ON THE COVER — Left to right: Meriwether Lewis Randolph (grandson of Thomas Jefferson buried in Clark County), Harris Flanagin (governor of Confederate Arkansas), William Clark (of the famed Lewis & Clark Expedition and the man for whom Clark County is named).
Special to arkadelphian.com
The Clark County Historical Association announces the publication of a new book, Clark County Notables: Pioneers, Businessmen, Builders, Farmers, Politicians, Historians, Soldiers, Outlaws, Crooks, Rascals, and Other Memorable Characters of Yesteryear by Wendy Richter.
The book will be available for the first time at noon, Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, at the historic Hollywood Methodist Church. At that time the author will discuss some of the “Notables” described in the book, and several of those memorable characters are expected to make an appearance, such as pioneer settler “Rebecca Davis Barkman,” outlaw “Rube Burrow,” and former Arkansas First Lady “Martha Elizabeth Nash Flanagin.” Everyone is invited to attend and enjoy light refreshments while mingling with the “notables.” It is not necessary to be a CCHA member to join in the fun.
Profiles of a few of those who helped shape the area’s rich and colorful history are found in the pages of the new book. Through the years many Clark Countians have enjoyed distinctive, prestigious, fascinating, and sometimes even dangerous careers in a wide variety of fields. The book is filled with stories about individuals like Clem Rorie, World War I dispatch motorcycle rider under General John Pershing who became a daredevil motorcyclist after the war. There is William Gerig, instrumental in the construction of the Panama Canal. There is H.B. Arnold Jr., decorated Korean War veteran who was part of the flyover at Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953. And, there is Franklin O’Baugh, the Arkadelphia teenager who appeared in the iconic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. There is Asa “Humpy” Thompson, whose physical appearance made him an unforgettable character in southwest Arkansas in the mid-1800s. And, of course, there are pioneers such as Jacob Barkman, Abner Hignight, and Isaac Cates. Influential politicians, such as Arkansas Governor Harris Flanagin, J.L. Witherspoon, and Elhanan Searle are also included. Businessmen like S.R. “Rush” McNutt, Sam Rudisill, and John Smoker, are described, as are outlaws Jesse James, Rube Burrow, and Charles Clyburn, to name a few. Plus, the individuals recognized in the Historical Association’s Hall of Honor for their contributions to the preservation of local history are profiled in the book as well.
The new softcover book will be available at the special price of $10 at the Sept. 1 event and also at the CCHA’s table at the Clark County Fair. After Sept. 1, it can be ordered via the CCHA’s webpage at www.clarkcountyarhistory.org for $12.
Dr. Wendy Richter is a prominent historian, archivist and professor in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. She has long-standing ties to the local community through her work preserving regional history.
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