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Floyd Cooper married Myrtle Watson, daughter of David Miles Watson II and Lucy Ann America Henderson. [There is no record of this marriage in Pike County, AR.]. |
Nancy Ann Flora Henderson was born on July 18, 1873 at Pike County, AR.
She was the daughter of Abner Newton Henderson Jr and Matilda Jane "Tildy" Davis.
She was enumerated with Abner Newton Henderson Jr on the Pike County, AR census dated June 9, 1880; Nancy A. was shown at age 7 as a single white female, daughter of Abner N., born in Arkansas. Her father was born in Alabama. Her mother was born in Tennessee. Nancy Ann Flora Henderson married Samuel Thomas Alford before October 29, 1894. [There is no indication Nancy ever married. She is shown living with her parents as a single person in every Pike County Arkansas Census since her birth. She is shown as having one living child in the 1910 census.]. Nancy Ann Flora Henderson died on January 27, 1940 at Pike County, AR, at age 66. She was buried at Brocktown Cemetery, Pike County, AR. |
Samuel Thomas Alford married Nancy Ann Flora Henderson, daughter of Abner Newton Henderson Jr and Matilda Jane "Tildy" Davis, before October 29, 1894. [There is no indication Nancy ever married. She is shown living with her parents as a single person in every Pike County Arkansas Census since her birth. She is shown as having one living child in the 1910 census.]. Samuel Thomas Alford died before 1910. [Nancy Ann Flora Henderson is shown as single with one living child in the 1910 Pike County, Arkansas Census.]. |
Thomas Franklin "Tom" Alford was born on October 29, 1894 at Pike County, AR.
He was the son of Samuel Thomas Alford and Nancy Ann Flora Henderson.
Thomas Franklin "Tom" Alford married Ida Womack on June 27, 1915 at Pike County, AR. [He was 20. She was 18. Both people lived in Pike County prior to the wedding.].
The following birth announcement appeared in the Pike County Tribune on November 30, 1923 (Volume 8 Number 40). "Prof. And Mrs. Tom Alford, formerly of the Brocktown Settlement, are the proud parents of twin babies, a boy and a girl who made their arrival at their home at Cove recently. They have been christened Boyce and Joyce. Prof. Alford is principal of the high school at Cove." He was the State Commissioner of Education. Thomas Franklin "Tom" Alford died in September, 1985 at AR, at age 90. |
Ida Womack was born on October 12, 1898. She married Thomas Franklin "Tom" Alford, son of Samuel Thomas Alford and Nancy Ann Flora Henderson, on June 27, 1915 at Pike County, AR. [He was 20. She was 18. Both people lived in Pike County prior to the wedding.]. |
Thomas Dale Alford was born on January 28, 1916 at Pike County, AR.
He was the son of Thomas Franklin "Tom" Alford and Ida Womack.
Thomas Dale Alford married L'Moore Fontaine Smith in 1940.
He was a physician, a member of the House of Representatives, a radio sports announcer and a teacher. Thomas Dale Alford died on January 25, 2000 at Little Rock, Pulaski County, AR, at age 83. The following obituary was published in The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, page B10, Little Rock, Pulaski County, AR, on January 26, 2000: "THOMAS DALE ALFORD, M.D., age 83, of Little Rock died Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2000. He was born in Pike County and graduated from high school in Rector at the age of 16. He attended Arkansas State University and what is now the University of Central Arkansas before receiving his doctorate in medicine from the University of Arkansas Medical Science Center in 1939. He served his internship at St. Anthony's Hospital in Oklahoma City before serving his residency in general surgery at the Missouri Pacific Hospital in Little Rock. While in college, Dr. Alford has extensive experience as a radio sportscaster, covering all Southwest Conference football games for a period of five years. Dr. Alford had an opportunity of leaving the regional network and go national in radio broadcasting but chose to continue in the medical profession. Dr. Alford served in World War II from 1940-46 as a captain in the U.S. Army, having active duty as a surgeon in the European Theatre with the 160th Station Hospital. "After the war, Dale served his residency in ophthalmology at the University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary in Chicago, becoming an ophthalmology surgeon. In 1947, Dale became an assistant professor of ophthalmic with Dr. J. Mason Baird at Emory University serving one year before returning to Little Rock beginning his private practice in ophthalmology in 1948. From 1949-56, Dr. Alford was chief assistant in ophthalmology surgery at the Little Rock Veterans Hospital, also serving as a diplomat on the American Board of Ophthalmology, a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a fellow of the College of Surgeons as well as a fellow of International Surgeons, a member of the Cataract Refractive Surgeons, a member for over 50 years of the American Medical Association, the Pulaski County Medical Society, the Arkansas Medical Society, Past Vestry member of Christ Episcopal Church, a founding member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church. "He served on the Little Rock School District Board, on the board of trustees at Little Rock University, now University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and was a past board member of All Saints Episcopal School in Vicksburg, Miss. Dr. Alford was also very active in his community, serving as a founding member and once president of the Arkansas State Opera Association, Past President of the Association of University of Illinois Eye Alumni, and a 32nd Degree Mason, Hot Springs F.&A.M., #62, and a member of the Scimitar Shrine. "He was a member of the Phi Chi Medical Fraternity and Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, past state commander of the American Legion, a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, disabled American Veterans Association, past vice chairman of the National Commission on Americanism of the American Legion, a member of the Country Club of Little Rock, the Little Rock Yacht Club, the U.S. Power Squadron, Trinity Episcopal Churches. "Dr. Alford was elected to the 86th and 87th United States Congress as a representative of the state of Arkansas. During his service, President John F. Kennedy appointed Dr. Alford the keynote speaker and delegate to represent the United States at the 51st Inter-parliamentary Conference held in Brasilia, Brazil, in 1962. Dr. Alford also appointed General Wesley Clark as a cadet at West Point College. General Clark went on to be the head of NATO Forces. "Dr. Alford is preceded in death by his wife, L'Moore Smith Alford, marrying in 1940, and his son, Thomas Dale Alford Jr. who died in 1989. Dr. Alford is survived by two daughters, L'Moore Fontaine Alford and Anne Maury Alford Winans, both of Little Rock; a daughter-in-law, Kay Alford of Little Rock; one brother, Dr. Boyce Alford of Pine Bluff; one sister, Joyce Gardner of Bryant; five grandchildren, Robert Wheat Kelly-Goss, Elizabeth Fontaine Goss Gardner, William Whistler Winans, Alexander Alford Winans, Thomas Dale "Tad" Alford III, and one great-grandchild, Pearl Fontaine Kelly-Goss. "There will be a visitation Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ruebel Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service Thursday at 11 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church officiated by The Reverend Henry Hudson. Burial will be at Mount Holly Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral or the St. Vincent Infirmary Foundation." Thomas Dale was a charter member (#0268) of the ALFORD AMERICAN FAMILY ASSOCIATION. The following article was published on in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette on January 27, 2000 on page A1 under the title of Alford, write-in House winner of Central era, dies and the byline of Larry Ault. Dr. Dale Alford, an ophthalmologist who served in Congress from 1959 to 1963 after winning office in a write-in campaign on a tide of segregationist sentiment from the integration of Central High School, died Tuesday in Little Rock. He was 83. Alford, who died of complications from congestive heart failure, mounted the write-in campaign in the fall of 1958 after he served on the Little Rock School Board. He defeated eight-term Rep. Brooks Hays, considered a moderate, for the seat in Congress. Alford often felt that he was misunderstood and that the media inaccurately portrayed his position on integration. in a 1976 interview, Alford said he was "one of the most misunderstood persons who ever advocated anything." He said he was interested in preserving the Little Rock public school system without discrimination. "I made mistakes, as other people have made mistakes," Alford said. "One thing I never made clear during all the disturbed emotions [of that period] was that I was taking what I took to be a constitutional stand against unconstitutional stormtroopers in our midst -- in making our home state a battleground." Little Rock Central High School became internationally known Sept. 2, 1957, when Gov. Orval Faubus sent Arkansas National Guardsmen there. Faubus said he called out the guard "to maintain ... the peace and good order of the community" and directed the National Guard to prevent nine black students from entering the all-white school. Faubus removed the Guardsmen on the order of a federal judge. When the black students went to Central three days later, on Sept. 23, a violent crowd gathered. The students were removed for their protection. President Eisenhower then federalized the National Guard and sent 101st Airborne Division troops to the school the next day to enforce the school's integration. The black students attended school the rest of the year under federal protection. Alford often contended that "outside forces" picked Little Rock to be the battleground for desegregation. In 1958, Alford said he had never voted for integration when he was a member of the Little Rock School Board. "I am a segregationist because I sincerely believe that 'evolution rather than revolution' is the only practical, sensible and peaceful approach to this age-old problem," he said. Grandson Robert Kelly-Goss of Minturn, Colo., said recently that Alford "was fearful for the potential for violence at the high school." He said his grandfather favored integrating the schools, beginning with the elementary schools. Professionally, Alford was an eye doctor with a racially integrated medical practice, Kelly-Goss said. Alford was born on a farm near Murfreesboro on Jan. 28, 1916, in Pike County to Thomas H. Alford and Ida Womack Alford, struggling young teachers in an isolated country school. His father eventually served as president of the Arkansas Education Association and as principal of Jacksonville High School. Like other high schools in the Pulaski County district, Jacksonville admitted dozens of Little Rock students in 1958-59, when Little Rock voters closed the city's senior high schools rather than integrate them. Alford attended Arkansas State College, now Arkansas State University, at Jonesboro and graduated with a degree in medicine from the University of Arkansas School of Medicine. Alford married L'Moore Fontaine Smith of Sardis, Miss., on July 27, 1940. He served five years of active duty in the Army Medical Corps during World War II. After World War II, Alford served about two years in private medical practice in Atlanta. He returned home to Little Rock in 1948. He served on the staffs of several major Little Rock hospitals. Alford was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives on Nov. 4, 1958, and re-elected in 1960. He retired after those two terms, then ran unsuccessfully for governor in 1962 and 1966. After serving on the Little Rock School Board during the school desegregation crisis, he started a write-in campaign eight days before the November 1958 general election, which he won with 30,739 votes to Hays' 29,483. His campaign workers handed out stickers bearing his name, which voters could then affix to the ballot. Alford chose not to seek a third term because reapportionment after the 1960 census cost the state one of its House seats and placed him in the same district as U.S. Rep. Wilbur Mills of Kensett. In 1984 he ran again for the 2nd Congressional District seat, which includes Little Rock, but finished last in a field of five in the Democratic primary. Alford's health had deteriorated in recent years because of cancer and after he sustained a stroke. Jim Johnson of Conway, who during the Central High crisis was an outspoken segregationist, promoted Alford's political endeavors and called his old friend "one of God's noble men." "He stood for states' rights and constitutional government," Johnson said. "He was a great American. Dale Alford was a tremendous congressmen, who would have made Arkansas a great governor. With the kind of zeal and kind of enthusiasm he had, it never fades away. "He was of a kindred spirit with that little band of patriots who left bloody footprints in the snow at Valley Forge. I wouldn't worry about the future of America if we had more Dale Alfords." Claude Carpenter Jr., a Little Rock lawyer, served as Alford's campaign manager during the 1958 campaign. Carpenter lauded Alford's involvement in the American Legion and veterans affairs in his later years. Arkansas historian and author Roy Reed interviewed Alford in the early 1990s for his book, Faubus: the Life and Times of an American Prodigal. Reed said that behind closed doors, Faubus supported Alford in his write-in campaign but would never admit it publicly. "Both men never acknowledged that support," Reed said. "Supporting a write-in candidate isn't good for the party. There was considerable evidence, though, that Faubus' people worked hard for Alford." He was buried on January 27, 2000 at Mount Holly Cemetery, Little Rock, Pulaski County, AR. The following editorial was published in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette on page B10 on February 2, 2000 under the title, The Eye Man IT WAS an act of both justice and mercy that, on his death, Dale Alford had long outlived his political sobriquet--The Eye Man. For he was a warm and generous friend, a skilled and caring physician, but a low politician. Happily, a younger generation would have to be reminded of just what role he had played in the Furious Fifties, for it was not a noble one. He was one of various politicians to exploit the bad feelings of his time, and he was highly successful at it--for a mercifully brief season. It was the year after the Crisis of 1957, which holds a place in Arkansas history roughly equivalent to that of the San Francisco earthquake in California's. In that ugly atmosphere, The Eye Man was able to win election to Congress. He ran as a write-in candidate in the Second District, with the help of the Faubus machine and the tacit encouragement of the Eternal Incumbent himself. And he managed to beat the very moderate Brooks Hays, a beloved figure now remembered more for his good-natured stories than his politics. Dr. Alford would later try to best Orval Faubus himself in a governor's race, but there was no besting the Old Master, who knew just how far to go--and no farther--when it came to political opportunism. What a blessing: His successive defeats saved The Eye Man for medicine, allowing him to serve others usefully, and to escape any great responsibility for the continuation of Arkansas' era of bad feelings into the seggish Sixties. Naturally the good doctor remembered it all a bit differently. The centers of memory in the brain, scientists tell us, are located close to those associated with creativity. Which may explain why all of us are constantly recasting the past to fit the needs of the present. By 1976, Dr. Alford would describe himself as "one of the most misunderstood persons who ever advocated anything," and explain that he was just trying to defend certain constitutional principles--not racial segregation. Back in hot-and-heavy 1958, it was a slightly different story. "I am a segregationist," he would proclaim back then, "because I sincerely believe that 'evolution rather than revolution' is the only practical, sensible and peaceful and peaceable approach to this age-old program." Whatever all that meant, it was that one word, his identifying himself as a segregationist, that was clear enough to elect him over Brooks Hays. Indeed, it was The Eye Man's stand against desegregation as a member of Little Rock's school board that first brought him to public attention and acclaim, both of which can prove highly addictive. He was back running for Congress as late as in 1984, though by then he finished fifth in the five-man field. Like his florid oratory, Dr. Alford's political appeal had grown dated, and, in another act of grace, almost forgotten. Dale Alford was at last freed to do his best work. Fortunate man, fortunate us. The Eye Man would go back to tending eyes, and leave the political vision to others. |
L'Moore Fontaine Smith was born on September 13, 1919 at Sardis, MS.
She married Thomas Dale Alford, son of Thomas Franklin "Tom" Alford and Ida Womack, in 1940.
L'Moore Fontaine Smith died on April 27, 1999 at Little Rock, Pulaski County, AR, at age 79.
The following obituary was published in The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock, Pulaski County, AR, on April 28, 1999: "L'MOORE SMITH ALFORD, age 79 years, of Little Rock died Tuesday, April 27, 1999. Mrs. Alford was born in Sardis, Miss., where she graduated as valedictorian from high school. She later attended Draughan Business School and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She was married to Dr. Thomas Dale Alford in 1940, raising three children and was active in civic and church organizations. She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, where she was once active in the Churchwomen Organization, past member of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Guild, The Fine Arts Club, Arkansas Art Center, the Country Club of Little Rock, past member of the Arkansas Medical Auxiliary, past officer of the Daughters of The American Revolution Captain Basil Gaither Chapter, the Colonial Dames, Arkansas Easter Seal Society Auxiliary, past member of the Congressional Club of the United States Congress, and was named Arkansas's Woman of the Year. She was also one of the founders of Arkansas Opera. "Mrs. Alford in survived by her husband of 59 years, Dr. Dale Alford; two daughters, L'Moore Fontaine Alford and Anne Alford Winans both of Little Rock; a daughter-in-law, Kay Alford of Little Rock; five grandchildren -- Robert Wheat Goss, II, Elizabeth Fontaine Goss, William Whistler Winans, Alexander Alford Winans, Thomas Dale "Tad" Alford, III; and one great-grandchild, Pearl F. Kelly-Goss. Mrs. Alford is preceded in death by her son, Thomas Dale Alford, Jr. "There will be a visitation this evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Ruebel Funeral Home, followed by funeral service at 2 p.m. Thursday at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, officiated by The Very Rev. Henry Hudson and assisted by The Rev. R. Ewing Jackson. Burial will follow at Mount Holly Cemetery at the Southwest corner of Interstate 630 and Broadway. In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral." She was buried on April 29, 1999 at Mount Holly Cemetery, Little Rock, Pulaski County, AR. |
Thomas Dale Alford Jr was born on June 7, 1943. He was the son of Thomas Dale Alford and L'Moore Fontaine Smith. Thomas Dale Alford Jr died in 1989. |
D. Boyce Alford was born on November 13, 1923 at Cove, Polk County, AR.
He was the son of Thomas Franklin "Tom" Alford and Ida Womack.
D. Boyce Alford died on February 27, 2002 at Jefferson Regional Medical Center, Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, AR, at age 78.
He was buried on March 1, 2002 at Grace Church Memorial Garden, Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, AR.
The following obituary was published in Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock, Pulaski County, AR, on May 1, 2002: PINE BLUFF - Dr. Boyce Alford, age 78, of Pine Bluff died Wednesday, February 27, 2002, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. He was born Nov. 13, 1923, at Cove (Polk County ), Ark., a son of the late Thomas Franklin "Tom" Alford, former State Commissioner of Education and the late Ida Womack Alford, also an educator. He was reared and educated in Little Rock, and graduated from Little Rock High School, where he was a member of Delta Sigma Fraternity. He attended Georgia Military College at Milledgeville, Georgia, and the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He graduated from the Northern Illinois College of Optometry at Chicago. He served in the United States Navy during World War II and was a tail-gunner on an SBD (Scout Bomber by Douglas) in the South Pacific theater. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. T. Dale Alford. Dr. Alford moved to Pine Bluff in 1950 to establish his optometry practice. He later was a partner with Dr. Fletcher Baugh in Drs. Alford & Baugh until his retirement in 1988. He was a charter member of Grace Episcopal Church, where he served as an usher and a greeter. He had also been a member of the Jaycees, Lions Club, and Rotary International. An avid Little League Baseball supporter, he had served as president of the American and National Little Leagues; as umpire from 1959 until 1988; and as president of Pine Bluff Little League, Inc. Hill-Alford Field at 8th Avenue and Oak Street was named in his honor. Dr. Alford served as a Pine Bluff City Alderman from 1954-1958, and as a member of the Pine Bluff Civil Service Commission from 1960-1968 and 1978-1988. He also served in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1969-1979 and was a past-chairman of the Legislative Joint Audit Committee. An avid Razorback Football supporter, he was a charter member of the Road Hogs, and traveled in his motor-home to the majority of Razorback Football games. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy "Mandy" Mandell, to whom he was married on May 9, 1948, at Chicago, Ill; two sons, James Nash Alford (Jimmy and Pam) of Fayetteville, Ark., and Michael Thomas Alford (Mike and Clare) of Houston, Texas; a twin sister, Joyce Gardner of Benton, Ark; a niece who he reared, Cheryl Gardner of Cleveland, Ohio; nephew, Dr. Dan Gardner of Benton, Ark; nieces, Anne Alford Winans and L'Moore Alford, both of Little Rock; and two granddaughters, Amy Alford of Little Rock and April Alford of Houston, Texas. Funeral Services will be Friday, March 1, 2002, 4:30 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church with the Rev. Edgar "Hap" Hoffman officiating. Burial will be in the Grace Church Memorial Garden. Memorials may be made to the Grace Episcopal Church Building Fund, 4101 Hazel Street, Pine Bluff, Ark. 71603. Charles E. Fuller Funeral & Memorial Services, 870-536-8994. He was the subject of the following sketch at Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock, Pulaski County, AR,: EDITORIALS : Boyce Alford, Legend Legislator and tail-gunner IT IS too much. In one week Arkansas has lost two legends-Patrick J. Owens originally out of Hungry Horse, Mont., and Boyce Alford of Pine Bluff, Ark. Pat passed through the state's newspapers like a whirlwind on his way to bigger bylines. Dr. Alford wound his way through the state's politics like the Arkansas River, occasionally out of its banks but always rolling on. You could spot Boyce Alford at the Ledge or any other gathering: Just look for the brightest polyester sportcoat (he must have had dozens of 'em ), the loudest laugh, and the firmest slap on the back. He was the kind of little guy with a crew-cut who'd make a perfect tail-gunner on a Navy Scout bomber, which he was in his war, and Heaven help anybody who tried to sneak up on him then or later. Like his brother Dale, Dr. Alford was an eye man-an optometrist during office hours and an optimist all the time, one who long ago had fitted himself with rose-colored glasses. Dr. Alford's view of political and social affairs in the abstract may have been Hobbesian-a dark, fierce, savage contest between Good and Evil. Them and Us, in which the fittest won the Democratic primary, which was tantamount to salvation. But outside the Legislature, that is, in the real world, all his impulses were pure, bright, undiluted, love-thy-neighbor Christian. And Boyce Alford always acted on his impulses. If it was your ox in the ditch, Boyce Alford would be there to help even before he could slip on his sportcoat. Whatever your race, creed, color or hopelessly misguided pinko beliefs. Boyce's politics would have been reactionary even in 1861, but his personal disposition was utopian. At the Ledge, Boyce Alford was much like the eccentric driver in a small towndangerous, but you could see him coming, and everybody soon learned to get out of the way or, if necessary, take away his keys. Because, as editorial writers had occasion to comment at least once during every session, Boyce would be Boyce. Dr. Alford's view of complicated matters of jurisprudence could be summed up by a brief conversation we were privileged to have overheard between himself and an earnest young lawyer at some church function. The topic was the theory and cliché that people are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. To sum up Boyce's position on the matter, he was agin it. And that was that. Trying to find common ground, the nice young attorney turned, as a kind of last resort, to reason. "At least we can agree on this," he started off, "everybody's entitled to a fair trial. . ." He didn't get any farther because, at that point, Boyce laid down the Alford Doctrine: Not if they're guilty, they don't. End of discussion. We may have a few of the details wrong after all these years, but the spirit of that conversation, and Boyce Alford's, will always stay with us. Happily, the sensible and adored Mandy-wife and guardian-kept Rep. and Dr. Alford from diving off too many rhetorical cliffs during his madcap decade in the Legislature (1969-79). But even when he did go way too far, Boyce always recovered with aplomb, sure in the unswerving assumption that he'd taken the right turn. If the state's politics are a little safer now without Boyce in the Ledge, they're also a lot duller. And with his death at 78 this week, Pine Bluff and the world are duller places, too. It will always be hard to think of Boyce Alford without smiling, and he would have wanted it that way. He was the subject of the following sketch at Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock, Pulaski County, AR,: D. Boyce Alford : Optometrist active in politics 30 years BY EMMETT GEORGE PINE BLUFF - D. Boyce Alford earned a reputation as a scrapper during a decade in the Arkansas House of Representatives. "He liked to argue with people, but he would go to bat for anybody," said his wife, Dorothy "Mandy" Mandell Alford. Alford battled to get a fourlane highway completed between Pine Bluff and Little Rock that later became Interstate 530. Alford, an optometrist in Pine Bluff for 38 years, died Wednesday of heart failure at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. He was 78. Funeral services were Friday in Pine Bluff. Born on Nov. 13, 1923, at Cove in Polk County, he was the son of Thomas Franklin Alford, a Delight native, and Ida Womack Alford of Murfreesboro. His father was a former state commissioner of education and a former North Little Rock School District superintendent. His mother was an educator as well. Alford had an older brother, the late Dr. T. Dale Alford. Reared in the Little Rock area, Alford graduated from Catholic High School in 1942. He attended Georgia Military College at Milledgeville, Ga., and the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, before graduating from the Northern Illinois College of Optometry at Chicago in 1949. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy as a tailgunner on a scout bomber plane in the South Pacific. In 1948, he married Dorothy Mandell, a native of Seligman, Mo. They had two sons. The couple moved to Pine Bluff in 1950, where he established his practice. He became a partner with Dr. Fletcher Baugh. They worked together until he retired in 1988. Alford was active in politics for more than three decades. He was a Pine Bluff alderman from 1954-58 and a civil service commissioner from 1960-68 and 1978-88. He was a state legislator from 1969-79 and at one time was chairman of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee. Paul Greenberg, Arkansas Democrat-Gazetteeditorial page editor, said Alford was known for his sport coats and sense of humor. "He was the nicest guy, although I seldom agreed with his politics," said Greenberg, a former Pine Bluff Commercial editorial writer. "He was the sort of guy if I ever got in trouble, he would be the first person I would call." In 1972, Alford introduced legislation to make Arkansas AM&N College part of the University of Arkansas System. The college became the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. "He did it because some of the instructors came to him and said they were receiving lower salaries and had trouble getting things [equipment]," his wife said. An avid Razorback supporter, Alford was also president of the Pine Bluff Little League Inc. and a member of the Jaycees, Lions Club and Rotary International. He was a member of Grace Episcopal Church, where he served as an usher and greeter. "He touched a lot of people in a really positive way," said his son, James Nash Alford of Fayetteville. "He was always upbeat. It didn't matter whether you agreed with him or not, you could always laugh with him. He thought having a sense of humor was important." |
Samuel James Tilden "Jim" Henderson was born on September 26, 1876 at Pike County, AR.
He was the son of Abner Newton Henderson Jr and Matilda Jane "Tildy" Davis.
He was enumerated with Abner Newton Henderson Jr on the Pike County, AR census dated June 9, 1880; Samuel J. was shown at age 3 as a single white male, son of Abner N., born in Arkansas. His father was born in Alabama. His mother was born in Tennessee. Samuel James Tilden "Jim" Henderson married Mary Ann "Mollie" Covington on March 5, 1902 at Pike County, AR. [He was 25. She was 25. Both people lived in Pike County prior to the wedding.]. Samuel James Tilden "Jim" Henderson died on January 13, 1968 at Pike County, AR, at age 91. He was buried at Brocktown Cemetery, Pike County, AR. |
Mary Ann "Mollie" Covington was born on August 19, 1876. She married Samuel James Tilden "Jim" Henderson, son of Abner Newton Henderson Jr and Matilda Jane "Tildy" Davis, on March 5, 1902 at Pike County, AR. [He was 25. She was 25. Both people lived in Pike County prior to the wedding.]. Mary Ann "Mollie" Covington died on July 6, 1947 at Pike County, AR, at age 70. She was buried at Brocktown Cemetery, Pike County, AR. |
Rosa Levisa Henderson was born circa 1879 at Pike County, AR. [She is shown in the 1880 Pike County AR Census as 1 year old.].
She was the daughter of Abner Newton Henderson Jr and Matilda Jane "Tildy" Davis.
She was enumerated with Abner Newton Henderson Jr on the Pike County, AR census dated June 9, 1880; Levisa R. was shown at age 1 as a single white female, daughter of Abner N., born in Arkansas. Her father was born in Alabama. Her mother was born in Tennessee. Rosa Levisa Henderson died after June 19, 1880 at Pike County, AR. |
Martha Ann Henderson was born circa 1840 at Morgan County, AL. [One source has 1841.].
She was enumerated with Abner Newton Henderson Sr on the Morgan County, AL census dated 1840; Martha was shown at age under 5 years as a white female. Martha Ann Henderson was the daughter of Abner Newton Henderson Sr and Levisa "Vicey" Alford. She was enumerated with Abner Newton Henderson Sr on the Pike County, AR census dated November 13, 1850; Martha was shown at age 10 as a white female born in Alabama. She attended school within the year. Martha Ann Henderson married James William Davis, son of John Davis I and Nancy ______, circa 1854 at Pike County, AR. She was enumerated with James William Davis on the Pike County, AR census dated 1860; M.A. was shown at age 20 as a married white female born in Alabama, wife of J.W. She was listed as a head of household on the Pike County, AR census dated August 8, 1870. She was found in Missouri Township, Brocktown PO, Roll 60, Book 1, Page 216A, Sheet 7, Dwelling 49, Family 49; Martha A. was shown at age 30 as a white female born in Alabama. She owned real estate valued at $150. Her personal estate was valued at $125. Her occupation was keeping house. Martha Ann Henderson married Robert Box Jr. after August 8, 1870 at Pike County, AR. She was enumerated with Robert Box Jr. on the Pike County, AR census dated June 22, 1880; Martha A. was shown at age 39 as a married white female, wife of Robert, born in Alabama. Her parents were born in Virginia. Her occupation was keeping house. She could read and write. Martha Ann Henderson died on February 7, 1886 at Pike County, AR. She was buried at Saline Cemetery, Pike County, AR. |
James William Davis was born circa 1831 at TN.
He was the son of John Davis I and Nancy ______.
He was enumerated with John Davis I on the Smith County, TN census dated October 1, 1850; James W. was shown at age 19 as a single white male born in Tennessee. He was listed as a farmer. James William Davis married Martha Ann Henderson, daughter of Abner Newton Henderson Sr and Levisa "Vicey" Alford, circa 1854 at Pike County, AR. He was listed as a head of household on the Pike County, AR census dated 1860. He was found in Dwelling 516, Family 516; J.W. was shown at age 28 as a married white male born in Tennessee. He was listed as a farmer. James William Davis died between 1865 and 1870 at AR. One source has date of death as aft 1876. |
Robert Box Jr. was born in 1816 at TN.
He married Martha Ann Henderson, daughter of Abner Newton Henderson Sr and Levisa "Vicey" Alford, after August 8, 1870 at Pike County, AR.
He was listed as a head of household on the Pike County, AR census dated June 22, 1880. He was found in Thompson Township, Roll 53, Book 1, Page 428B, Sheet 30, ED 123, Dwelling 248, Family 248; Robert was shown at age 64 as a married white male born in Tennessee. His parents were born in South Carolina. His occupation was cabinet mechanic. He could read and write. |
William David Davis was born on September 5, 1855 at Pike County, AR.
He was the son of James William Davis and Martha Ann Henderson.
He was enumerated with James William Davis on the Pike County, AR census dated 1860; W.D. was shown at age 4 as a single white male born in Arkansas. He was enumerated with Martha Ann Henderson on the Pike County, AR census dated August 8, 1870; William D. was shown at age 14 as a white male born in Arkansas. His occupation was farm laborer. He attended school within the year. William David Davis married Martha Ann Burkett on March 29, 1876 at Pike County, AR. He was listed as a head of household on the Pike County, AR census dated June 9, 1880. He was found in Missouri Township, Roll 53, Book 1, Page 434A, Sheet 1, ED 124, Dwelling 6, Family 6; William D. was shown at age 24 as a married white male born in Arkansas. His father was born in Tennessee. His mother was born in Alabama. His occupation was farmer. He could read and write. William David Davis married Mrs. Fisher "Tishie" Simpson on August 7, 1904 at Pike County, AR. William David Davis married Sally "Sallie" Beavert on November 6, 1937 at Pike County, AR. He was 82. She was 53.This was at least a second marriage for her. William David Davis died on October 6, 1952 at Murfreesboro, Pike County, AR, at age 97. He was buried on October 7, 1952 at Pleasant Home Cemetery, Pike County, AR. |
Sally "Sallie" Beavert married William David Davis, son of James William Davis and Martha Ann Henderson, on November 6, 1937 at Pike County, AR. He was 82. She was 53.This was at least a second marriage for her. |
Mrs. Fisher "Tishie" Simpson was born circa 1862. She married William David Davis, son of James William Davis and Martha Ann Henderson, on August 7, 1904 at Pike County, AR. |
Martha Ann Burkett was born in 1859 at AR.
She married William David Davis, son of James William Davis and Martha Ann Henderson, on March 29, 1876 at Pike County, AR.
She was enumerated with William David Davis on the Pike County, AR census dated June 9, 1880; Martha was shown at age 21 as a married white female, wife of William D., born in Arkansas. Her father was born in Alabama. Her mother was born in Tennessee. Her occupation was keep house. She could neither read nor write. Martha Ann Burkett died circa 1897. |
Martha Frances "Mattie" Davis was born on November 22, 1881 at Pike City, Pike County, AR. She was the daughter of William David Davis and Martha Ann Burkett. Martha Frances "Mattie" Davis married Daniel J. Riddle on July 25, 1897 at Pike County, AR. [He was 22. She was 16. Both parties lived in Pike County prior to the wedding.]. Martha Frances "Mattie" Davis married John William Stephens in 1906 at Natchitoches, LA. Martha Frances "Mattie" Davis married Edward Terry circa 1914. Date is estimated based on birth date of first child. Martha Frances "Mattie" Davis married _____ Mize before 1977. Martha Frances "Mattie" Davis died on October 5, 1977 at Modesto, CA, at age 95. She was buried at Modesto, CA. |
Daniel J. Riddle was born circa 1875. He married Martha Frances "Mattie" Davis, daughter of William David Davis and Martha Ann Burkett, on July 25, 1897 at Pike County, AR. [He was 22. She was 16. Both parties lived in Pike County prior to the wedding.]. |
Edward Terry married Martha Frances "Mattie" Davis, daughter of William David Davis and Martha Ann Burkett, circa 1914. Date is estimated based on birth date of first child. |
_____ Mize married Martha Frances "Mattie" Davis, daughter of William David Davis and Martha Ann Burkett, before 1977. |
Lora A. Davis was born on February 28, 1893 at Pike County, AR.
She was the daughter of William David Davis and Martha Ann Burkett.
Lora A. Davis married Harvey H. McCool. [He was her first husband.].
Lora A. Davis married Edward Sligh. [He was her second husband.].
She lived in Little Rock during WWII. She had a blind daughter who attended the Arkansas School for the Blind during WWII, [per Irene Burnham Force.]. Lora A. Davis died on May 1, 1947 at Hot Spring County, AR, at age 54. She was buried at Rock Port Cemetery, Hot Spring County, AR. Children's names provided by Teresa. |
Harvey H. McCool married Lora A. Davis, daughter of William David Davis and Martha Ann Burkett. [He was her first husband.].
Children's names provided by Teresa. |
Lillian Eugenia "Genia" Davis was born on October 24, 1877 at Pike County, AR. [One source shows birth date as 10/1893.].
She was the daughter of William David Davis and Martha Ann Burkett.
She was enumerated with William David Davis on the Pike County, AR census dated June 9, 1880; Lillian E. was shown at age 3 as a single white female, daughter of William D., born in Arkansas. Her parents were born in Arkansas. Lillian Eugenia "Genia" Davis married William Andrew Burnham, son of Benjamin Franklin Burnham and Nancy Leanner McClennahan, on December 25, 1895 at Pike County, AR. Lillian Eugenia "Genia" Davis died on February 9, 1974 at Camden, Ouachita County, AR, at age 96. She was buried at Memorial Park Cemetery, Camden, Ouachita County, AR. |
William Andrew Burnham was born on September 30, 1875 at Benton, Marshall County, KY. He was the son of Benjamin Franklin Burnham and Nancy Leanner McClennahan. William Andrew Burnham married Lillian Eugenia "Genia" Davis, daughter of William David Davis and Martha Ann Burkett, on December 25, 1895 at Pike County, AR. William Andrew Burnham died on November 30, 1956 at Camden, Ouachita County, AR, at age 81. He was buried at Memorial Park, Camden, Ouachita County, AR. |
Birdie Burnham was the daughter of William Andrew Burnham and Lillian Eugenia "Genia" Davis. |
Margaret "Maggie" Burnham was born on January 24, 1897 at Pike County, AR. [One source shows the birth year as 1896.].
She was the daughter of William Andrew Burnham and Lillian Eugenia "Genia" Davis.
Apparently she was known as Magnolia Rachelle Burnham to Effie Burnham Ward Kreimeyer. But the delayed [also known as prior] birth certificate issued by the Arkansas State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics and signed by Genia Davis Burnham indicates her name to be Margaret Burnham and all her children and at least one other researcher have always known her as Margaret or Maggie. Margaret "Maggie" Burnham married Coy Atkins. Margaret "Maggie" Burnham married W. H. Gentry. Margaret "Maggie" Burnham died on May 19, 1982 at San Diego, San Diego County, CA, at age 85. She was buried on May 21, 1982 at Glen Abbey Memorial, San Diego, San Diego County, CA. |
Coy Atkins married Margaret "Maggie" Burnham, daughter of William Andrew Burnham and Lillian Eugenia "Genia" Davis. |
W. H. Gentry married Margaret "Maggie" Burnham, daughter of William Andrew Burnham and Lillian Eugenia "Genia" Davis. |
Walter Burnham was born on June 1, 1899 at Brocktown, Pike County, AR. He was the son of William Andrew Burnham and Lillian Eugenia "Genia" Davis. Walter Burnham died on July 26, 1915 at Pike County, AR, at age 16. [Died from an accident (hit by baseball and died several days later) Per Death Certificate, injured July 10 and died July 26 with burial in Delight, AR. (Exact cemetery location unknown).]. |
Effie Burnham was born on June 16, 1904 at Delight, Pike County, AR. [One source shows the birth date as Jun 18 1904.]. She was the daughter of William Andrew Burnham and Lillian Eugenia "Genia" Davis. Effie Burnham married Andrew Ward on April 10, 1920. Effie Burnham married Ordale Kreiymeyer on June 17, 1945 at Little Rock, Pulaski County, AR. Effie Burnham died on November 24, 1998 at Fort Worth, Tarrant County, TX, at age 94. She was buried on November 26, 1998 at Fort Worth, Tarrant County, TX. |
Ordale Kreiymeyer married Effie Burnham, daughter of William Andrew Burnham and Lillian Eugenia "Genia" Davis, on June 17, 1945 at Little Rock, Pulaski County, AR. Ordale Kreiymeyer died on August 21, 1989 at Fort Worth, Tarrant County, TX. |
Andrew Ward married Effie Burnham, daughter of William Andrew Burnham and Lillian Eugenia "Genia" Davis, on April 10, 1920. |
Pink Archie Burnham was born on December 26, 1908 at Whitford, Winn Parish, LA. [One source shows the birth date as Dec 26 1904.]. He was the son of William Andrew Burnham and Lillian Eugenia "Genia" Davis. Pink Archie Burnham married Alti L. Baker on June 20, 1932 at Antoine, Pike County, AR. [Marriage notice for Pink and Alta Baker appeared in the Pike County Tribune on June 24, 1932. ]. Pink Archie Burnham married Lena Harmes in 1950 at AR. [Lena was married to a Harmes before she married Pink Archie and had at least 1 child, a daughter, Katherine Harmes. In other words, Pink is her second husband.]. Pink Archie Burnham married Alta Baker. Pink Archie Burnham died on May 7, 1980 at Belton, Bell County, TX, at age 71. He was buried at Belton, Bell County, TX. |
Alta Baker married Pink Archie Burnham, son of William Andrew Burnham and Lillian Eugenia "Genia" Davis. |
Lena Harmes married Pink Archie Burnham, son of William Andrew Burnham and Lillian Eugenia "Genia" Davis, in 1950 at AR. [Lena was married to a Harmes before she married Pink Archie and had at least 1 child, a daughter, Katherine Harmes. In other words, Pink is her second husband.]. Lena Harmes was buried at Belton, Bell County, TX. She died at Belton, Bell County, TX. |
Johnnie William Burnham was born on February 22, 1910 at Whitford, Winn Parish, LA. He was the son of William Andrew Burnham and Lillian Eugenia "Genia" Davis. Johnnie William Burnham married Edna Williamson in 1930 at Ouachita County, AR. Johnnie William Burnham married Ruby Atkinson in 1940 at Ouachita County, AR. Johnnie William Burnham married Billie Gilmore. Johnnie William Burnham married Irene Purifoy. Johnnie William Burnham died on May 9, 1970 at Camden, Ouachita County, AR, at age 60. He was buried at Lakeside Cemetery, Ouachita County, AR. |
Edna Williamson married Johnnie William Burnham, son of William Andrew Burnham and Lillian Eugenia "Genia" Davis, in 1930 at Ouachita County, AR. |
Maybelle Burnham was born on June 14, 1914 at Shawmut, Pike County, AR. She was the daughter of William Andrew Burnham and Lillian Eugenia "Genia" Davis. Maybelle Burnham married _____ Patterson. Maybelle Burnham married Ralph Riggs. Maybelle Burnham married Buck Lane. Maybelle Burnham married Curlee Higginbottom. Maybelle Burnham died on December 11, 1978 at Fort Worth, Tarrant County, TX, at age 64. One source show the date of death as Dec 11 1973. She was buried on December 14, 1978 at Greenwood Memorial, Fort Worth, Tarrant County, TX. |
Ralph Riggs married Maybelle Burnham, daughter of William Andrew Burnham and Lillian Eugenia "Genia" Davis. |
Buck Lane married Maybelle Burnham, daughter of William Andrew Burnham and Lillian Eugenia "Genia" Davis. |
Paul Franklin Burnham was born on March 30, 1922 at Delight, Pike County, AR. He was the son of William Andrew Burnham and Lillian Eugenia "Genia" Davis. Paul Franklin Burnham married Betty Joyce Elia on December 13, 1945 at Camden, Ouachita County, AR. Paul Franklin Burnham died on June 14, 1997 at Orion, Oakland County, MI, at age 75. [Died of pancreatic cancer.]. He was buried at Memorial Park, Camden, Ouachita County, AR. |
Betty Joyce Elia was born on August 23, 1928 at El Dorado, Union County, AR. She married Paul Franklin Burnham, son of William Andrew Burnham and Lillian Eugenia "Genia" Davis, on December 13, 1945 at Camden, Ouachita County, AR. |
Robert Phillip Burnham Sr was born on January 4, 1925 at Delight, Pike County, AR. [One source shows the birth date as Jan 24 1925.]. He was the son of William Andrew Burnham and Lillian Eugenia "Genia" Davis. Robert Phillip Burnham Sr died on February 14, 1999 at Camden, Ouachita County, AR, at age 74. He was buried on February 16, 1999 at Memorial Park, Camden, Ouachita County, AR. |
James E. "Jack" Davis was born circa 1879.
He was the son of William David Davis and Martha Ann Burkett.
He was enumerated with William David Davis on the Pike County, AR census dated June 9, 1880; James D. was shown at age 1 as a single white male, son of William D., born in Arkansas. His parents were born in Arkansas. |
William Nathan Davis was born on December 8, 1888 at Pike County, AR. He was the son of William David Davis and Martha Ann Burkett. William Nathan Davis married Mauna Givula Head on May 3, 1907 at Pike County, AR. [He was 19. She was 18 (actually she lied about her age, she was actually 16 but close to 17). The couple was married by Abner Newton Henderson, J.P. and the license was recorded by Robert Newton Alford as County Clerk.]. William Nathan Davis died on December 28, 1946 at Edinburg Hospital, Edinburg, Hidalgo County, TX, at age 58. [The source for the date and place we use here is the death certificate in the possession of the granddaughter of William Nathan.]. He was buried on December 29, 1948 at Roselawn Cemetery, McAllen, Hildago County, TX. |
Mauna Givula Head was born on June 14, 1890 at Conway, Faulkner County, AR. She married William Nathan Davis, son of William David Davis and Martha Ann Burkett, on May 3, 1907 at Pike County, AR. [He was 19. She was 18 (actually she lied about her age, she was actually 16 but close to 17). The couple was married by Abner Newton Henderson, J.P. and the license was recorded by Robert Newton Alford as County Clerk.]. Mauna Givula Head died on March 11, 1967 at San Juan, Hidalgo County, TX, at age 76. She was buried at Roselawn Cemetery, McAllen, Hidalgo County, TX. |
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