December 16, 1898 From The Clay County Courier, published in Corning, Ark. Ferguson & Wheeler. General Merchants and Operators of Some Several Wood Working Industries. One of Corning’s leading business firms in mercantile lines, and the largest lumber manufacturers in Northeast Arkansas is Ferguson & Wheeler. The personnel of the firm is Wm. Ferguson and G. B. Wheeler of Poplar Bluff, Mo., where the main office of the concern is located. They have in operation eight extensive sawmills in the vicinity of Poplar Bluff, and two near the town of Corning. Some eighty-five men find employment in the mills of this place, which places in the trade channels of Corning annually thousands of dollars for labor alone. Their mills are equipped for all classes of sawing including stave cutting and hickory wagon stock. Through this firm millions of feet of Arkansas timber is annually represented in foreign ports, which has had its effect in prestiging the forest lands of our country the world throughout. The retail commercial house operated under the supervision of this excellent firm and the direction of their able manager, Mr. W. H. Lasater is one of the largest retail establishments in the county, noted for its high excellence of wares, and the rule of low prices. Mr. Lasater has, since becoming a resident of Corning, distinguished himself as a business man of sterling type, and among all classes his friends are legion. Mr. Lasater is an Illinoisian by birth, born and raised in Hamilton Co. He has been identified with the firm for sixteen years, eight of which have been passed in Corning. He takes active interest in social circles, is a K. of P. K., of H., Woodman of the World and the auxiliary lodge of the latter, the Woodmen circle.