These are the obituaries for last weekend: GAGARIN, Louise ( ); ; Sparks OK; SW Times (AR); 2001-11-12; scsps BROWN, Louise Wilson (WILSON); 87; Van Buren AR; SW Times; 2001-11-12; scsps REICHERT, Catherine (SHELBY); 81; Van Buren AR; SW Times; 2001-11-12; scsps HALL, Jean ( ); 66; Sallisaw OK; SW Times (AR); 2001-11-12; scsps STEEL, Willie "Mickie" (DODSON); 59; Fort Smith AR>McLean TX; SW Times (AR); 2001-11-12; scsps COVEY, Grace (MECOM); 77; Milton OK>Poteau OK; SW Times (AR); 2001-11-12; scsps LOVERN, Clydie Opal ( ); 90; Blum TX>Mena AR; SW Times; 2001-11-12; scsps LEE, Homer Charles; 62; Follett TX; SW Times (AR); 2001-11-12; scsps JACKSON, Laura Eva ( ); 82; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-11-12; scsps KAYLOR, Euneva Weaver (WEAVER); 91; Lavaca AR>Lavaca AR; SW Times; 2001-11-11; scsps BUTLER, Betty E ( ); 96; Hot Springs AR>Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-11-11; scsps GREGORY, Tony Pat; 58; Stapp OK>Heavener OK; SW Times (AR); 2001-11-11; scsps Carolyn (Parsons) Smedley http://www.geocities.com/angelears1 angelears@alltel.net "Angelears are there to listen... Then hears the person's soul"... Psalms 18:24

Jewell Webb SOUTHHAVEN, Miss. - Jewell Webb, 88, of Southhaven, Miss., formerly of Fort Smith, died Saturday, Nov. 10, 2001, in Southhaven, Miss. She was retired from Hunt's Department Store and Lou Ann's, she was a former Sunday school teacher at Calvary Baptist Church in Fort Smith and was the widow of Byron Webb. Funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Friday in Calvary Baptist Church in Fort Smith with burial at U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Fort Smith. She is survived by two daughters, Eleanor Moore of Folsom, Calif. and Elizabeth Bowman of Southhaven, Miss.; a son, Darrell Webb of Paramount, Calif.; two brothers, Wilbur "Doc" Briley of Tulsa and Theron Briley of Broken Arrow, Okla.; nine grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren Carolyn (Parsons) Smedley http://www.geocities.com/angelears1 angelears@alltel.net "Angelears are there to listen... Then hears the person's soul"... Psalms 18:24

The following are the obits for today from Sebastian County, SW Times Record: MATHEWS, James Russell "Russell"; 83; Van Buren AR; SW Times; 2001-11-16; scsps RIDDLE, Thell F Sr; 53; Van Buren AR>Hartman AR; SW Times; 2001-11-16; scsps EBONE, Warren James; 81; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-11-16; scsps BROWN, Earl I Jr; 70; Bokoshe OK>Poteau OK; SW Times (AR); 2001-11-16; scsps COWELL, Woodrow; 89; Clarksville AR; SW Times; 2001-11-16; scsps HAGGARD, Edward Dale; 40; Van Buren AR; SW Times; 2001-11-16; scsps SPANGLER, James Oliver; 79; Hamilton OK>Talihina OK; SW Times (AR); 2001-11-16; scsps DICKS, Lendel L; 77; Ozark AR>Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-11-16; scsps DOUGAN, Larry Wayne; 50; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-11-16; scsps RITTER, Martha Pearl (HARMON); 71; Pittsburg OK>Poteau OK; SW Times (AR); 2001-11-16; scsps HALL, Larry A; 54; Clarksville AR>Clarksville AR; SW Times; 2001-11-16; scsps Carolyn (Parsons) Smedley http://www.geocities.com/angelears1 angelears@alltel.net "Angelears are there to listen... Then hears the person's soul"... Psalms 18:24

Hi gang, the following are the obituaries for today: CROCKETT, Betina Gaye (BUCKNER); 39; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-11-15; scsps TRIPLETT, Waymon; 76; Spiro OK; SW Times (AR); 2001-11-15; scsps PORTER, Darlavene ( ); Darla; 54; Van Buren AR; SW Times; 2001-11-15; scsps JOHNSEY, David Pope; 44; Jackson TN>Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-11-15; scsps SOMPHOU, Simma; 66; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-11-15; scsps OWENS, Buel Albert; 88; Killeen TX; SW Times (AR); 2001-11-15; scsps WEBB, Jewell (BRILEY); 88; Fort Smith AR>Southhaven MS; SW Times (AR); 2001-11-15; scsps SWINK, Jackie "O A"; 76; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-11-15; scsps GREENWOOD, Thelma Garner (BLEVINS) [SMITH]; 75; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-11-15; scsps BOWMAN, Dorothy Marie Ellen (KYUKENDALL); 77; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-11-15; scsps Carolyn (Parsons) Smedley http://www.geocities.com/angelears1 angelears@alltel.net "Angelears are there to listen... Then hears the person's soul"... Psalms 18:24

SOUZA, Mildred Adele ( ); 85; Ozark AR; SW Times; 2001-11-14; scsps CROVELLA, Mario; 94; Greenwood AR; SW Times; 2001-11-14; scsps ESMAILI, Jacqueline Elizabeth "Jakki" (BAKER); 40; Lakewood CO; SW Times (AR); 2001-11-14; scsps GLOVER, Ruth ( ); 89; Fort Smith AR>Salina KS; SW Times (AR); 2001-11-14; scsps LOTTS, Jo Ann (OSBORNE); 64; Van Buren AR; SW Times; 2001-11-14; scsps COUNTS, William Fred; 92; Heber Springs AR>Hot Springs AR; SW Times; 2001-11-14; scsps SMITH, Norma Jetton (CHADWICK); 71; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-11-14; scsps MARLOW, Richard B; 84; Sallisaw OK; SW Times (AR); 2001-11-14; scsps HAYES, Harold A; 70; Cecil AR; SW Times; 2001-11-14; scsps SCHOSSOW, David W Sr; 65; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-11-14; scsps HENRY, Erman Leon; 77; Waldron AR; SW Times; 2001-11-14; scsps BIRKETT, Christine A ( ) [BIRDSONG]; 88; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-11-14; scsps LANE, Gaylen Belle (CLAPP); 62; Fort Smith AR>Neptune Beach FL; SW Times (AR); 2001-11-14; scsps FIMPEL, Glinda ( ); 54; Sacramento CA; SW Times (AR); 2001-11-14; scsps STENDER, Charles Finis; 99; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-11-14; scsps Carolyn (Parsons) Smedley http://www.geocities.com/angelears1 angelears@alltel.net "Angelears are there to listen... Then hears the person's soul"... Psalms 18:24

Back again...and these are the obituaries for yesterday from the SW Times Record in Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Ar: POSEY, Kenneth; 93; Posey Hollow AR>Mena AR; SW Times; 2001-11-13; scsps BROWN, Louise Wilson (WILSON); 87; Van Buren AR; SW Times; 2001-11-13; scsps BROCK, Dessie Wells (WELLS); 95; Johnson County AR>Clarksville AR; SW Times; 2001-11-13; scsps SCHNEIDER, Robert "Bob"; 69; Spiro OK; SW Times (AR); 2001-11-13; scsps KLEMMER, Marcis Lee (WINTERS); 63; Phoenix AZ>Ozark AR; SW Times; 2001-11-13; scsps DONASOLDI, James Leon; 70; Mena AR>Mena AR; SW Times; 2001-11-13; scsps FLETCHER, Obie; 34; Lake Village AR>Eagle Rock MO; SW Times (AR); 2001-11-13; scsps KIMBRELL, Bertha L (GIPSON); 78; Clarksville AR>Clarksville AR; SW Times; 2001-11-13; scsps LAATZ, Charles; 65; Rye Hill AR; SW Times; 2001-11-13; scsps McPETERS, Okla ( ); 90; Stigler OK; SW Times (AR); 2001-11-13; scsps PORTER, Ray N; 84; McCurtain OK; SW Times (AR); 2001-11-13; scsps HUBER, Charles W; 76; Paris AR; SW Times; 2001-11-13; scsps QUEENER, Phyllis Joy (FRYE); 66; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-11-13; scsps HOLDER, Richard; 53; Houston TX; SW Times (AR); 2001-11-13; scsps PEAL, Lula Belle (PEAL); 81; Imboden AR>Muskogee OK; SW Times (AR); 2001-11-13; scsps REICHERT, Mrs Catherine; 81; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-11-13; scsps GARNER, Dr Margaret (GARNER); 78; Fort Smith AR>Sendai JPN; SW Times (AR); 2001-11-13; scsps SCHOSSOW, Staff Sgt David Sr; 65; Milwaukee WI>Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-11-13; scsps If more information is needed, feel free to email me at the address below. Carolyn (Parsons) Smedley http://www.geocities.com/angelears1 angelears@alltel.net "Angelears are there to listen... Then hears the person's soul"... Psalms 18:24

Sorry, for the delay. I have been out of town for 9 days. Philip Merry TULSA - Philip H. Merry, 77, of Tulsa died Thursday, Oct. 25, 2001. He was a national director of the American Contract Bridge League for 35 years. A family memorial service will be in Tulsa at a later date with arrangements by Edwards Funeral Home of Fort Smith. He is survived by his wife, Jackie; one son, Philip H. Merry Jr. of Fort Smith; one stepdaughter, Meg White of Yukon, Okla.; and four grandchildren, Bryan, Justin, Mollie and Abbey Merry, all of Fort Smith. Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Francis Hospice, 6600 S. Yale, Suite 350, Tulsa, OK 74136 or to a charity of one's choice. Carolyn (Parsons) Smedley http://www.geocities.com/angelears1 angelears@alltel.net "Angelears are there to listen... Then hears the person's soul"... Psalms 18:24

My father, born in 1910, apparently lived with his family on Arbucle Island until the time everyone had to evacuate the island. Could someone tell me where I could find information as to when this last evacuation happened or anything about the Island? Lola

Emma Trnavsky POTEAU - Emma Trnavsky, 93, of Poteau died Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2001, in Poteau. She was born Sept. 22, 1908, in Cleveland. She was a homemaker and employed at the hospital. She was the widow of Paul Trnavsky. Graveside service will be 10 a.m. today at Oakland Cemetery Pavilion in Poteau under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau. She is survived by a son, William Trnavsky of Poteau; and a sister, Gizella Winfield of Newbury Park, Calif. Darrel Graham PARIS - Darrel D. Graham, 74, of Paris died Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2001, in Paris. He worked for Paris Police Department as a dispatcher for 13 years and worked for Civil Defense. Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Paint Rock Cemetery in Paris under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home of Booneville. He is survived by twin brothers, Ray and Faye Graham, both of California; and three grandchildren, Bruce, Paul and Jessica Cooper, all of Paris. Retha Krippen MENA - Retha Krippen, 98, of Mena, formerly of Great Falls, Mont., died Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2001, in her home. She was born April 24, 1903, in Heavener. She was in bookkeeping for the Air Force and a member of Retired Federal Employees and the Eastern Star in Great Falls, Mont. She was a Baptist and the widow of Alfred Krippen. Funeral will be 2 p.m. Sunday in Beasley-Wood Funeral Chapel in Mena with burial at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena. She is survived by a sister, Vera Jackson of Denver; two nieces, Jann Barnett of Mena and Shirley Rathbun of Denver; a great-niece and a great-nephew. Raye Baker HEAVENER - Raye Belle Baker, 82, of Heavener died Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2001, in Heavener. She was a member of Heavener Free Will Baptist Church and the widow of Vernon Baker. Funeral will be 10 a.m. Saturday in Dowden Funeral Home Chapel in Heavener with burial at Memorial Park in Heavener. She is survived by a brother, Palace Johnson of Custer, S.D.; four nieces and one nephew. Diana Medlock PADUCAH, Ky. - Diana McNew Medlock, 72, of Paducah, Ky., formerly of Ozark, died Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2001, in Paducah hospital. She was Pentecostal. Graveside service will be 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Gracelawn Cemetery in Van Buren under the direction of Lewis Funeral Chapel of Fort Smith. She is survived by two daughters, Brenda Womack of Paducah, Ky., and Judy McNew of Austin, Texas; a son, J.D. McNew of Bowling Green, Mo.; two sisters, Ivy Harderson of Ozark and Lois Ising of Rogers; a brother, Delbert Shamblin of West Virginia; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandhildren. Frances Herman MAGAZINE - Frances Lee Herman, 75, of Magazine died Monday, Oct. 29, 2001, in her home. She was a member of the Methodist Church and the widow of John Leo Herman. Graveside service will be 2 p.m. today at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Sugar Grove under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home of Booneville. She is survived by five daughters, Rosetta Jones of Paris, Ruby Bonnette Cox of Waldron, Brenda K. Bennett of Caulksville, June Carolyn Wakeley of Kentucky and Tammie Diane Kanagy of Magazine; a stepdaughter, Ruth Ann Cowan of California; a son, Henry Dennis Wallis of Pinnconning, Mich.; three stepsons, John E. and Robert Wayne and Jim Leo Herman, all of Magazine; a halfsister, Kimberly Gentry of Texas; 27 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Don Jones, John E. Herman, James Kanagy, Chris Burks, Franklin Gibson and Chase Norris. Merle Hart POTEAU - Merle Hart, 95, of Poteau died Thursday, Nov. 1, 2001, in Poteau. She born April 8, 1906, in New Blaine. She was a homemaker and owner-operator of a laundry. She was the widow J.E. Hart. A memorial service will be at a later date. Arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau. She is survived by two daughters, Betty Hart of Poteau and Ava Hart of Ohio; three sons, Jim and Richard Hart, both of Poteau, and Lawrence Hart of Alabama; three sisters, all living in Ripley, Okla.; 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Margaret Armstrong VIAN - Margaret Armstrong, 84, of Vian died Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2001, in Vian. She was a homemaker and a former teacher at Vian Schools, a graduate of Warner High School, Connors State College in Warner and Texas A&M University, active at Vian United Methodist Church, where she volunteered as pianist, organist and Sunday school teacher, and a 50-year member of the Order of Eastern Star Chapter No. 96 in Sallisaw. Funeral will be 2 p.m. Saturday in Vian United Methodist Church with burial at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Van under the direction of Agent Funeral Home of Sallisaw. She is survived by her husband, Glen; a daughter, Joyce Leutz of Sapulpa, Okla.; two sons, Richard and Jim Armstrong, both of Vian; six grandchildren, William Glen, Nicholas, Heath and Meredith VanDeLinder, Richard James Armstrong and Bryan Kugal; and one great-grandchild. Pallbearers will be Myron Venable, Ed and Don Brockman, Jim Giles, Bill Zieler and Kim Hutson. The body may be viewed 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Garden of Memories Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 516, Vian, OK 74962. Wayne White DARDANELLE - Wayne White, 77, of Dardanelle died Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2001, in Russellville. He is a World War II veteran and received the Purple Heart, a retired Civil Service with the Corp of Engineers, a member of the Methodist Church and a 32nd degree Mason, a member of Belle Point Lodge No. 20 in Fort Smith. Funeral will be 10 a.m. Saturday in Riverdale Free Will Baptist Church with burial at Eubanks Cemetery west of Cecil under the direction of Smith Mortuary of Charleston. He is survived by his wife, Mary; a daughter, Brenda Tripp of Russellville; a son, Michael White of Fayetteville; a brother, C.J. White of Cedarville; two grandsons, Aaron and Bryan Tripp, both of Russellville. Pallbearers will be Harold Underwood, Phillip, Albert, Larry, Mitch and Rodney White. Mossie Coleman Mossie Mae Coleman, 83, of Fort Smith died Monday, Oct. 29, 2001, in a local hospital. She was a member of Derrick Chapel A.M.E. Church, where she was a stewardess. Funeral will be 11 a.m. Saturday in Ninth Street Missionary Baptist Church with burial at Washington Cemetery in Fort Smith under the direction of Rowell-Parish Mortuary of Fort Smith. She is survived by a son, Charles Berry of Jonesboro; three sisters, Madgie Rutledge of Fort Smith, Elnora Barnett of Lawton, Okla., and Linda Lincoln of Kansas City, Mo.; a brother, Elzie Abrams of McKinney, Texas; eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Leroy Richardson, Danny Ogles, Sylvester Carolina, George Hunter, William Eugene Crane and Akeno Phillips. The family will visit with friends at 153 Nelson Hall Homes. Rev. Earl Oxford The Rev. Earl Oxford, 78, of Fort Smith died Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2001, in Fort Smith. He was an Army veteran of World War II in the 194th Field Artillery Battalion in Africa, Italy and Germany; he was a Baptist minister, retired from the Baptist Mission in Moffett, and formerly employed with Gordon Transport. Funeral will be 2 p.m. Saturday in Smith Mortuary Chapel in Charleston with burial at Caulksville Cemetery in Caulksville. He is survived by his wife, Rachel; a sister, Willadean Lovell of Bakersfield, Calif.; a brother, Gene Oxford of San Diego, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Dan Yoakum, Bill Turner, Jess Woolsey, James Goddard, Manford Barnard and L.V. Hayes. The family will visit with friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. John Spencer Jr. John Ethen Spencer Jr., 81, of Fort Smith died Thursday, Nov. 1, 2001, in his home. He was an Army veteran of World War II, a self-employed painter and contractor and a member of the Gospel Assembly and First Church of God in Christ. He was the widower of Cora Spencer. Graveside service will be 1 p.m. today at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith under the direction of Putman Funeral Home of Fort Smith. He is survived by a son, Ted Spencer of Fort Smith; a grandchild, Connie Bakken of Fort Smith and a great-granddaughter, Zoe Ann Bakken of Fort Smith. Cleo Jefferson, 76, of Fort Smith died Sunday, Oct. 28, 2001, in a local hospital. She was a homemaker and member of First Baptist. Funeral will be 1 p.m. Saturday in Lewis Funeral Chapel in Fort Smith with burial at Oak Cemetery in Fort Smith. She is survived by four daughters, Dorothy Horne of Kansas City, Kan., Elsie Harris and Nancy Curtis, both of Fort Smith, and Elizabeth Phillips of Pasadena, Calif.; four sons, David E. White, Eric Johnson and Lawrence Bass, all of Fort Smith, and Edward Tatum of Hinnesville, Ga.; 26 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Samuel Harris, Todd Perry, Donald Buress, Willie Polk, James McDade, Robert Marks, Derek Perry and Joe Boyet. The family will visit with friends from 6 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Sara Belle Sayre, 72, of Fort Smith died Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2001, in a nursing home. She was a homemaker and a member of Calvary Assembly of God in Poteau. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Linda Harrison. Funeral will be 1 p.m. today in Cliff Terrace Assembly with burial at Roselawn Cemetery in Fort Smith under the direction of Lewis Funeral Chapel of Fort Smith. She is survived by two daughters, Gloria Wagner of Greenwood and Dona Stouffer of Fort Smith; a son, Hugh Stouffer of Fort Smith; a brother, Charles Jones of Springdale; 10 grandchildren, Kara Valli, Douglas Harrison, Shelley Kouzes, Thomas and Sara Bannister, Kimberly Partin, Scott Hendren, Candice Sisco Jeffccoat, Cane and Hugh Stouffer III.; and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Gary Jones, Johnny Wagner, Brent Rose, David Stoufer, Marlin Donaldson, West Partin and Bill Jones. Memorial contributions may be made to Spinal Cord Foundation, 1501 N. University, Suite 470, Little Rock, AR 72207. Etta Poague, 90, of Van Buren died Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2001, in a local nursing home. She was a homemaker, a Protestant and the widow of Elmer Poague. Graveside service will be 10 a.m. today at Memory Gardens in Muldrow under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home of Van Buren. She is survived by two daughters, Judy Wilson of Van Buren and Dayna Morrow of Fort Smith; a son, Kenneth Poague of Fort Smith; five grandchildren, Kenny Poague, D.R. Breeden and Libby Cooper, all of Van Buren, Megan DiLonardo of Kansas City, Mo., and Justin Poague of Austin, Texas, and seven great-grandchildren, Rachel and Christopher Poague, Emilee Cooper, Logan and Lane Breeden, Daniel and David DiLonardo. Pallbearers will be Kenny Poague, Bob Morrow, Christopher Lane and D.R. Breeden. Carolyn (Parsons) Smedley http://www.geocities.com/angelears1 angelears@alltel.net "Angelears are there to listen... Then hears the person's soul"... Psalms 18:24

Lorene Francis Wann, of Booneville passed away Sunday, Oct. 28, 2001, in Fort Smith. She was born March 30, 1917, in Daughty, Okla. She is preceded in death by her husband, Edgar Wann; a daughter, Edna Mae Wann; her parents, Arthur and Ella Moore; three brothers, Johnnie, Alvin and Wasson Moore; and one sister, Verna Stewart Estes. Funeral will be 2 p.m. today in Roberts Funeral Home Memorial Chapel in Booneville with burial at Oak Hill Cemetery in Booneville. She is survived by a daughter, Mayrene Nelms and her husband, Wayne "The best son-in-law in the world" of Fort Smith; two sons, Eddie and wife, Dixie Wann of Booneville and Everett and wife, Jannis Wann of Parker, Colo.; a sister, Mary Hoffman of Fort Smith; two brothers, Arthur Paul Moore of Paris and Ralph Moore of California; four grandchildren, Larry Nelms of Gore, Okla., Cathy Jones of Jenny Lind, Polly Walker of Las Vegas and Amy Beckett of Booneville; one stepgrandson, Michael Fischer of Jeffersonville, Ind.; five great-grandchildren, one stepgrandson, one stepgreat-granddaughter and a stepgreat-grandson, James Hall. Pallbearers will be Eddie and Everett Wann, Wayne and Larry Nelms, Wendal Moore and Jeff Jones. Alternates pallbearers, Randy Didier and Gary Hamilton. Honorary pallbearers will be Harold Stewart, Roy Townsend, Clifton Wann and Jimmy Didier. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 322 N. Greenwood Ave., Fort Smith, AR 72901. Carolyn (Parsons) Smedley http://www.geocities.com/angelears1 angelears@alltel.net "Angelears are there to listen... Then hears the person's soul"... Psalms 18:24

COSGROVE, Tearence "Terry"; 69; Morro Bay CA; SW Times (AR); 2001-11-1; scsps ANDREWS, Sandy (ANDREWS); 56; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-11-1; scsps LAYES, William Sr "Bill"; 74; Perkins OK; SW Times (AR); 2001-11-1; scsps HADAMEK, Velma Mae (JONES); 87; Waldron AR; SW Times; 2001-11-1; scsps BIRKSHIRE, Tommy Dean; 53; Van Buren AR; SW Times; 2001-11-1; scsps WALKER, Mathel Holcomb ( ); 93; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-11-1; scsps STANDEN, Easter ( ); 92; Clarksville AR>Clarksville AR; SW Times; 2001-11-1; scsps SWAIM, Jack; 76; Booneville AR>Bellflower CA; SW Times (AR); 2001-11-1; scsps POAGUE, Etta ( ); 90; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-11-1; scsps BLAYLOCK, Johnnie Mae ( ); 70; Muskogee OK; SW Times (AR); 2001-11-1; scsps ROGERS, Susie ( ); 91; Waldron AR; SW Times; 2001-11-1; scsps SAYRE, Sara (JONES) [STOUFFER]; 72; Poteau OK; SW Times (AR); 2001-11-1; scsps FURR, Jeanette Atchison ( ); 89; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-11-1; scsps JORDAN, Ty-riah Jahnye (JORDAN); 0; Fort Smith AR>Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-11-1; scsps MASTROPALOL, M Diane ( ); 57; Checotah OK; SW Times (AR); 2001-11-1; scsps WRIGHT, Charles E; 75; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-11-1; scsps TILDEN, Robert Woodrow; 84; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-11-1; scsps YANTIS, John Marshall Jr; 54; Fort Smith AR>San Francisco CA; SW Times (AR); 2001-11-1; scsps BALKMAN, John Wesley Sr "J W"; 81; Booneville AR; SW Times; 2001-11-1; scsps SPENCER, Letha ( ); 91; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-11-1; scsps Carolyn (Parsons) Smedley http://www.geocities.com/angelears1 angelears@alltel.net "Angelears are there to listen... Then hears the person's soul"... Psalms 18:24

continued.....3rd series The New County is Formed The gold rush welled the population. By 1850, the census showed 964 people in the city, and almost 8000 in all of Crawford County. The majority lived south of the Arkansas River. Lack of a bridge presented hardships crossing the river to conduct county business at the distant courthouse in Van Buren and people south of the river clamored for a solution. The legislature created Sebastian County in January of 1851 and named it in honor of former county judge and U.S. Senator, William K. Sebastian. Residents set up a very temporary seat of justice at the home of Eaton Tatum, in Marion Township near the village of Actus, later call Jenny Lind. The designated county commissioners met on January 27 and chose James Clark the first county judge, and Samuel Brooke Stevens as the county's first sheriff. In March, after considerable debate, the commissioners voted to locate the permanent seat on about 40 acres of land donated by Reuben Coker. He named the new county seat "Greenwood" for his friend Alfred B. Greenwood, Circuit Judge for northwest Arkansas. The Sebastian County commissioners held their first official meeting in Coker's home. By summer, a temporary 16 foot-square log court house was built by County Clerk John Carnall and others near what would become the southwest corner of Greenwood's future public square. Traveling 20 miles south through the near-wilderness to conduct county business did not appeal to Fort Smith merchants. So John Rogers, the merchant referred to as the "father of Fort Smith," donated in 1852 a downtown lot for a "permanent seat of justice." Within a few weeks, most of the Sebastian County records turned up in Fort Smith. South Sebastian county residents quickly erected a new double-log courthouse on the northeast corner of the original donation of land for the city of Greenwood. It was the county's first courthouse that was paid for by county funds. ***** more to come. Probably will be ten days from today. We are celebrating our 50th Wedding Anniversary and trying to get everything ready for it. Have a good week. Carolyn (Parsons) Smedley http://www.geocities.com/angelears1 angelears@alltel.net "Angelears are there to listen... Then hears the person's soul"... Psalms 18:24

Mildred Dobbs Mildred Dobbs, 87, of Fort Smith died Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2001, in Fort Smith. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Fort Smith. Graveside service will be 11:30 a.m. Thursday in U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith under the direction of Fentress Mortuary of Fort Smith. She is survived by her husband, Parham; a son, Stan Dobbs Sr. of Fort Smith; a sister, Mary Pickford of Alhambra, Calif.; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The family will visit with friends from 7 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Carolyn (Parsons) Smedley http://www.geocities.com/angelears1 angelears@alltel.net "Angelears are there to listen... Then hears the person's soul"... Psalms 18:24

The following are the indexed obituaries for today: CLASSEN, Deloris J (HANEY); 64; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-10-31; scsps HORN, Calvin Ray; 80; Dutch Creek AR; SW Times; 2001-10-31; scsps KINNEY, Ola Mae ( ); 75; Braden Bottoms OK>Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-10-31; scsps HICKS, June ( ); 83; Kalamazoo MI>Mena AR; SW Times; 2001-10-31; scsps SMITH, Kenneth Leon; 81; Yell County AR>Mena AR; SW Times; 2001-10-31; scsps TILDEN, Robert Woodrow; 84; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-10-31; scsps SPENCER, Letha ( ); 91; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-10-31; scsps EAST, Pauline Craighead (CRAIGHEAD); 70; Vian OK; SW Times (AR); 2001-10-31; scsps ANDREWS, Sandy (ANDREWS); 56; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-10-31; scsps KITT, Ruth ( ) [BURKETT]; 87; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-10-31; scsps COUNCIL, Eva Mae ( ); 91; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-10-31; scsps HERMAN, Frances Lee ( ); 75; Magazine AR; SW Times; 2001-10-31; scsps DOBBS, Mildred ( ); 87; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-10-31; scsps KOCH, Englebert Joseph; 82; Shoal Creek AR>Phoenix AZ; SW Times (AR); 2001-10-31; scsps LAYES, William Sr "Bill"; 74; Perkins OK; SW Times (AR); 2001-10-31; scsps WALKER, Mathel Holcomb ( ); 93; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-10-31; scsps HARRISON, Kenneth R; 78; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-10-31; scsps SNOW, Gerald D Sr; 60; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-10-31; scsps YANDELL, Col John Reid; 66; Fort Smith AR>San Antonio TX; SW Times (AR); 2001-10-31; scsps WANN, Lorene Francis (MOORE); 85; Daughty OK>Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-10-31; scsps WRIGHT, Charles E; 75; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-10-31; scsps Carolyn (Parsons) Smedley http://www.geocities.com/angelears1 angelears@alltel.net "Angelears are there to listen... Then hears the person's soul"... Psalms 18:24

Elsie Sparks CLARKSVILLE - Elsie Ford Sparks, 92, of Clarksville died Saturday, Oct. 27, 2001, in an area nursing home. She was born Oct. 24, 1909, in Oktaha, Okla. She was a member of Hays Methodist Church and the widow of Dice Sparks. Funeral will be 10 a.m. Monday in Hays Chapel Methodist Church with burial at Hays Chapel Cemetery in Hardwicke Funeral Home of Clarksville. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Sherman and Sharon Sparks of Benton; three sisters, Norida Brooks of Washington, Edith Ford of Clarksville and Effie Johnson of California; a brother, Kenneth Ford of Washington; two grandchildren, one step-grandson and three step-great-grandchildren. The family will visit with friends from 7 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Carolyn (Parsons) Smedley http://www.geocities.com/angelears1 angelears@alltel.net "Angelears are there to listen... Then hears the person's soul"... Psalms 18:24

Bessie Smith COVE - Bessie May Smith, 81, of Cove died Monday, Oct. 29, 2001, in Cove. She was born June 8, 1920, in Cove. She was a factory worker for Lane Poultry in Grannis and a member of First Baptist Church in Cove. She was the widow of Thomas Broach and Houston Smith. Funeral will be 10 a.m. Thursday in Cove First Baptist Church with burial at Westview Cemetery under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home in Mena. She is survived by three daughters, Hilda Dean and Flora Patrick, both of Cove and Mary Jane Gregory of Hatton; six sons, W.T. Broach of Hot Springs, Arnold Broach of Hatton, Richard Broach of Vandervoort, George Broach of Cyril, Okla., Ricky Broach of Cove and Bob Smith of Mena; four sisters, Katie West of Bethany, Okla., Florence Stewart of Midwest City, Okla., Ruby Bemo of Seminole, Okla., and Juanita Brock of Moore, Okla.; three brothers, William Arthur of Missouri, Jack Arthur of Hartshorne, Okla., and Frank Arthur of Arlington, Texas; 29 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren. The family will visit with friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Carolyn (Parsons) Smedley http://www.geocities.com/angelears1 angelears@alltel.net "Angelears are there to listen... Then hears the person's soul"... Psalms 18:24

Frank L. "Coach" Jones, 84, of Fort Smith died Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2001, in Fort Smith. He was the retired principal for Northside and Darby Junior High School. He came to Fort Smith in 1940 to coach Fort Smith High School. He was a member of First United Methodist Church and also a past board member. He was past president of the Kiwanis Club, past member of Girls Club board, past member of National Secondary Principals Board, past president of Arkansas Athletic Officials Association, past president of Retired Teachers Association, past president of A.A.E.A. He was selected in 1980 for principal of the year; he was inducted to the Arkansas Athletic Officials Association Hall of Fame and the Fort Smith Boys Club Hall of Fame. He was a World War II veteran, where he served as a captain in the Army Air Corp. He was preceded in death by his wife, Laura Lee and his daughter, Judy Jones Flocks. Graveside service will be 2:30 p.m. Monday at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Fort Smith. He is survived by a daughter, Leslie Drummond and her husband, David of Fort Smith; three grandchildren, Clay and Jason Williams and Judy Drummond, all of Fort Smith. Pallbearers will be Bill and Joe Jones, Charlie Dye, Ralph Brown, Wayne Farrar, Clay and Jason Williams and Dana Seaton. The family will visit with friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Noon Kiwanis for the Kiwanis Boys Camp, P.O. Box 1026, Fort Smith, AR 72902. Carolyn (Parsons) Smedley http://www.geocities.com/angelears1 angelears@alltel.net "Angelears are there to listen... Then hears the person's soul"... Psalms 18:24

I am researching Savage in Sebastian County, Purtle Western AR, Bennett, Bates, Munn, Mannahan, Stout in SW AR. Thanks for any help. Sarah Savage Rhodes

Continued..... Other steam boats brought more families to the area, among them men who would leave their mark on the development of western Arkansas - Samuel Rutherford, Captain William DuVal, lst Lieutenant B. L. Bonneville, and a young enlisted man, Aaron Barling. A later arrival was an eastern-educated lawyer, Alvert Pike - later an author, explorer and military commander. Expanding population split the five original territorial counties into several other counties. By late 1820, the area containing the fort overlooking the Arkansas River had been placed in the new and smaller Dorsey County which was soon remained to honor Congressman H.K. Crawford. The U.S. abandoned the fort at Belle Point in 1824 and built a new fort more than 50 miles upriver near the mount of the Verdigris River. Despite the loss of the fort, the area continued to grow. With statehood, and the gradual flow of thousands of Indians to the unprotected western border of Arkansas, area settlers feared more hostilities. They petitioned the federal government for a new fort in the area. Both Fort Smith and the newer settlement across the river at Van Buren competed for the new fort. But Captain John Rogers sold 300 acres of his property adjacent to the site to the federal government and secured the facility. Work began on the fort in the summer of 1838, using stone quarried form the bluff at belle Point. The population of the village of Fort Smith in 1840 was about 500 people, and the community was incorporated on December 24, 1842. Fort Smith was becoming a small city. The 1848 discovery of gold in California prompted a gold rush the following year. By the spring of 1849, hundreds of prospectors had arrived in Fort Smith. Local resident John Dillard, led a train of about 400 wagons out in April, and several smaller trains left later in the year. The wagon rush west resumed in the following spring. ** Next to come..."The New County is Formed" Carolyn (Parsons) Smedley http://www.geocities.com/angelears1 angelears@alltel.net "Angelears are there to listen... Then hears the person's soul"... Psalms 18:24

These are the obituaries for today in Sebastian County, SW Times Record: MAXWELL, Kenneth W; 44; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-10-30; scsps WALTERS, Elsie Edna Irene ( ); 85; Muldrow OK; SW Times (AR); 2001-10-30; scsps DIXON, Lit; 88; Sebastian County AR>Pocola OK; SW Times (AR); 2001-10-30; scsps ROBERSON, Susan Rebecca (ROBERSON) [SELF]; 24; Little Rock AR; SW Times; 2001-10-30; scsps CRANDALL, Clara Lois (FRYHOVER); 91; Poteau OK; SW Times (AR); 2001-10-30; scsps KINNEY, Ola Mae ( ); 74; Ozark AR; SW Times; 2001-10-30; scsps SKELTON, H Warren; 53; Spiro OK; SW Times (AR); 2001-10-30; scsps JEFFERSON, Cleo ( ) [WHITE] [JOHNSON] [BASS] [TATUM]; 76; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-10-30; scsps SNOW, Gerald D Sr; 60; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-10-30; scsps BERRY, David Sean; 19; Pine Bluff AR>Greenwood AR; SW Times; 2001-10-30; scsps SMITH, Gregory Allen; 49; Waldron AR; SW Times; 2001-10-30; scsps SHOCKLEY, Jewell ( ); 81; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-10-30; scsps EDWARDS, Jennette "Pete" ( ); 87; Center Point AR>Mena AR; SW Times; 2001-10-30; scsps JONES, Obie J; 74; Alma AR; SW Times; 2001-10-30; scsps KEENE, Geneva Lee (CHILDERS); 79; Evansville AR>Prairie Grove AR; SW Times; 2001-10-30; scsps SMITH, Bessie May (ARTHUR); 81; Cove AR>Cove AR; SW Times; 2001-10-30; scsps YANTIS, John Marshall Jr; 54; Fort Smith AR>San Francisco CA; SW Times (AR); 2001-10-30; scsps BASHAM, Dean ( ); 81; Greenwood AR; SW Times; 2001-10-30; scsps THOMAS, Robert "R J"; 78; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-10-30; scsps McCLAIN, Juanita L (HEAVENER); 80; Conser OK>Fayetteville AR; SW Times; 2001-10-30; scsps PENNINGTON, Maxine Lavina ( ); 84; Fort Smith AR; SW Times; 2001-10-30; scsps WARD, Bessie Beatrice ( ); 98; Hatfield AR>Mena AR; SW Times; 2001-10-30; scsps Carolyn (Parsons) Smedley http://www.geocities.com/angelears1 angelears@alltel.net "Angelears are there to listen... Then hears the person's soul"... Psalms 18:24