Drew County, Arkansas, History
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Drew County History
Drew County was formed from Arkansas and Bradley Counties
in 1846 and was named for Thomas S. Drew who was State
Governor during the years 1844-1849.
The county seat is Monticello.
GOODSPEED TRANSCRIPTION CHAPTER XXXII
Drew County - First White Settlers -Location of Settlements -
some "First Things" -Reminiscences - Formation - Change of
Boundaries - Municipal Townships - Post-offices -
Railroads and Highways - Matters of Judicial Importance -
Court Records - Attorneys - Early Marriages -
Civil Proceedings _ Wealth and Population - Distribution of
Personal Property - Names of County Officers - Sketch
of Monticello-Tillar, Baxter and Collins - Other Stations -
Industries -
Resources - Position -Physical Features - Military Items -
Family History
For numerous blessings yearly show’r’d
And property with plenty crow’d.
Accept our pious praise - Dryden
Occupying a prominent and influential position in the Tenth Judicial
Circuit and Third Congressional District of Arkansas, Drew County owes its
prosperity and existence to a worth class of pioneer settlers, whose determined
efforts and heroic labors opened the way for civilization and aided greatly in
transforming this wilderness into a community of culture and prosperity. Among
these early immigrants was one well known to the present generation, John S.
Handly, who came here in March, 1839, and to him is accorded the greater
majority of facts gleaned regarding the first early settlers of Drew County. At
the time of his location, besides his brother, Jack Handly, there was but one
other man in the present limits of Clear Creek Township.
In 1835, James Ferguson removed from Mississippi, and settled in the
same neighborhood, on Handly Creek. South of the Handly settlement, on Hungry
Run lived J. W. Ridgell, Bynum Nichols and Fountain Brown, the last named, a
Methodist preacher. All of these men came to the county in 1835. Ridgell and
Nichols came from Mississippi, and Brown from Tennessee. Toward the
northeastern part of the county lived Jesse Whittacre and Hugh Fannin. These
men were Kentuckians, who became citizens of Arkansas in 1835 or 1836. Stephen
Gaster and Reece Powden came from Louisiana about 1832, and settled on Bayou
Bartholomew. It is said of Bowden that he is the only man on record who
discovered that a gray squirrel could beat a flash of lightning down a black
gum tree, and as he was an eyewitness to this strange feat, the statement can
not be questioned. He explained it by stating that the lightning had to run
round and round the tree, while the squirrel went straight down. Ezekiel Owens
came from Tennessee and settled here between 1836/1839, purchased his first
piece of land there in 1843/1884, and settled on the Bayou. In 1836 John Oneal
(probably O'Neal) a South Carolinian, settled on Ten Mile creek. In the same
neighborhood lived Jesse Hunt, Benjamin Nettles and a man named Arnold, who
came from Mississippi with Ridgell. These men and their families embraced the
entire numerical strength of the county. Settlements grew slowly, and those new
comers who followed made their homes near the older settled habitations until
finally the neighborhoods merged one into another. The pioneers were mostly
from Tennessee and Mississippi. The first post-office established in the county
was named Montongo, and was in the store of Carney Oneal, situated about three
miles west of where Monticello now is. The first election in the county’s
present territory was while it formed a part of Bradley County. This was in
what is now Marion Township, the voting place being the Gaster schoolhouse, or
what is called Gaster Hill. At that early days the forest abounded in game and
hunting was the chief amusement; encounters with bears were numerous, nor was
the danger attending them sufficient to deter these dauntless spirits from
engaging in the fascinating sport.For many years the peddling wagon of Ben
Martin was the sole dependence of the citizens for dry goods. New Orleans was
the distributing point, goods being landed at Pine Bluff. J. W. Ridgell erected
the first mill, a gin and gristmill run by horsepower. In 1845 a school and
church house was built about six miles north of the site of Monticello. Later
on Rough and Ready grew to be the only place of importance in the county, and
was after the organization of the county for some time the seat of justice, as
well as the place where personal feuds were fought out. It was here that
Richard Chance killed the two Courtneys, Dr. Street Hudspeth killed one named
Griffith, and Dave McPeters killed Brown, nor were humorous scenes wanting. At
a county court held at Grave Hill there were present Judge Wells and the
associate justices, Reynolds and Baldy, all were somewhat exhilarated by
frequent applications of the ever potent "forty rod", and at peace with
mankind, when the subject of dancing came up. Court adjoined that Reynolds an
Baldy might settle the question as to which of them could execute a jig with
the greater grace. The door was taken from its hinges, placed on the floor, and
the two candidates placed facing each other. Judge Wells patted and the others
danced.
After this novel procedure (the result of which is unknown) court
business was resumed. Such an incident will illustrate the spirit and character
of the "old timers". A member of one of the first grand juries to meet in
Monticello after its selection as the county site, in company with Dr. Bond of
Bradley County, having attended a meeting of the Masons at Rough and Ready
reached Monticello about 11 o’clock at night. Dismounting at Hyatt’s Hotel for
some refreshments, the travelers were seated in the hall, and upon making their
order the waiter asked if they were members of the grand jury. Receiving an
affirmative reply, he requested to remain in the hall and there he would serve
them. Dr. Bond not being on jury however was admitted into a "secret" room, and
as the bed-quilt, which served for a door was pushed back, it showed the table
lined with card players. About this time Judge Reynolds put in his appearance,
and thought a serenade was in order; so gatherin cowbells, tin pans, horns,
etc., a jolly company stormed Whitehead’s Tavern, where, after imbibing and
pressing in recruits, guests from the hotel, and the occupants of numerous
wagons, they made their way to Henry Well’s grocery. At this place three of the
grand jury were found deeply interested in a game of draw, also Stakley Heflin
and Brad Williams, noted characters of Smith Township. Williams invited the
party to remain and hear a young man named Lore sing "Old Uncle Ned" against
which infliction they first fortified by taking a drink.
The song when finished necessitated another application, and stills
another. Some of the part camped where they were for the remainder of the
night. Others found a lodging place on convenient stumps, and a very few
reached their proper quarters. Of Stoakley T. Heflin, previously mentioned, an
incident worthy of note. He was for years a justice of the peace. J. S. Winter,
an attorney, had a case to plead before him, and armed with Blackstone and
Greenleaf, presented himself in due time at court. During his argument referred
to, he read from his authorities. The court ordered the jury to pay no
attention to Mr. Winter’s "furren" books, as they ad nothing to do with justice
in Arkansas.
Drew County was first formed November 26, 1846, since which time
several changes have been made in its boundary lines. November 30, 1848, a
large area was attached to Ashley, and part of Chicot was attached December 21,
1840; a portion of Desha became Jointed January 21, 1861 and the line between
Drew and Chicot was changed November 30, 1873.
At the time of its organization the county wad divided into six
municipal townships, viz.: Marion, Union, White, Osceola, Smith and
Bartholomew. In 1850 the population of the county was 3,276. At the present
writing ( ) there are eleven municipal townships: Franklin, in the northeast
corners south of Franklin, Bartholomew; west of Bartholomew, Collins; west of
Collins, Bearhouse; west of Bearhouse, Veasey, west of Veasey, Crook; north of
Crook, Saline; north of Saline, Clear Creek: Spring Hill, east of Clear Creek;
Marion, south of Spring Hill, and Prairie, east of Marion.
The boundary lines of the municipal townships are independent of those
of the Congressional. There are fifty-six schools and 119 road districts.
The mail receives distribution from twenty post offices, located at the
following places: Monticello, in Marion Township; Winchester, Tillar, Selma,
Reeves and Florence, in Franklin Township; Coleman, in Spring Hill Township;
Bodman, Montogo and Planterville, in Clear Creek Township; Wilmar, in Crook
Township; Eddy, in Veasy Township; Barkada, in Saline Township; Lacy, Grove and
Paradise, in Bearhouse Township; Collins and Troy, in Collins Township and
Baxter, in Bartholomew Township. Of these, the offices at Tillar and Winchester
are on the main line of the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad, and
Monticello, Baxter, Collins and Wilmar are on the Warren branch of the same
road. The remaining offices are on "Star routes".
The Warren branch of the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad
Company traverses the county from east to west, almost through the center, the
stations at convenient distances affording quick communication and
transportation with the outside world. The road connects with the main line at
Trippe, in Desha County, bringing all parts of the county but a day’s run from
Little Rock, and less than half a day from the Mississippi River. In the
northeaster corner of the county the main line of the St. Louis, Iron Mountain
& Southern Railroad is situated for a distance of five miles within these
limits. The Saline River, skirting along the western boundary, furnishes river
transportation direct to New Orleans, as does Bayou Bartholomew, the easter
tier of twonships. The highways are kept in good repair, and with bridges over
the streams, high water does not interfere with traffic.
The judicial affairs of the county are ably provided for by circuit,
county and probate courts. The circuit court is held on the third Monday in
February and August, two weeks’ term. The judge of this circuit is C. D. Wood,
who resides at Monticello. He was elected September 6, 1886, and the term of
office expires October 380, 1890. The prosecuting attorney, R. C. Fuller, whose
residence is at Princeton, was elected September 3, 1888; his term also expires
October 30, 1890. The present resident attorneys of Drew County include such
well-known citizens as W. T. Weslls and J. G. Williams.
W. F. Slemmons, z. t. Wood and James R. Cotham, H. W. Wells, S. J.
Mathews and R. L. Crenshaw. W. M. Harrison, J. C. Barrow, W. S. McCain and J.
G. Taylor, who have achieved considerable State notoriety, were at different
times members of this bar.
The circuit judges for this circuit, preceding Judge Wood, have been W.
H. Field, W. H. sutton, Josiah Gould, John C. Murray, T. F. Sorrels, John C.
Murray, J. F. Lowery, W. H. Harrison, H. P. Morse, D. W. Carroll, T. F. Sorrels
and J. M. Bradley. The office of prosecuting attorney has been filled by Solon
B. Jones, t. F. Sorrels, W. P. Grace, S. F. Arnett, D. W. Carroll, C. C.
Godden, W. F. Slemmons, J. McL, Barton, H. Wood and M. L. Hawkins, the
immediate predecessor of Mr. Fuller.
The early records of the county court will always be of considerable
local interest. Among other items, the following are presented:
Monday, March 22, 1847, the first county court met at the house of A.
M. Rawles. Present, the Hon. W. H. Wells, presiding judge; Thomas S. Newman and
C. L. Reynolds, associate justices. The county officials newly elected filed
their bonds, and constables and patrols for the several townships were
appointed. The first claim to be presented against the county was one by Isaiah
Halcomb, for $3, which was allowed, and a warrant ordered in the session of
court road overseers were appointed, and Jesse Newton was granted a license to
retail spirituous and vinous liquors. Judges to hold elections in the several
townships were appointed as follows: George Dill, Jesse Whitaker and John
Jones, in Marion Township; William Lucas, J. Heard and David C. Smith, in
Bartholomew Township; David Adams, R. A. Thompson and J. P. Fisher, in
Debastrop Township; James Arnett, J. Sackville and William Sanders, in Smith
Township; A. M. Rowles, William B. Daniels and James Bussey, in White Township;
J. C. Cabeer, James Wheeler and Liviton C. Dougherty, in Osceola Township. At
the April term, 1847, a new township, called Goodland, was created. Court
ordered that a tax of one-eighth of one per cent be levied on the value of all
taxable property, and 50 cents on each white poll, for county revenue. The seat
of Justice after this term of court was removed from Rawles’ Meeting house to
Rodger’s Schoolhouse. The delinquent tax for 1847 was county tax. $24.37; State
tax. $7.71, total $32.08. At the January term, 1848, Steven Gaster was granted
a license to run a public ferry across Bayou Bartholomew, near his residence,
the rates of ferriage being as follows:
Wagon and team, 50 cents; carryall or cart, 37½ cents; man and horse,
10 cents, footman, 5 cents; loose stock, 3 cents, all but lead horse, which was
5 cents. These rates were to be doubled in high water. Osceola Township was
annexed to White Township. The sheriff, as collector, received as taxes from
all sources, $1,236.99. At the January term, 1849, the sheriff’s settlement
shows that he received as taxes from all sources, $1,750.50. The delinquent tax
for 1849 was $103.37.
At the April term, 1850, court ordered that one-fourth of one per cent
be livied on all property assessed by the sheriff, with a $100 poll tax for
county revenue. The total expenditures for the year ending April 9, 1850,
aggregated $1,801.79. Court was then held at Rough and Ready, and at the July
term of that year the county commissioners reported that the courthouse in
Monticello would be ready for the next term of circuit court, and the October
term of county court was held there. During the January term of the county
court, 1850, asessors for the several townships were appointed. Viz.: Henry
crook, for Marion Township; J. H. Jones for Veasey Towship; Joseph Furgeson,
for Bartholomew Township; Charles C. Mathias, for Spring Hill Township, and
William C. Norton for Smith Township. The total tax collected for the year
ending in April, 1851, amounted to $2,236.07. Court ordered levied a tax of
one-sixth of one per cent and 50 cents poll tax. July 17, 1851, the first
notice appears regarding school funds. The sheriff was charged with $105, which
was to be appropriated for common school purposes.
The delinquent list for 1851, was State delinquent, $5.02, county
delinquent, $33.67; a total of $38.69. In January, 1853, John S. Winter was
appointed by the county, his salary to be appropriated by the court from time
to time. Benjamin Hyatt was appointed a notory public by the county court, his
commission to bear date from January 12, 1854 to January 12, 8856. In April,
2856, land was entered for a county poor-farm, and in January, 1859, the poor-
farm was ordered sold.
The first probate court of which there is a record convened on Tuesday,
April 13, 1859, the matter first appearing on the records as follows: "In the
matter of the estate of W. G. Wells, deceased. And now on this day comes F. C.
Austin, by his attorney and a manuscript of all matter appertaining to the
administration of the estate of said Wells, deceased, and prays that name be
made part of the records of this court. It is therefore considered by the court
here, that his office, and that the same be made a matter of record." A like
order was made concerning the papers relative to the manuscript in the estate
of George Holloway; the administrator was allowed to keep the slaves belonging
to the estate to raise a crop that year. Henry S. Hudspeth and Seaborn Greer
were confirmed as, administrators for the estate of Hardaman Greer, and their
bond approved. L. C. Dougherty was confirmed as administrator for the estate of
C. M. Dougherty and his bond approved. John Smith presented for probate the
will of Mary Wyatt, deceased: Jesse B. Morris failing to appear as one of the
attesting witnesses in obedience to a supbpoena, it was ordered by the court
that a writ of attachment be issued, returnable on the first day of the next
term of the court. This record is signed by William H. Wells, judge.
That matrimonial affairs were not allowed to go unnoticed even in an
early day, is shown by the following: State of Arkansas County of Drew This 5th
day of Jan., 1847, this is to certify that I. Y. R. Royal, being a duly
licensed minister of the Gospel, did on the third of January; A. D. eighteen
hundred and forty-seven, in the county and state aforsaid, duly join in
marriage Thomas Cotham and Elizabeth Griffity, both being of age. John Berryman
and Martha A. Grindoll were the second couple whose marriage is recorded. There
were thirty-eight couples married in 1847; forty-one in 1848; twenty=four in
1849, and twenty-one in 1850.
The following certificate or ordination is first one spread on the
records: Know all men by these presents, that I, Robert Paine, one of the
Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church. South, in the United States of
America, under the protection of Almighty God, and with a singular eye to his
Glory, by the imposition of my hands and prayer (being assisted by the elders
present), have this day set apart William G. Guice, for the office of elder, In
the said Methodist Episcopal Church, South; a man, who in the judgment of the
Arkansas Annual Conference, is well qualified for that work, and he is hereby
recommended to all whom it may concern, as a proper person to administer, the
sacraments and ordinances, to feed the flock of Christ, so long as his spirit
and practice are such as become the Gospel of Christ, and he continueth to hold
fast the form of sound words according to the established doctrines of the
Gospel. In testimony whereof. I hereunto set my hand and seal, this twenty-
ninth day of November, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and
forty-six. Robert Payne Of Drew County’s Circuit Court proceedings the first
were held at the May term, 1847, as follows:State of Arkansas County of Drew At
a Circuit Court begun and holden, in and for the County of Drew, State of
Arkansas, at the court house thereof, being the house known as Rodger’s school
house, the place appointed and established by the county court of said county,
as the temporary seat of justice of said county, on the first Monday after the
fourth Monday in April, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and
forty-seven, being the third day of May, of said year. Present the Honorable
William B. Field, Judge of the firth judicial circuit of said state.
James Thompson was appointed deputy clerk, and as Solon B. Jones,
prosecuting attorney, was absent, Robert Anderson was appointed prosecuting
attorney pro tem. The following named men were sworn as grand jurors: Stephen
Gaster (foreman), Resun Bowden, Robert A. Thompson, John P. Fisher, John
Goodwin, Isaac C. Burrow, William B. Daniel, Benjamin Franklin, John Jones,
Ralph Griffith, Seaborn Greer, Daniel Holcomb, John Smith, William P. Holliman,
Arthur Whitney and John Fannin. This jury found two true bills, after which,
there being no further business, they were discharged. There were ten civil
suits on the docket at this term, two of which were jury cases. These special
juries were composed of Richard Stanley, Joseph Adams, Creach Roberts, William
Ross, William Nowls, D. M. C. Oneal, Isaac D. Price, Wiley D. Crook, Ezekiel B.
Owens, Stephen Greer, B. Patton and Phillip S. Wolfe in the first case, and in
the second, Thomas F. Edmonds, Lewis Ivy, Paul H. Baldy, James Bussey, Isaac
Denson, John Grendall, William Everett, Richard Standley, Joseph Adams, Creach
Robert, William Ross * * * September 24, 1849, John B. Brandon renounced his
allegiance to Victoria, queen of England, and took the oath of allegiance to
the Constitution of the United States. William H. Harrison, Thomas N. Byers,
Benoni S. Dubose and Henry S. Hudspeth showed that they were duly licensed to
practice as attorneys and counselors at law, and solicitors in chancery in this
circuit, and were enrolled as such in this court. The first case of
manslaughter was the trial of Henry S. and Leonidas Hudspeth, of which charge
they were acquitted March 27, 1857. March 30, 1857, Richard Chance was
arraigned for murder. The case was continued until the November term of court,
and in the meantime the accused cut his own throat.
In 1880 the real estate of the county was assessed at $800,305, the
value of personal property being $578,298.21, or a total of $1,378,603.21. In
1889 the real estate assessment aggregated $1,127,245, and personal property
$1,049.800, a total of real and personal property of $2,177,045. This shows an
increase in nine years of $708,441.70. The real estate is divided as follows:
Lands $810,855; city lots, $174885; railroad realty, $141,505; total
$1,127,245. Of the city lots, Monticello is credited with $158,745; Selma,
$1,548; Tracy $420; Collins, $4,505; Baxter $4,210; Tillar, $4,545; Winchester,
$915; total $174,885. The population of Drew County, be decades, has been as
follows: in 1850, 3,276; 1860; 9,087; 1870, 9,960; 1880, 12,231; 1889,
estimated 15,500.
The railroad property is distributed as follows: St. Louis, Iron
Mountain & Southern Railway, 5.25 miles, $34,12,5; side tracks, $8,730; Warren
Branch, $97,680; buildings at Winchester, $415; buildings at Tillar, $235;
buildings at Baxter, $225; buildings at Collins, $350; buildings at Wilmar,
$800; buildings at Monticello, $4,445; total, $141,505.Personal property is
distributed, in the several townhips throughout the county, as follows:
Bartholomew: Number of horses, 191, value $7,825; cattle, 956, value
$6,122; mules, 279, value, $17,510; sheep, 146, value $160; hogs, 867, value
$1,046; total number of animals, 2,589, value $31,028; total of all kinds of
personal property, $60,465.
Bearhouse Township - Number of horses, 191, value, $7,825; cattle, 956,
value, $4,930; mules 98, value $5,465; sheep, 105, value $105; hogs, 977, value
$995; total number of all domestic animals, 2,327; value $10,320; total value
of all personal property, $26,845.
Collins Township - Number of horses, 170, value, $8,725; cattle, 1207,
value, $6,250; mules, 186, value, $9,800; sheep, 94, value $87; hogs 1020,
value $1,058; total nmber of all domestic animals, 2666, value, $24,920, total
value of all personal property $70,540.
Crook Township - Number of horses, 117, value, $4,995; cattle, 894,
value, $4,575; mules, 79, value $4,375; sheet, 161, value, $172; hogs, 980,
value, $978; total number of all domestic animals, 2,237, value, $17,095, total
value of all personal property $20,740.
Clear Creek Township - Number of horses, 285, value, $13,160; cattle,
1339, value, $6,965; mules, 211, value, $12,575; sheep, 511, value, $509; hogs,
1,333, value, $1,336; total nunber of all domestic animals, 3,679, value,
$84,550; total value of all personal property, $75,080.
Franklin Township - Number of horses, 313, value, $12,800; cattle,
1,978, value, $10,492; mules, 306, value, $22,280; sheep, 442, value, $433;
hogs, 2155, value, $2,169; total number of animals, 5,284; value $48,124; total
value of all personal property, $109,325.
Marion Township (outside of Monticello) - Number of horses, 453, value
$19,325; cattle, 2,411,value $13,045; mules, 333, value $19,880; sheet, 663,
value, $720; hogs, 1815, value $2,072; total number af all domestic animals,
6,115; value, $55,042; total value of all personal property, $118,145.
Prairie Township - Number of horses, 148, value, $6,625; cattle, 1,250,
value $6,570; mules, 110, value $6,790; sheet, 48, value, $50; hogs, 1,004,
value, $1,145; total number of animals, 2,50, value, $21,180; total valuation
of all personal property, $35,145.
Saline Township-Number of horses, 249, value, $11,340; cattle, 1,444,
value $8,205; mules, 165, value, $11,260; sheep, 437, value, $422; hogs 1,261,
value, $1,288; total number of animals, 3,756, value $32,515.
Spring Hill Township - Number of horses, 246, value, $11,490; cattle,
1,398, value $7,435; mules, 181, value, $11,065; sheep, 304, value, $298; hogs,
1,036, value, $1,067; total number of domestic animals, 3,165, value, $31,355;
total valuation of all personal property, $64,580.
Veasey Township - Number of horses, 239, value, $15,125; cattle, 1559,
value, $8,550; mules, 127, value, $k6,875; sheep, 113, value, $110; hogs,
$1,298; value, $1,300; total number of domestic animals, 3,468, value, $39,960;
total valuation of all personal property, $54,500.
Town of Monticello - Number of horses, 180, value, $6,590; cattle, 601,
value, $8,715; mules, 71, value, $5,175; sheep, 33, value $33; hogs, 237,
value, $287; total number of animals, 1050, value $15,800; goods and
merchandise valued at $75,690; moneys, credits, book accounts, etc., $123,560;
a total valuation of all personal property inside the corporation $291,220.
The St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad pays a personal tax on
property valued at $56,715, and the Western Union Telegraph Company on property
valued at $1,495.There is a total of 2,799 horses in the county, valued at
$124,190; cattle, 16,195, value $86,704; mules, 2,216, value, $133,000; sheep,
3,057, value, $3,099, hogs, 14,079, value, $14,771; a grand total of all
domestic animals of 38,346, valued at $361,54. The sum total of the personal
property valuation is $1,049,800. The tax levied for 1889 amounted to - General
State tax, $4,376.70; 7-mill sinking fund, $2,187.91; school fund, $4,376.70;
ordered county tax, $10,941.75; Monticello corporation tax, $1,151.755; a total
of $23,034.815.
The officials of Drew County who have been elected to represent their
constituents in different relations are as follows, some having served two or
more terms:
Judges - W. H. Wells, W. H. Lucas, E. K. Haynes, W. B. Daniels, T. N. Cotham,
J. W. Colquit, C. M. Preddy, T. M. Cotham, W. T. Wells, H. J. Stanley, S. J.
Matthews, H. M. Wells, S. G. Twitty, E. K. Haynes.Clerks - Y. R. Royal, S. J.
Matthews, Samuel Gibson, J. F. Bussey, W. P. Montague, R. F. Hyatt, S. G.
Twitty, S. J. Matthews, J. H. Hammock
Sheriffs - D. D. Greer, W. D. Ford, J. S. Jordan, D. S. Wells, J. L. Haynes, J.
A. Baker, J. H. Hammock, S. E. Cole, T. W. Haynes, J. H. Hammock, C. F.
Hudspeth
Treasurers - W. C. Guice, Jesse Newton, George Prosise, W. P. Montague, P. R.
Smith, J. H. Rayland, Z. E. Kerr, H. M. Hankins
Coroners - T. Hale, Jacob Martin (J. D. Berry succeeded Martin), J. Werrett, H.
H. Wells, S. H. Dabney, D. D. Greer, V. Garrison, H. H. Crook, S. H. Grubbs, W.
P. Burk, G. W. Gill, J. W. Crook, R. E. Owens, Jesse Bowden, C. T. Duke, R. F.
Hyatt.
Surveyors - E. J. Howard, M. G. Welch (Elijah Henry appointed July 9, 1857), T.
W. Gullege, R. H. Hestor, M. L. Stinson, Ab. Wilson
Assessors - E. W. Good, O. P. Madess (rejected and H. C. Brooks in office from
March 18, 1871), H. C. Burke, J. Folliard, J. F. Folliard, J. F. Bussey, W. L.
Hart, W. F. Bessellieu, M. G. Peebles
The Representatives in the Lower House of the State Legislature were: Wilford
Garner, in the Seventh; Hugh Rogers, in the Eighth; Ninth, W. D. Crook; Tenth,
William G. Guice; Eleventh, William D. Trotter; Twelfth, C. F. Hemmingway;
Thirteenth, w. M. Harrison and C. F. Memmingway; Fourteenth, B. Collins and E.
H. Haynes; Fifteenth, William Cox and F. H. Boyd. Confederate Legislature,
Sepember 22 to October2, 1864, Benjamin Collins and E. H. Haynes; Sixteenth, L.
L. Brooks and Benjamin Collins; Seventeenth, D. S. Wells; Eighteenth (Twenty-
second District, comprising Ashley, Chicot, Drew and Desha Counties) < A. J.
Robinson, C. W. Preddy, H. Marr, E. A. Fulton, J. W. Harris and John Webb;
Nineteenth, A. E. Beardsley; Twenty-second District, S. W. McLeod, John C.
Collins, X. J. Pindall, O. F. Parish, J. T. W. Tillar and J. E. Joslyn. At an
extra sessilon, convened by Elisha Baxter, governor, May 11, 1874, the Twenty
second District was represented by J. T. W. Tillar, L. L. Jonston, A. W. Files
and X. J. Pindall; Twentieth, D. S. Wells; Twenty-first, James R. Cotham;
Twenty-second, D. E. Baker; Twenty-third, L. E. Baker; Twenty-fourth, D. E.
Baker; Twenty-fifth, D. E. Baker; Twenty-sixth, N. Y. Waddsworth; Twenty-
seventh, N. Y. Waddsworth.
Monticello, the county seat of Drew County, is situated on the Warren
Branch of the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad, and has a
population of about 2,000. Its total valuation of property is $449,965, divided
into: Real, $158,745, and personal $291,220. Goods and merchandise are valued
at $75,690; moneys, credits, book accounts, etc., $123,560; domestic animals,
$15,800; all other kinds of personal property, $66,170.At the July term of the
county court, 1849, the question was first agitated of moving the seat of
justice from Rough and Ready. At the October term of court of that year three
commissioners were appointed to select a new location. These commissioners were
Josiah Halcomb, John M. Carr, and J. Sanders. At the January term of court,
1850, they filed a report to the effect that Fountain C. Austin had deeded to
the county eighty-three and two one-hundreths acres, for the purpose of
building thereon the county seat. The town was survey and platted July 24, 26,
27 and 30, and August 1, 1849, the deed and plat were displayed in court. The
report further showed that they had let the building of a temporary courthouse
to William D. Ford, the consideration being $174, the house to be completed by
February 1, 1850, and the public square to be 170 feet square. The October term
of county court was the first court held in Monticello, and from there dates
the removal of the county seat.
Abel Whitehead was granted license to keep the first tavern, and
William J. Barksdale was the first man to sell liquor in the new town. The
village was incorporated December 20, 1852. July 3, 1853, John M. Sanders,
county commissioner, reported sales made of town lots to the amount of
$2,960.27, and that he had paid out $817, besides $1,400 to Hyatt & Wells, for
building a jail making a total of $2,217 expended. This leftin the hands of the
commissioners $728.47 together with with $107.95, a total on hand of $836.43
and a total received by the commissioners of $3,053.48. This is the precise way
in which the report shows on the record, and while there is a slight
discrepancy in the total, the report was accepted and approved.
In November, 1855, plans and specifications for a courthouse was
submitted, to be a frame building forty feet front, sixty-five feet deep and
two stories high, not to exceed in cost $5,300. In January, 1870, the site for
the present courthouse was selected; plans and specifications were submitted,
and the contract awarded, $20,070 being appropriated for the building. The
cornerstone was laid in October, 1870. Additional appropriations were made
during the process of construction, till the entire cost approximated nearly
$40,000. The building is a magnificent brick structure. The tower is 110 feet
high, standing high above all surrounding objects. A four-dial clock marks time
and strikes the hour. In July, 1860, $6,350 was appropriated for the building
of a new jail, and in 1866 $4,500 was devoted to repairs. This jail yet does
service for such offenders as come within the scope of its authority.Monticello
has had a steady growth over since its foundation. The mercants are alive to
the interests of the place, wide awake, and fully abreast of the times. The
public square is lined with good brick and frame buildings, most of them two
stories high. A business in enjoyed ranging from $10,000 to $120,000 a year,
and all the branches of trade are well represented. Of the cotton crop of 1889,
14,000 bales were shipped from this place. Religious interests are looked after
by the Methodist, Baptist and Presbyterian Churches, and the colored folk also
have organizations. Rev. E. N. Evans is pastor of the Methodist Church, and
Rev. Frank White pastor of the Baptist Church, the Presbyterian pastorate is
now vacant. A fact that speaks volumes for the town is that the people voted
out saloons some time ago.
Monticello's public school is the pride and boast of the citizens,
there being an enrollment of 400 children, while the expenditures are over
$4,000 yearly for educational purposes. The school is graded and employs four
assistants besides the superintendent. The building itself is a handsome modern
structure, erected at a cost of $3,5000. The negro children aare also well
cared for, two-fifths of all the moneys expended for school purposes being in
their behalf. There are two separate buildings for their use. Over 300 scholars
are enrolled. Monticello has the only bank in Southeast Arkansas, known as the
Bank of Monticello. Its paid-up capital stock is $40,000.
Another evidence of the thrift and enterprise of the city is the
grounds of the Agricultural and Mechanical Fair Association, of Southeast
Arkansas, located here. In October, 1880, was held the fifteenth annual fair.
The district supporting this enterprise is composed of Arkansas, Ashley,
Bradley, Calhoun, Cleveland, Chicot, Desha, Drew, Jefferson, Lincoln and Union
Counties in Arkansas and West Carroll, Morehouse, Union and Ouachita Parishes
in Louisiana. The exhibits cover all departments usual in such cases, and
premiums are awarded horses, cattle, mules, sheep, hogs, chickens, turkeys,
geese, ducks, implements, manufactured articles, etc.; field products, domestic
industry, preserves, pickles, cakes, wines, etc., fine arts, bric-a-brac,
etc.The city government is looked after by a mayor, board of aldermen and town
marshal, all elective offices.
Being situated in the "hills", the drainage of the place is excellent.
An abundance of water is furnished by cisterns and wells. The Masons, Odd
Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Knights of Honor each have lodges here. A
telephone line affords communication with Hamburg.
Tillar, next in importance to Monticello, from a commercial standpoint,
is situated on the main line of the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern
Railroad, in the northeast corner of the county. It has a population of about
130. Several general merchandise stores thrive here and considerable quantities
of cotton and lumber are shipped annually. The town was laid off in 1879 and
the first house completed in May of that year. Six thousand bales of cotton,
50,000,000 cypress shingles, valued at $125,000; $13,500 worth of cotton seed
and 125 car loads of hewn timber were shipped from this point during the season
of 1888-89, much of the timber finding a market in Europe. The extent of the
business done in the town merchandise will approximate $200,000 each year. The
Methodists have an organization and church and Sunday school services are held
regularly. A church and public school building affords opportunity for the
instruction of children. Among the general interests are 4 general stores,
steam gin and grist-mill, 3 saw mills, 2 hotels, blacksmith, wagon and barber
sops and 2 resident physicians. The Masons and Knights of Pythias each have
lodges.
Baxter and Collins, on the Warren Branch Railway, are thriving little
villages, and are mainly supply and cotton shipping stations. Wilmar and Alice,
west of Monticello, are lumber stations.Agricultural pursuits form the chief
industry of the citizens of Drew County. Though corn and cotton are conceded to
be the staple crops, oats, field peas, sorghum, and millet are raised quite
extensively. The lands on Bayou Bartholomew are the richest and most
productive. Cultivated as it is, in a very indifferent manner from other
localities, this section yields an average crop of one bale of cotton per acre,
valued at $40, and 30 bushels of corn, with a cash value of $15. The cost of
raising a blae of cotton is estimated to be $7. This land may be purchased at a
price ranging from $5 to $15 per acre. All cleared land in this district rents
at $5 per acre. The hills or uplands of the county, while not so productive
naturally (though they are preferable for residence purposes, being removed
from the malarial influences of the bottoms) yield a bountiful return for labor
expended in their cultivation, producing one half bale of cotton and fifteen
bushels of corn to the acre, and by judicious distribution of fertilizers they
become equally as productive as the bayou lands. Stock raising is receiving no
little attention, mostly in connect with farming interests. For thirty years
there have been occasional importations of short-horn cattle, and within the
last ten years quite a number of Jersys have been shipped in, and are rapidly
growing in popular favor. A few grade stallions of the Norman and Clydesdale
breeds are now here. Considerable attention has also been devoted to road
horses. One planter, Capt. Isom, has for several years past given his whole
time to raising horses and mules suitable for plantation work, and has found it
quite profitable.
The grass best adeapted to the physical conditions existing here is the
Bermuda, fine for pasture purposes, and very hardy; three and four crops of hay
are frequently cut from the same piece of land in one year. Japanese clover a
few years since made it appearance along the roadsides and has evidently "come
to stay", as on the town commons, in old fields, and even in the timber it now
grows, and is excellent for pasture. The orchid grass and red top do fairly
well.
On the bottom lands of the Bayou red clover is successfully grown.
The garden and field vegetables are here surrounded by conditions that
promote their fullest growth. Every variety of those peculiar to the temperate
zone seems to thrive more quickly and to better advantage here than elsewhere.
Among the fruits are summer and fall apples, the leading varieties being the
Shannon, Quinby and Curtis Blue. Those apples grown farther north in the State,
of the winter grade, do not prove satisfactory here, as they ripen too early.
There are, however, several native seedlings that are pronounced good keepers.
For peaches this county cannot be surpassed. The crop is rarely, if ever a
failure and every known variety seems to be especially suited to tis soil and
climate.
On the lowlands, the early trees sometimes blossom too early and are
frostbitten. They ripen from the latter part of May till frost in the fall.
Pears do well. The several varieties of the Chickasaw plums, and the wild goose
plum are the best grown. Considerable attention has been turned to raising
grapes for wine, and the wine made from the Isles, Norton's Virginia,
Cinthiana, Scuppernong, and grapes of that type, rivals the California wines.
Strawberries and raspberries are certain crops, and would be quite profitable
with closer railroad connections.Just in the infancy of their development are
the timber resources of the county, the cypress received first attention, and
much of it has been sawed up, but there are large bodies of cypress timber yet
intact.About 250 square miles of pine grows in the county, very little of which
has been cut, the larger portion lies in the western part, while the remaining
area is covered with hardwood forests, including the different varieties of
white and black oaks, hickory, gum, elm, sycamore, beech and holly. Along the
bayou the oak is converted into barrel staves, in which work many men are
engaged. The gum is largely being logged and shipped to England.Drew is one of
the counties of Southeastern Arkansas, being in the second tier from the
Mississippi River, also from the Louisiana State line. It is bounded on the
north by Lincoln and Desha Counties, on the east by Desha and Chicot Counties,
on the south by Ashley and on the west by Bradley and Cleveland Counties. In
shape it is nearly square, extending twenty-seven miles north and south. The
greatest length east and west is thirt-three miles, but the average distance is
but little over thirty miles. In area it has about 828 square miles, or 526,720
acres. This county is situated in the basin of the Mississippi Valley, lying
principally between the Saline River and Bayou Bartholomew. The surface is
generally gently rolling, and has a slight declension from north to south.
Beginning a sort distance north and west of the center of the county is a chain
of hills that extends in a northwesterly direction to the county border. Rough
and Ready is the notable of these. Adown the central portion of the county is
the dividing ridge, between the bayou and Saline River; from this divide the
interior creeks thake their rise, and flow either in an eastern or western
direction. Excepting the alluvial lands of the bayou (containing about 1000,000
acres), and of the Saline River bottoms (containing about 8,000 acres), the
county is upland. This hill land is usually a clayey loam, yet in some parts
considerable gravel is found, more especially in the range of hills, before
mentioned. Excepting about twent five square miles of prairie situated in small
areas along the ridge, the whole surface is covered with a growth of pine and
hardwood timber, the Saline bottom is low and swampy, being subject to
inundation, and is chiefly utilized for grazing, for cattle, and range for
hogs, which thrive well on the mast. The lowlands along Bayou Bartholomew are
free from overflow, and are distinct from the lands of the rest of the county;
the western edge terminates abruptly at the hills or bluffs. Of the interior
streams, Ables Creek in the northeastern part of county is tributary to the
bayou, as also are Four Mile and Cut Off Creeks. Tributary to the Saline are
Hudgens, Ten Mile, Seven Mile, Hanley, Hungry Run, Langford, Jumper and Clear
Creeks.
In several localities are springs which gush forth from the hillsides,
but none of them are especially notable.Scattered over a great portion of the
county are low mounds, seldom reaching an altitude of over five feet, and more
frequently under than over, the circumferences varying from 50 to 200 feet
around the base. They are laid out without regard for the cardinal points of
the compass. Each mound appears to be the center of the radii of a gigantic
circle. Attesting their great age, stand on the very summits of many of them
massive forest trees, seeming as though they might have resisted the storms of
centuries.
Right nobly and promptly did the men of Drew Coounty respond when the
call to arms was sounded in 1861. Companies were raised by Capts. Jackson,
Haslip, Whittington, Hudspeth, Isom, Thomas, Ragland, Owens, Wolfe, Hellum,
Reed, Miller, Taylor, Henry and "Pink" Burk, each, besides a few others who
recruited men from this and adjoining counties No battles were fought in the
county, yet there were a few skirmishes, the Federal troops were here
frequently, and at the surrender in 1865, there were two companies in
Monticello.