearly all their meat, which shows the independent position of the people here. With the introduction of fertilization, and a more careful, and possibly a more scientific method of farming, Pike County would at once show what her productive capacities are. Fruit here may be depended on to yield abundant crops every year, and some sorts, as the peach and plum, reach a degree of perfection that few other localities can show. With railroad communication to the north, all kinds of berries might be raised and placed on the early markets at a high price, which would insure a large profit to the grower. No county is better adapted for extensive engagement in this industry. The timber districts of the county embrace all its territory, except those portions under cultivation and may be estimated at three quarters of its entire area. On this many square miles of primitive forest lands are found some of the finest timber of which Arkansas can boast. There is a belt that crosses the county about ten miles north of the county seat that is absolutely unsurpassed, and on the advent of a railroad through the county would at once figure as a great wealth producing source. The most valuable timber trees are short leaf pine, of which there is an immense quantity, oak of several varieties, hickory, walnut, ash, maple, sycamore, and red gum. Very little timber has ever been cut and sold from this county, none except what was rafted down the Little Missouri River, and that industry was discontinued many years ago. Gypsum, or plaster stone, is found in this county in quantities so large that it may be said to be inexhaustible. A ledge of this rock rises from the river two miles below Murfreesboro. It is in a wonderful state of purity, and only needs transportation to be placed on the markets of the world. Kaolin, or porcelain clay, is found in wonderful abundance in several places, but principally in a locality eight miles east of Murfreesboro. This is in a degree of purity rarely seen, and from the extent of the deposit will become a valuable source of revenue to the county when it can be placed on the market. ___________________________________________________________________________ Healthfullness Pike ranks with other counties in Southern Arkansas in the favorable conditions of the people's general health. Children are particularly free from fatal diseases, and among this class there are few deaths. Statistics from physicians reveal an annual death rate of about thirteen to the thousand inhabitants of the county, a lower rate than will be found in almost any other part of the country. ___________________________________________________________________________ Situation Pike County is situated in the southwestern part of Arkansas, between the thirty-fourth and thirty-fifth degrees of north latitude, and ninety-third and ninety-fourth degrees of west longitude. ___________________________________________________________________________ How Bounded It is bounded on the north by Montgomery, on the east by Clark, on the south by Nevada and Hempstead, and on the west by Hempstead and Howard Counties. It has an area of 620 miles. ___________________________________________________________________________ Surface Construction The topography of this county is much varied. The northern and central portions are quite mountainous, some of the highest hills rising to an elevation of 300 feet above the Little Missouri. These ranges of hills have a general trend of northwest and southeast, and amid them are many beautiful valleys noted for their fertility. The southern part of the county is much more regular in surface, and abounds in broader valleys, along the larger streams. There is much bottom land in this section, a great deal of which equals the Arkansas River Valley in fertility and productiveness, and is much more easily cultivated. ___________________________________________________________________________ Streams The county is thickly traversed by many streams, of which the Little Missouri River is the largest and most important. This stream rises in Polk County, enters Pike in the extreme northwestern corner, flows southeast, and after forming a portion of the southern boundary line leaves the county at its southeastern corner. The bottoms lands along the valley of this beautiful river are very fertile, and will rank in productiveness with any in the State. Antoine Creek is formed by the union of three small streams in the northeastern part of the county, and flows south, forming a portion of the county's eastern boundary, and empties in the Little Missouri River, at the extreme southeastern part of the county. Saline Creek rises near the central part of the county, flows south about fifteen miles and empties in the Little Missouri. Wolf Creek rises near the central part of the county, flows southeast and empties in the Antoine Creek. Rock Creek rises in the northern part of the county, flows southeast and empties in the Caddo. Caddo River flows for a short distance through the northeastern part of the county. The Muddy Fork of the Little Missouri River rises in Howard County, flowing east into the Clear Fork of the Little Missouri, near Murfreesboro. Woodall Creek rises near the center of the county, flows northeast and empties into Antoine Creek. ___________________________________________________________________________ Some Old Settlers The early land entry books were destroyed by fire, so it is (difficult) to ascertain who were positively the first settlers here. The following list, though incomplete, is of some who were living here prior to 1830: Jeremiah Davis, Joseph Davis, ... John Hughes, James Hughes, Oliver Brewer Sr., Henry Brewer, ... David Dickson, ... John Blocker, ... the Kelleys - Elijah and William, Isaac White. None of these men are now living, but descendants of nearly all are to be found here enjoying health and happiness, and nearly all prosperity. ___________________________________________________________________________ Familiar Names A list, also incomplete, of some living here prior to 1840: Asa Thompson, the McDonald family, John White, George Hensley, Jesse Jenkins, William Bizzell, David Huddleston, James H. Kirkham, William Stone and Pleasant White. To continue the list of later arrivals in full, would make such a long report that a few names are selected of those who were found to be prominent in the county's early history, and who arrived here prior to 1860: Henry Merrill, John Matlock, Taylor Polk, Edwin Owens, William Cooley, John R. Rodgers, H.H. Meredith, James Scott, Thomas McClure, Jordan Reese, Sloman Reese, Levi Davis, Hiram Stell and family, the Wingfields, the Eppersons, John Gillam, the Foresters, Ewing Alford, William Orrick, Abner Henderson Sr., Josiah Corbell, Dr. Thomas Conway, Henry Lynn, Henry Carter, the Huddlestons. Many of these men are still living, and enjoying the repose of a well-spent life, after the cares and fatigues of pioneer settlement. ___________________________________________________________________________ School Interests From the report of County Examiner Charles E. Stelle, made to the State superintendent of public instruction in 1888, the following copy is taken, referring to the condition of schools here: "Enumeration - White, 3,020; colored, 156. During the year ending June 30, 1888, there was expended: For schools, $4,788.79; for teacher's salaries, $4,775.29; the average monthly salary paid teachers, $31.48; number of teachers, 48; number of colored teachers, 2; average term of schools, 3 months; number of districts, 39; number voting tax, 15; average tax voted, 4 2/5 mills; number of school-houses, 12; value of school-houses, $1,240." "A majority of the schools were taught in houses used also for churches, and that are not the property of the district, and hence are not reported as public school houses." ___________________________________________________________________________ A Good Showing "That the public schools are increasing in popularity and usefulness is undoubted. My first appointment as examiner of this county was in January, 1878, and during that year I licensed six teachers. Every district was in debt, and hostility to public schools was universal and outspoken. Last year I issued thirty-nine certificates to teachers, and this year have issued forty-five. The districts are all out of debt, and men who, a few years ago, worked against school tax, now vote and work for it. There are no denominational schools in the county, and not many private schools are taught." It will be seen from the above that the public schools of Pike County are rapidly improving, and from the almost universal desire of the people to still advance the grade and standard, we may soon expect to see a much greater and more favorable change. There are several excellent schools in the county, and the school at Murfreesboro, especially, shows most favorably. There are taught besides the required branches, Latin, algebra, analysis and physiology. This school is in charge of J.B. Thomasson, and has an enumeration of eighty-seven. After the free session of four months expires, he conducts a private term of six months. ___________________________________________________________________________ Officials of the County Among the county and other officers called upon to occupy positions of usefulness are the following: County Judges - Washington Sorrels, 1834-1835; William Kelley, 1835-1840; David Huddleston, 1840-1844; William Kelley, 1844-1848; James Scott, 1848-1850; Isaac White, 1850-1852; J. McDowel, 1852-1854; David Huddleston, 1854-1864; Elijah Kelley, 1865-1868; Robert A. Cox, 1868-1872; David Huddleston, 1874-1880; J.C. McKetchan, 1880-1882; T.J. Tolleson, 1882-1884; Thomas B. Stephans, 1884-1886; Isaac Cooley, 1886-1888; W.N. McClure, 1888-1890. County Clerks - David S. Dickson, 1834-1848; William H. Preston, 1848-1850; Thomas K. Dossey, 1850-1852; John S. Owens, 1852-1854; W.R. McFarlin, 1854-1856; William J. Kelley, 1856-1862; James H. Howard, 1862-1864; William J. Kelley, 1865-1866; James H. Howard, 1866-1868; H.P. Howard, 1868-1874; William J. White, 1874-1875; M.W. Hill, 1875-1878; W.B. Thomasson, 1878-1884; J.O.A. Bush, 1884-1890. Sheriffs - John Hughes, 1834-1835; Isaac White, 1835-1840; Henry Brewer, 1840-1842; Lewis Huddleston, 1842-1854; William Gilmer, 1854-1862; John M. Davis, 1862-1866; Benjamin S. Davis, 1866-1872; William J. Reed, 1872-1874; A.F. Wilson, 1874-1876; J.P. Copeland, 1876-1880; W.N. McClure, 1880-1886; J.P. Gosnell, 1886-1888; A.W. Parker, 1888-1890. Treasurers - John Hughes, 1838-1840; Hiram Kizzia, 1840-1842; Rice Stringer, 1842-1852; David Huddleston, 1854-1856; John D. Brewer, 1856-1860; J.B.P. Elzy, 1860-1864; Thomas W. McClure, 1864-1866; John Wagner, 1866-1872; Thomas J. Strawn, 1872-1874; William J. Jackson, 1874-1876; William J. Smedley, 1876-1878; J.A. Holland, 1878-1882; John W. Covington, 1882-1884; H.F. Fagan, 1884-1886; William M. Kizzia, 1886-1890. Coroners - John M. Dickson, 1834-1835; James H. Kirkham, 1835-1836; Henry Brewer, 1836-1840; William H. Atkins, 1840-1842; B. Scott, 1842-1844; Isaac Hay, 1844-1846; William B. Speer, 1846-1848; Thomas J. Conway, 1848-1850; S.S. Thompson, 1850-1852; W. Huddleston, 1852-1854; Thomas J. Conway, 1854-1856; C.M. Crawford, 1856-1858; Benjamin Bryant, 1858-1860; William J. Thompson, 1860-1862; W. Huddleston, 1862-1864; David Womack, 1864-1866; Thomas J. Strawn, 1866-1868; George W. Logan, 1868-1872; Granville W. Tarpley, 1872-1874; C.N. Westerman, 1874-1876; John Gorham, 1876-1882; C.N. Westerman, 1882-1886; D.L. Bowen, 1886-1888; Jackson J. Wingfield, 1888-1890. Surveyors - E.K. Williams, 1835-1836; James H. Kirkham, 1836-1838; William Johnston, 1840-1842; T. Scott, 1842-1844; James H. Kirkham, 1846-1848; William Johnston, 1850-1852; W.R. McFarlin, 1852-1854; James Scott, 1854-1856; Cyrus Hubble, 1856-1858; W.R. McFarlin, 1858-1860; Cyrus Hubble, 1860-1862; F.J. McFarlin, 1862-1864; W.R. Smedley, 1864-1866; J.M. Southerland, 1866-1868; C.S. Cox, 1868-1872; J.S. Corbell, 1872-1880; R.S. Burke, 1880-1882; J.S. Thomasson, 1882-1890. Assessors - John Wagner, 1868-1872; W.N. McClure, 1872-1874; George W. Logan, 1874-1882; J.P. Gosnell, 1882-1886; W.N.McFarland, 1886-1888; B.F. Bryant, 1888-1890. Pike County has been represented in the General Assembly by the following members: Asa Thompson, 1836-1838; John Wilson, 1840; William Bizzell, 1842-1843; Elijah Kelley, 1846; William Gilmer, 1848-1851; Samuel Kelley, 1852-1853; William B. Gould, 1854-1855; Elijah Kelley, 1856-1857; Gideon Mason, 1858-1859; Willis Jones, 1860-1862; William B. Gould, 1862; M. Stennette, 1864-1865; William B. Gould, 1865; J.A. McCollum, 1866-1867; J.R. Bush, 1868-1869; John Wagner, 1871; Booker D. Brock, 1877; Henry W. Carter, 1879; J.A. Davis, 1881-1885; J.P. Copeland, 1885; J.P. Dunn, 1887-1890. In the Senate of the State are found the following members from this county: James H. Howard, 1871-1873; O.D. East, 1874-1877; J.P. Copeland, 1887-1890. Mr. James H. Howard was prosecuting attorney of this, the Eighth Judical District, in 1873-1875. The member to the Constitutional Convention of 1836 was Elijah Kelley; in 1874, Henry W. Carter. ___________________________________________________________________________ During War Times The military operations in Pike County consisted in supplying the Confederate army with two full companies, raised and dispatched to the front in 1861, and many recruits, both volunteers and conscripts, at later periods in the strife. A large number of men, estimated by some as many as 200 left the county, presumed to join the Federal army; many of these, however, went North, and engaged in civil pursuits till the fighting was over, when they returned, and many are living here at the present time. ___________________________________________________________________________ Troops For Service The first company for the Confederate army was recruited in the summer of 1861. At its organization Mr. Frank Black was elected captain, William B. Gould, first, J.N. McCollum, second, and Henry C. Polk, third lieutenant. This company left Murfreesboro in July of 1861, and marched to Van Buren, where they were organized into the Fourth Arkansas Regiment Infantry, and dispatched to Southwestern Missouri; from that State fell back to Northwestern Arkansas, and participated in the battle of Pea Ridge. They were then sent east of the Mississippi River, where they were attached to the army of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, under whom they served until his surrender in North Carolina, in 1865. Capt. Black died at Cross Hollow, Ark., in 1862, and Lieut. Gould was promoted to the vacant office; he resigned soon after, on account of ill health, when Sergt. Booker D. Brock was elected to the command, and led the company in many closely contested battles, till the surrender. Lieut. McCollum resigned some time in 1862, and soon after joined the Federal army, with whom he fought till the end of the strife. Less than a dozen veterans of this company are living in Pike County now, among whom are Dr. William D. Alford, Rev. George W. Brock, Moses K. Brock, Eri Webb and Cyrus McRae. Later in 1861, another company was recruited, by William J. Kelley. At the organization, Mr. Kelley was elected captain, and William M. Gilmer, first, Grandison D. Preston, second, and Dr. Beverly R. Dickson, third lieutenant. This company was organized in the Sixteenth Arkansas Infantry. After the battle of Pea Ridge, in which they were engaged, they proceeded across the Mississippi River. After several engagements they were with the army at the defense of Port Hudson, and sustained the noted siege of that place; at its fall, they were paroled, and very few ever joined the army again. Capt. Kelley had resigned, on account of bad health, soon after the troops reached the front; he returned home, and lived in Pike County till his death in 1872. ___________________________________________________________________________ Financial Showing Pike County has but a small indebtedness, and that is being rapidly paid off; were it not for a constitutional provision, limiting the amount per cent of the tax levy, the people would be glad to liquidate the total sum in a few years. The debt stood $10,000 at the beginning of 1889, and during that year it was reduced to $2,000. At the close of the war the county debt was very small, but during reconstruction days it was considerably increased. The erection of a new jail in 1884 added some $6,000, to the amount, but it may be safely predicted that during the next four or five years this will all be obliterated. The highest rate of taxation was in 1878, when there was a levy of 12 mills for county and State purposes. From 1868 to 1874 county scrip fell in value to, in many cases, no more than 10 cents on the dollar, but now it has a cash value of about 50 cents. The assessed value of county property, both real and personal, was, in 1889, $756,177. In 1874 the total assessment was $342,379; an increase, it will be seen, in fifteen years, of $422,798. This healthy growth is simply the increased value of farm property, and may be counted on to increase, in even a more rapid proportion, in the future, as much land is being reduced to a state of cultivation by both the native citizens and immigrants, and of the home seekers in Arkansas, Pike County is receiving quite a liberal share. The former system of the farmers placing their growing and prospective crops under mortgage, to run them till harvest time, is becoming much less prevalent every year. But little real estate is under mortgage, and the rich agricultural resources of the county are bringing independence to the people. ___________________________________________________________________________ Matters of Legal Importance Pike comprises one of the seven counties of the Eight Judicial District, over which Judge Rufus D. Hearn now presides, with W.M. Greene prosecuting attorney. Its legal talent in early days was mostly supplied by lawyers from the Hempstead County bar, so we do not find a very strong showing in point of numbers among its lawyers, though several names from this county became prominent in later years. Hon. A.B. Williams, at present a member of the Utah Commission, was born in Hempstead County, and settled at Murfreesboro, Pike County, where he was admitted to the bar, and became the first resident attorney. He lived and practiced here for many years, and was known as one of the most brilliant lawyers of the State. During and since the war William J. Kelley practiced at this bar. Among others was J. H. Lathrop. J.H. Howard, a citizen of the county, held office of country clerk and State Senator, and was admitted to the bar here in 1870; this gentleman now resides in Oklahoma. Hon. L.S. Corbell was admitted to the bar here in 1873; he has mainly resided in this and Hempstead County, and is at present the only resident attorney in the county. ___________________________________________________________________________ Judicial Affairs There has been but one legal execution in the county, and this was the hanging of Tyre O'Neal for horse stealing in 1837. John M. Dickson, a constable, while attempting to seize a horse belonging to E.K. Williams, against whom he held an execution for debt, was shot and killed on the spot by the latter. Williams, whose true name was afterward discovered to be E.W. Kerr, escaped, and was never apprehended. This happened in 1836. A.M. Lester was hanged during the war by a posse of men termed "independent soldiers." Mr. Lester had become obnoxious to these people, with whom he had had repeated difficulties. He had been warned to leave the county, but had been promised protection by the governor. He was, notwithstanding, taken by force one day, while in Murfreesboro, and hanged to a tree near the bank of the Little Missouri River. James Kimbrough and Henry Jenkins, two boys, each about sixteen years of age, had a quarrel which resulted in a fight, in 1862. Kimbrough seized a stone, with which he struck Jenkins on the head, inflicting fatal injuries. Kimbrough was indicted, and tried at the next term of court, but was acquitted. In the fall of 1869, William Brewer, while in a drunken altercation with John D. Hancock, in a store in Murfreesboro, stabbed him in the throat, inflicting a wound from which he died at once. Brewer was indicted, and the case was continued in the circuit court for several years, but he died a natural death before he was brought to trail. One day, in 1873, Mr. W.W. Creecy was plowing in his field, he was shot and killed by George Lee. Lee was arrested and indicted, but soon made his escape. The Rev. John Alford, a highly respected citizen of this county, was shot and killed while standing in the doorway of his home in Murfreesboro, on April 30, 1874. Positive proofs as to who did this deed were lacking; yet suspicion pointed W.R. Hall and A.H. White. Hall was arrested first, and after preliminary examination, was placed in jail, from which he was promptly released by his friends. He left the county, and has never returned. White was afterward arrested on indictment and placed in jail, but was permitted to go out under guard. He had been privately furnished with a revolver, and one day he made an assault on the guard and succeeded in making his escape. A reward of $1,000 was offered for his capture, but for over a year he roamed at large. In July, 1875, two of his friends, J.J Cox and H.D. Cox, concluded to hand him over to the authorities for the reward, but in attempting to secure his capture they killed him. In the fall of 1875 Riley Thomas killed W.W. Kitchens, by knocking him on the head with a shovel. Thomas made his escape, and was never brought to justice. In 1885 W.M. Wallace killed George Douglas, shooting him from the window of a house, as he passed along the road. Wallace was at once arrested and bound over by the examing court, but was not indicted by the grand jury, who looked upon it as justifiable homicide, from the fact that Douglas had repeatedly made threats to take Wallace's life. In 1886 Art Miller was shot by unknown parties. John Brooks was arrested, indicted and tried for the crime, but acquitted, as the State could produce no evidence of his guilt. The murder of Frank Ward in Howard County, and the burning of his murderers in the Murfreesboro jail are well remembered. On April 5, 1884, Frank Ward was murdered in Howard County, by Henry Polk, Sylvester Polk and Monroe Kuykendall. The facts of the killing and the incidents of the arrest of the murderers, were as follows: Ward was a peddler, who was on a trip through Howard County. He was gone so long that his brother, a resident of Prescott, Nevada County, started to follow him up. He was easily traced to the home of the Polks, but from that place the trail was lost. The men, Henry Polk, Sylvester Polk and Monroe Kuykendall, were soon arrested on suspicion, and searching parties began a vigorous search for the body, for which a reward of $50 had been offered. No trace of it was discovered until one of the prisoners voluntarily suggested that they look in a heap of ashes in the woods. This was done, and examination revealed ample proof that the body had been consumed by fire, and from time to time, as much was admitted by the prisoners. These three men were promptly indicted, but a change of venue was taken from Howard to Pike County, and the prisoners were brought to Murfreesboro. The jail at this place being very insecure, the prisoners were taken to Little Rock, and placed in the penitentiary for safe keeping, and while there Monroe Kuykendall died. At the April term of (the) circuit court in 1885, the other two, Henry Polk and Sylvester Polk, were placed on trial separately, both were convicted, Sylvester Polk was sentenced to be hung, and Henry Polk to twenty-one years' imprisonment in the penitentiary. From a technical error in the proceedings of this court the prisoners were granted a new trial. This proceeding, which promised the possible defeat of justice, and the escape from well-merited punishment of the perpetrators of a heinous crime, must have outraged the feelings of some of the people, for after two unsuccessful attempts had been made by armed mobs to take the prisoners from the jail, a third was made on the night of September 5, 1885, when, as they could not be taken from the iron cell, a fire was started, which partially consumed the jail, and burned the two prisoners confined within to death. After this tragedy, there was a mass-meeting held at Murfreesboro, which was largely attended by the citizens, who strongly condemned the action of mob law, and all acts of violence, that might place the county under an unenviable stigma. Public opinion and the hostility of the people at once became so pronounced aganist the perpetrators of such diabolical deeds, that it is thought most of those concerned have moved away. At least, to the credit of Pike County, may be said that few lawless acts, of even the most trivial nature, have since occurred. The law is rigidly enforced and quietly obeyed, and the citizens of all sections are earnest in their efforts to show the world that no once can condemn mob violence, and its attendant evils, more vigorously than they. The governor offered a reward of $250 each for the arrest of every person concerned in this affair, but no evidence was ever secured to justify the apprehension of any one. Dennis Brooks was murdered in 1885, at Langley, in the northern part of this county, by Sylvester Churchill, his nephew, who shot him in the back with a Winchester rifle, as he was riding away on a horse. There had been no recent difficulty between the parties, but it was supposed to be in revenge for fancied wrongs inflicted on Churchill when a boy. After the shooting, Churchill mounted his horse and rode off toward his home in Scott County. He was immediately pursued by several parties, and soon captured by Constable James Epperson, who brought him back to this county and confined him in the old jail at Murfreesboro. On the night of October 20, 1885, the jail was burned by unknown incendiaries, and Churchill perished in the flames. A reward of $500 was offered by Gov. Hughes for the apprehension of any person concerned in this crime, but no arrests were ever made. With the exception of these two cases of mob violence, Pike County can show a wonderfully clear record of criminal cases; in proof of this, it is proper to state that the grand jury's report at the January term of the circuit court of 1890, reveals but five indictments, and these for but very paltry offenses against the law. ___________________________________________________________________________ Organization Pike County was organized by an act of the Territorial Legislature, November 1, 1833, and Elijah Kelley, Rice Stringer and John Dickson were elected as commissioners to locate the seat of justice. ___________________________________________________________________________ Judicial Center At that time but three settlements had been made within the county limits, Wolf Creek, east, and the Brewer settlement on Muddy Fork, west, and a few families at the point of the place selected for the county seat. A log court-house, and a small frame building for the clerk's office, were at once erected. Mr. Asa Thompson lived in the immediate vicinity where he secured a post office at his house with the name of Zebulon. Now that it became the county seat of the new county, the people, who were mostly natives of Tennessee, wishing to perpetuate some memory of their native State, selected the name of Murfreesboro. The county boundaries have been somewhat changed, but its area is about the same as it was at first. In the spring of 1855 the clerk's office was burned, destroying all the county records up to that date. In 1856, the county needing more commodious quarters for both county offices and court purposes, the county court ordered the erection of a new court-house. The contract was given to Brock Bros. - Moses Brock and Jackson Brock. This building is still in use, and in very good repair. It is a large two-story frame, surmonted by a cupola, the upper story being devoted to the use of the circuit court, while on the lower floor are the office for the county officers, and the jury-rooms. The first jail was erected (in the 1830's) and used till 1884. It was badly ventilated and at the complaint of the physicians of the county, was condemned by the grand jury, whereupon the county court ordered a new one to be erected. The contract for the brick work was given to Wright & Buckston, of Nashville, and the iron and cell work to P.J. Pauley & Bro., of St. Louis. It was finished in 1884, and was complete, with all modern improvements, accepted for the county by the county court, and cost $6,150. This jail was partially destroyed by a mob, on the night of September 5, 1885. The old log jail was destroyed in the same manner, and as elsewhere stated, one prisoner burned within it. The present jail occupies the site of the one that was partially destroyed in 1885. The brick work was repaired by the original contractors, Wright & Buckston, the cell was but slightly injured, and was soon made as good as new. It is well ventilated, commodious and secure, and recently was the only unoccupied building in Murfreesboro. ___________________________________________________________________________ Church and Lodge History Mount Tabor Methodist Methodist Protestant Church Organized in 1878 by Rev. L.S. Nabors, some of the original members were: Mrs. Nancy Stewart, Mrs. Mary Hunt, Mr. A. Sandford and wife, Mr. Joseph M. Scott and family, Davis Hutson and family, and several others, about twenty in all. This church, situated in the eastern part of Brewer Township, is a good frame building 30 x 15 feet. The present pastor is R.M. Sanford. Mount Zion Methodist Protestant Church Situated in North Brewer Township and organized in 1868 by Rev. William Alford, some of the original members were: Thomas McClure and wife, Joseph Scott, John Tallant and wife, John Sharp, wife and three daughters, Mrs. Ruthie Denham, Mrs. John Lingo, and John Carroll, some twenty in all. The present membership is about thirty, and the pastor, Rev. Robert Sanford. The membership of this church has reached 104. The organization of other churches has drawn from and reduced its present numerical strength. Muddy Fork Methodist Episcopal Church, South This church, held at Central Academy near the center of Muddy Fork Township was organized in 1888 by Rev. Amariah Biggs. Among the early members were Henry W. Carter and wife, George Porterfield and wife, William Porterfield and wife, C.W. Phillips and wife, John McBay and wife, Miss Malinda Jones, and others, about fifteen in all. This church has a present membership of seventy-six members. Rev. E. Rushing presided here in 1889, and Rev. Riley is the present pastor. Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church Situated in the southwestern part of Muddy Fork Township, this church was organized about 1881 by Rev. E. Merrill, assisted by Rev. John Cornish. The first members were H.G. York and wife, John Canady, Mrs. Cornish. They have a present membership of eighteen, and worship in a good frame building 30 x 50 feet. The present pastor is H.G. York. In connection with the church is a flourishing Sabbath-school. Oak Hill Methodist Episcopal Church Organized in 1889 by Rev. G.H. Gideon, with a membership of the following twelve: W.N. McClure and wife, Mrs. Strawn, William Hurdie and wife, T.P.D. Stevens and wife, and Mrs. B.S. Flaharity. They have a very good box house 30 x 40, and a present membership of twenty-one. The present pastor is O.P. Noble. This church is situated in the southeastern part of Thompson Township. The Missionary Baptist Church of Missouri Township This church was organized in 1850 by Rev. Samuel Kelley who was also its first pastor. I.F. Welch is the present pastor. Wolf Creek Baptist Church Organized in 1872 by James P. Copeland who was also the first pastor, it had but five members originally, who were Moses Brock, Amanda Brock, W.P. Henderson and wife, and John H. Brock. Now their membership is sixty-five. Murfreesboro Methodist Episcopal Church Organized in 1841 by the Revs. Jesse Jenkins and Madison E. Alford with Rev. Benedict as first pastor, some of the earliest members were Rev. Madison E. Alford and family, Rev. Jesse Jenkins and wife, Mrs. Lucinda Davis, William Orrick and wife, and William Kizzia and wife. This society held services in the old log court-house for several years. After the erection of the Academy in 1869, they worshipped there till 1888, when they completed their present commodious church edifice, erected at an expense of $800. The present pastor is J.W. Davis. A large and strong membership composes this organization. Hickory Plains Methodist Episcopal Church South Located in the northeastern part of Thompson Township, this church was organized in April, 1882, by Rev. George W. Logan. Some of the first members were C.B. Willett and wife, J.T. Goulding and wife, T.T.L. House and wife, F.P. Hughes and wife, William Greene and wife, and others, about twelve in all. The present membership is fourteen, presided over by Rev. W.L. Davis. ___________________________________________________________________________ Pike Lodge No. 91, A.F. & A.M. Pike Lodge No. 91, A.F. & A.M., was organized at Murfreesboro, November 8, 1855, with the following station officers: A.B. Williams, master; James M. Evans, senior warden; George R. Mauney, junior warden. This lodge soon acquired a large membership, many of whom were bright and highly learned in Masonic lore. In 1869 they erected a two-story lodge building, the lower floor of which they dontated to the Murfreesboro school district for an academy, and it is still used for that purpose. The officers elected for 1890 were: William D. Alford, master, John F. Davis, senior warden; W.N. McClure, junior warden; Owen B. Owens, secretary; John Branch, treasurer; C.P. McGraw, senior deacon; J.A. Alford, junior deacon; George W. Brock, chaplain, and Mike Branch, tyler. The membership at this time is twenty-four. ___________________________________________________________________________ Murfreesboro Murfreesboro, the county seat of Pike County, has a beautiful situation on a slightly elevated plateau, in the southern part of the county near the Little Missouri River. It occupies the northeast quarter of Section 17, Township 8 south, Range 25 west, and is the largest and the most important town in the county. It is in the center of a large scope of very fertile river bottom country, and from this thickly settled region, draws an extensive trade. The proposed line of the Texas extension of the Little Rock Railway goes through the place, and on the probable completion of that road in the near future must, from the wealth of its surrounding resources, at once become an important point. Its early settlement extends back to the teens. Mr. Asa Thompson settled near here in September 1833 and with the spirit of enterprise bought a small stock of goods and started a store and and became an early merchant of Pike County. He secured a post office which was named Zebulon and was member of the General Assembly of the Arkansas Territorial Legislature in 1833 from Clark County and introduced the bill to erect the new county of Pike. When the new county was organized and on the formation of the differenct townships, one was named in his honor. On selection of this locality for the seat of justice for Pike County, it was named Murfreesboro. Mr. Edwin Owens settled in Pike County and soon after located at Murfreesboro and erected a hotel. This was the first and only hotel Murfreesboro has ever had and is still in excellent repair and is now being well conducted by Mr. Joel H. Conway. Mr. Owens soon after erected a store house, and for some time did an extensive trade. After him, in business, came William Preston, and in a year or so, Henry Preston, Mr. McDonald, and John Wagner. These men were all selling goods here prior 1850. At the outbreak of the war, Evans and Preston, Wagner and Preston, were all doing a good business, but very promptly closed their doors to trade, and no business was done here again till after the declaration of peace. John Wagner was the first to resume; he was soon followed by Haslip & Hoover, and these firms continued in business for many years. The other important business houses here have been Haslip & Co., Owens & Conway, J.H. Holland, etc.; those all did a good trade during their time. The business interests at the present day are: Davis & Stevens, Charles E. Stelle, Kelley Bros., Dean & Alford (general stores), McGraw & Covington (grocers), John Branch and Scameron & Mitchell (blacksmiths and wagon-makers), Stevens & Stroope, and Kelley Bros. (steam cotton-gins and mills), W.D. Alford and N.T. Thomasson (physicians), Joel H. Conway (hotel), Lee Giles (editor of Pike County Courier), John H. Stevens (justice), and C.P. McGraw (postmaster). The population is 200. A good church (Methodist Episcopal, South) and an academy or free school, and a Masonic lodge also flourish. The public buildings are the court-house and jail. ___________________________________________________________________________ Royston Royston, or the old cotton-mill, is a place of interest. In 1856 Henry Merrell built a cotton and wool-carding factory, at a point on the Little Missouri River two and one-half miles north of Murfreesboro; here there was an excellant water power, where there had been an old grist-mill for many years prior. He did a small business in the way of spinning thread and carding wool till about 1860, when it was sold to John Matlock. During the war he moved the mill to Texas, and ran it in that State in the interest of the Confederate government. After the war he returned and reengaged in business at the old site. This was the only grist-mill in this locality at that time, and people came from long distances to mill and to buy cotton yarn, with which nearly all the clothing of that time was made; he also had a store and did the largest commercial trade in the county then. Soon after he put in looms, and began to manufacture cloth. In 1879 he erected a large new mill, equipped it well with all needful machinery, and Royston soon took on the dignity of a village of some 200 people, but Mr. Matlock became finanicially involved and committed suicide in 1886. The other owners of the mill, composing the Arkansas Manufacturing Company, removed the plant to Arkadelphia in 1889. The place is now deserted; a single tenant occupies the fine old mansion erected by Mr. Matlock, and all the other houses of this once busy village are rapidly falling into ruin and decay. Part of the old factory and dam have washed away, but the waters of the Little Missouri sweep and whirl over the rapids, and show the visitor the same advantages and power - now going to waste - that attracted these old mill men years ago. ___________________________________________________________________________ Other Towns Stellville Stellville (post office Wolf Creek) is in the central part of Missouri Township; it is a pleasant little village of about thirty-five inhabitants. Dudley J. Oldham is the merchant and physician; Andrew A. Stell, hotel proprietor and planter; Pleasant J. Dickson, blacksmith; Samuel B. Wall, physician; Samuel B. Stell, postmaster. The first postmaster was J.B. Cast. The first merchant was Abner H. Kelley. Nathan Village Nathan Village, in the western part of Muddy Fork Township, has a population of about fifty. The business interests are mainly controlled by William J. White, who conducts a general store, saw and grist-mill and cotton-gin. Mr. White is also postmaster. The first postmaster was James H. Gunn. Bills Bills, a post-office situated in the southern part of Missouri Township, was established in 1889, with John W. Gilleylen postmaster. Mr. Gilleylen still retains this office, and does quite an extensive mercantile business as well. Rock Creek Rock Creek is the only village in Clark Township, in the northeastern part of Pike County. Its first business was started in 1874 by R.C. McMillin; the second store by Stephen P. Baker. To the latter business Mr. Baker's sons, H.P. Baker & Co., have succeeded. A.A. Palmer bought the stock, etc., of R.C. McMillian in 1880, and is one of the merchants here now, also C.H. Palmer; shoe shop, by M.F. White; wood shop, W.D. White; blacksmiths, Hubbard & Black; steam cotton-gin and grist-mill owned by Hubbard & Hollysfield. There is a Farmers' Alliance lodge, known as the Rock Creek Lodge No. 912, also two churches, Methodist Episcopal, South, and Missionary Baptist. The postoffice was established in 1869, with Stephen P. Baker, postmaster, The present postmaster is C.H. Palmer. Gentry Gentry post-office is situated near the center of Self Creek Township. It was established in 1889, with Jeff O'Neal, postmaster. Mrs. Churbry Meeks is the present postmistress, mail being received once per week from Star of the West. New Hope The first store in New Hope (post-office and village) was opened in 1876, by a Mr. Copley, who did a small business for two years. Forester & Killian opened a large business in 1878; they disolved in a short time, and went into business separately. At present there are two stores: Frank Lee and W.S. Baker. The post-office was established in 1878, with Levi L. Forester postmaster, The present postmistress is Mrs. Mansfield. A Baptist Church and school-house are also here. The blacksmith shop is run by George Hill, and a saw and grist-mill and cotton-gin by James Huey. Star of the West The first mill and dwelling in Star of the West was erected by Moses Hill, in 1852, and the first business house by W.M. Hayes & McGuire, in 1862. The business of the place has been much varied and conducted by numerous individuals. At present there are two general stores, owned by L.R. Sullivan & Bro., and Bean & Talbott; the latter firm also owns a fine mill, gin and carding factory, which is run by a very excellent water-power, having a natural rock dam four feet in height. A blacksmith shop by William Johnson is well supported. The public buildings are a school-house, Knights of Labor and Masonic halls. The Masonic hall at this place was built in 1876. The first Masonic organization here was in 1866-1867, the first worshipful master of the lodge being John Latty. The present master is John Mitchell. The membership is now about thirty individuals, in good standing. A post office was established here in 1856, with Willis Jones postmaster. The present postmaster is George T. Epperson. ___________________________________________________________________________ Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Southern Arkansas, Pike County, 1890, pp. 305-314. Revised-corrected by David Kelley. ___________________________________________________________________________ David Kelley 1997