NOTABLE ARKANSANS

NOTABLE ARKANSANS

He was born in 1811, in Bedford County, Tenn., in poverty and, by all reports, was completely self-educated. When he turned 21, he taught school for a few years while studying law, and was elected as a Bedford County magistrate. His uncle, General Archibald Yell, future governor of Arkansas, saw potential in his young nephew and encouraged him to move to Arkansas, which he did in 1838, settling in Pine Bluff. After becoming a jury lawyer, he was considered the "Apollo of the bar," because of his commanding presence in the courtroom and handsome features.

Prior to the Civil War, he became a major general in the state militia and was a strong secessionist. The militia was divided into two armies preparing to defend the state; one organizing in Pocahontas (Randolph County) under his command, and the other in Fort Smith, under Brigadier General N. Bart Pearce. The militia was controlled by the state, but the national Confederate government placed Brigadier General William Hardee in command of all state troops, with intent to transfer command to Confederate control. Under state control, troops would defend Arkansas alone, but under national control, they could be sent anywhere the government wanted. He was adamant about the forces remaining under state control, so when the troops were given a choice, he strongly encouraged them to reject Confederate service. Some did, but most joined the Confederate army. Because of his opposition to transfer of control, he was relieved of his command in July 1861.

He moved to Texas, where he denounced the Confederate government as "a fraud and a failure." He spent the war using his legal skills in defense of arrested Union sympathizers.

After the war, he returned to Pine Bluff, where he died of pneumonia in 1867.

Who was this hero — or traitor?

See NOTABLE ARKANSANS — Answer

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