Congratulations to Nobel Prize in Literature Winner, Alice Munro!

 

Alice Munro Won the Nobel Prize in Literature Thursday, making her the first Canadian writer to take the award.

For more than forty years, Alice Munro's reputation has steadily grown to a point where she is today recognized as one of the finest living short story writers - and now a Nobel Prize winner!  She is often compared to Chekhov for her fastidiously structured plots and psychological complexity, she has won the admiration of writers and readers around the world. From her early success with Dance of the Happy Shades to her most recent collections, Munro has steadily proven that short stories can be just as intricate, moving, and formidable as the best novels.

123rd Anniversary of DAR Founding

Today marks the celebrate of the 123rd anniversary of the founding of the Daughters of the American Revolution! On October 11, 1890, eighteen women attended the first official organizational meeting of the newly formed DAR. By the end of the meeting, eleven members had paid their dues, and the DAR opened for business with $33 in the bank. This photo was taken by renowned photographer Mathew Brady at the first DAR Continental Congress. 

 

Daughters of the American Revolution National Headquarters's Photos · Daughters of the American Revolution National Headquarters's Page

Arkansas Flag

Diamonds are a girl's best friend! 

At least, they certainly were for the designer of the Arkansas state flag, the Diamond Spangled Banner!

Designed by a history teacher, this flag's design is not only clear and bold, but rich in the symbolism of the state's history. The flag's story begins in a Camden, NJ shipyard...

USS Arkansas (Photo: E.M. Mitchell)

On January 14, 1911, a new battleship is launched. She is the largest in the US Navy: She holds over 1,000 crew members and has a maximum speed of 20.5 knots. 

The new ship was commissioned on September 17, 1912 and named after the 25th state. This is the USS Arkansas!

Meanwhile, back in Arkansas...

The Pine Bluff chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution wants to present the new ship with a state flag, but the state Secretary of State informs them that Arkansas does not have an official state flag! Not that easily daunted, the ladies hold a contest.

Miss Willie K. Hocker (Photo: Arkansas History Commission)

According to the Arkansas Democrat Gazette archives, there are 65 entries, some arriving as drawings and some as miniature, silk samples. The winning design, however, came from a D.A.R. member and area history teacher, Miss Willie Kavanaugh Hocker. Miss Hocker, from  Wabbaseka, AR, also belonged to the United Daughters of the Confederacy and the  

Colonial Dames Society 

She is, apparently, only one of two women state flag designers (www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net).

Being a history teacher, Miss Hocker embued her flag with a great deal of symbolism.

• She chose our national colors as her palette, letting the red, white and blue emphasize that Arkansas is part of the United States.

• She knew that Arkansas is the only state to mine diamonds, a fact that was as true in 1913 as it is today. To celebrate this, Miss Hooker used a large, white diamond as her central motif. (According to www.geology.com, Arkansas has only one active diamond mine remaining. It is located at Crater of Diamonds State Park.)

• She put 25 stars inside a blue border outlining the central diamond. These represent Arkansas' place as the 25th state in the Union. It also is a design element similar to the Confederate flag.

In the middle of the diamond is the state's name and 4 diamonds organized into 2 groupings, one above and one below the state name. Originally there were only 3 stars. These represented France, Spain and the United States, the 3 founding countries to lay claim to the territory from the Louisiana Purchase that would become Arkansas. When the territory was divided, it created 14 different states (in whole and in part). Arkansas was the third state created. The 3 stars also symbolize this piece of the state's history.

During the Civil War, however, Arkansas joined the Confederacy. In 1924, it was decided that this needed to be recognized in the flag so a fourth star was added. The final placement shows the original 3 stars below the state name and a 4th star above it. This 4th star represents Arkansas' membership in the Confederacy.

This is the final version of Arkansas' state flag:

The Diamond Spangled Banner of Arkansas by Miss Willie K. Hocker

(Poem:  Arkansas History Commission)

BETTER AND BETTER

                                                                                                                                               Special to the Commercial/William Harvey   Sylvia Moore, an assistant manager for the Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Library, shows off the new service that allows those with a library card to get up to three free music downloads a week. 

Music downloads among library's new offerings
By Rick Joslin
OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF


Patrons of the Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Library System are benefiting from three recently implemented services.

Director Michael Sawyer said the library now has a web-based automation system through TLC (The Library Corporation) of Inwood, W.VA. The online card catalog system will help in the library's efforts to become a "state-of-the-art" facility. Sawyer had said earlier this year before the new system's arrival that the library was operating 20 years or more behind current capabilities.

Library board members and Sawyer are determined to not only bring the agency up-to-date, but also get an "early start" on the future.

Meanwhile, the library has launched foreign language and downloadable music programs, too.

Sawyer said award-winning Mango Languages was designed by a team that included "linguists teachers, software developers, human interface specialists writers and voice talents" and has received international acclaim.

"Mango Languages contains various courses with an appreciation for cultural nuances and real-world applications that go beyond teaching vocabulary to integrate components of grammar and culture," Sawyer said. "The Mango learning methodology teaches actual conversation, breaking down complex linguistic elements within an audio-visual framework that draws important connections and builds on information the user has already learned.

"Mango continues to expand its language learning offerings, adding more languages and more platforms -- including iPhone and Android apps -- so that more library patrons can benefit," Sawyer said.

The local library has joined the national Library Ideas network of public library web sites offering access to over 7 million songs including Sony Music's catalog of "legendary artists," Sawyer announced.

"The Freegal Music service will allow the Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Library to increase the size and diversity of its collection by offering access to over 28,000 music labels from 85 different countries," said Sawyer.

Registered card holders of the local library can download up to three Freegal Music tracks per week in the MP3 format at no direct charge via the web site www.pineblufflibrary.org. The Freegal Music Service has free music apps for registered cardholders of subscribing libraries. The apps are available in Apple App Stores and Google Play.

"The library will underwrite the purchase of the music," Sawyer said. "We are very excited to offer a service like this. We think this will be incredibly popular with our patrons and help the library in marketing all its services to the community.

Revolutionary War Soldiers Buried in Arkansas Chart

 
 
Below is a letter written by
Ann Allison Pounds,
Arkansas State DAR Historian
announcing this endeavor:

            “Honoring Revolutionary War Soldiers Buried in Arkansas” is a primary focus of State Regent Marylee Schultz for 2008-2010. Many of these Revolutionary War Soldier’s graves were located years ago, and Mrs. Schultz challenges Arkansas DAR chapters to revisit these graves, see that they are tended, and place a wreath on every grave that can be located in Arkansas.

 

The discovery and marking of the graves of Revolutionary War Soldiers has been an ongoing project of Arkansas DAR. Gratitude is expressed to Clara Eno who was diligent in her search for these graves in the early 1900’s.   Miss Eno wrote letters, newspaper articles, and books that are housed in the Arkansas History Commission for reference.

The attached chart combines data listing soldiers who have been reported as buried in Arkansas with nearby chapters noted.  There may be some soldiers listed that have not been located and/or proven.  Chapters may not be able to locate all of those listed, but try, try, try again.  Please check with the local historical society, courthouses for depositions for pensions, local libraries, or Arkansas State Archives.  Old minutes and scrapbooks of DAR chapters could give details of early marking of soldier’s graves.  Let’s make finding and honoring a top priority for Regent Schultz’s time in office.

DAR is only as visible in your area as you and your chapters make it.  Invite local county officials, local historical society members, and other hereditary and patriotic groups to attend these special wreath laying ceremonies.  Please use this as an opportunity to both announce and celebrate the event.  Use your imagination!  Make a picture, write an article, publish BEFORE and AFTER the event in your local newspaper.  Finally, report your successes and celebrations with me.  The search is on!

Ann Allison Pounds

Arkansas State DAR Historian

105 Kathryn Street

Prescott, AR 71857-2746

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~arssar/arkansas_patriots.pdf

Revolutionary War Soldiers Buried in Arkansas Chart

Compiled for Arkansas State Society DAR Regent Marylee Schultz

By Arkansas State Society DAR Historian Ann Allison Pounds,2008

To see the complete chart visit this link:  http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~arssar/arkansas_patriots.pdf

Patriots reported to be buried in Arkansas	DAR chapters in area & counties where patriot may be buried	Service	Grave Marked by	Source of information
Alton, Elijah	Johnson Co., Clarksville Chapter;			*Revolutionary War Soldiers Buried in Arkansas, DAR AR State Historian File.
Angel, Lawrence	Independence Co (also listed in Johnson Co.,) AR; Chapters: Independence, Little Red River, Strawberry River, Maria Van Buren, Clarksville	Pension Roll 1833-34 NC Continental Line		*Arkansas DAR Yearbook 1914, p. 82; *Shinn, Josiah. “Revolutionary Soldiers Who Are Buried in Arkansas.” Arkansas Gazette, 09 Feb 1908; *Eno, Clara, “DAR Committee Locates Graves of Revolutionary Soldiers in Arkansas.” Arkansas Gazette, 21 Sept 1919.
Anspaugh, Benjamin Franklin	Buried in family cemetery near Searcy, White Co.; Chapter:  Little Red River			*Eno, Clara, Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Arkansas, p 53-62. Arkansas History Commission.
Anspaugh, George	1756-1848, White Co near Searcy;  Chapter: Little Red River			*Revolutionary War Soldiers Buried in Arkansas, DAR AR State Historian File.
Arbaugh, Francis	Johnson Co.  Clarksville Chapter;			*Revolutionary War Soldiers Buried in Arkansas, DAR AR State Historian File.
Armstrong, John	Independence Co, b NC, buried Batesville. (later report says he may be buried in KY) Chapters: Independence, Little Red River, Strawberry River, Maria Van Buren	84 mo service, NC Pensioner		*Arkansas DAR Yearbook 1948-49, p. 57-58; *Eno, Clara, “DAR Committee Locates Graves of Revolutionary Soldiers in Arkansas.” Arkansas Gazette, 21 Sept 1919.
Bagley, Asher	1751-1840. Buried in Old Union Cemetery, Saline Co.; Chapter:  Provincia de la Sal	Pension Roll 1833-34, 1st Regiment NJ Continental Line	Grave marked 1977 by Provincia de La Sal Chapter NSDAR.	*Arkansas Historical Markers, p.56; *Arkansas DAR Yearbook 1914, p. 82; *Eno, Clara, “DAR Committee Locates Graves of Revolutionary Soldiers in Arkansas.” Arkansas Gazette, 21 Sept 1919.
Bagley, Benjamine	Pulaski Co.; Chapters: Major Jacob Gray, Capt. Basil Gaither, Centennial, Gilbert Marshall, Little Rock, Prudence Hall	Pension Roll 1833-34, 1st Regiment NJ Continental Line		*Arkansas DAR Yearbook 1914, p. 82; *Eno, Clara, “DAR Committee Locates Graves of Revolutionary Soldiers in Arkansas.” Arkansas Gazette, 21 Sept 1919.
Bagley, James	Independence Co.;  Chapters: Independence, Little Red River, Strawberry River, Maria Van Buren			*Eno, Clara, Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Arkansas, p 53-62. Arkansas History Commission.
Barthelemy, Joseph	Buried Arkansas Co. at or near Arkansas Post;  Chapters:  Arkansas Post, Grand Prairie		Plaque honoring 26 Rev. War Soldiers hangs in Courthouse Square in DeWitt	*Arkansas Historical Markers, p.14; *AR DAR Yearbook 1991-92, p 86
Bassett, Jonathan future applicants must prove correct service	B.24 May 1764, d. 4 Dec. 1833. Buried in Gaines Belding Cemetery off Malvern Hwy. 5 miles from Hot Springs, Garland Co.; Chapters: Hot Springs of Arkansas, Akansa, John Perciful	Served as Pvt. Under Col. Freeman’s Regt. From MA.	Grave marked on 1968 by Hot Springs of Arkansas & John Perciful Chapters, NSDAR.	*Arkansas Historical Markers, p.55 *NSDAR List Revolutionary Soldiers buried in Arkansas listed in e-membership,
Bean, Jesse	Washington Co., Later report states he did not come to AR;  Chapter:  Marion			*Revolutionary War Soldiers Buried in Arkansas, DAR AR State Historian File.
Beauvais, Antoine	Buried Arkansas Co. at or near Arkansas Post; Chapters:  Arkansas Post, Grand Prairie		Plaque honoring 26 Rev. War Soldiers hangs in Courthouse Square in DeWitt	*Arkansas Historical Markers, p.14
Benedict, John C.	Chapter:  Cadron Post		Cadron Post marked grave 1990	*Paper recorded in AR DAR Historian Files
Billet Dit Lajuenesse, Anselme	Buried Arkansas Co. at or near Arkansas Post; Chapters:  Arkansas Post, Grand Prairie		Plaque honoring 26 Rev. War Soldiers hangs in Courthouse Square in DeWitt	*Arkansas Historical Markers, p.14
Billings (Billingsley), John	Washington Co 1772-1828, later report states his father served not him;  Chapter:  Marion			*Revolutionary War Soldiers Buried in Arkansas, DAR AR State Historian File.
Black, William	Hempstead Co.; Chapters:  John Cain, Benjamin Culp, Mine Creek, Texarkana, Paraclifta	Pensioner 1840 Roll		*Arkansas DAR Yearbook 1914, p. 82; *Eno, Clara, “DAR Committee Locates Graves of Revolutionary Soldiers in Arkansas.” Arkansas Gazette, 21 Sept 1919.
Bogy, Joseph	Arkansas Co.;  Chapters:  Arkansas Post, Grand Prairie	VA Patriotic Service; furnished supplies to Gen Geo. Rogers Clark		*NSDAR List Revolutionary Soldiers buried in Arkansas listed in e-membership,
Bonne, Michel (father)	Buried Arkansas Co. at or near Arkansas Post; Chapters:  Arkansas Post, Grand Prairie		Plaque honoring 26 Rev. War Soldiers hangs in Courthouse Square in DeWitt	*Arkansas Historical Markers, p.14; *AR DAR Yearbook 1991-92, p 86
Bonne, Michel (son)	Buried Arkansas Co. at or near Arkansas Post;  Chapters:  Arkansas Post, Grand Prairie		Plaque honoring 26 Rev. War Soldiers hangs in Courthouse Square in DeWitt	*Arkansas Historical Markers, p.14; *AR DAR Yearbook 1991-92, p 86
Booth, Isaac future applicants must prove correct service	Buried Lawrence Co.   Chapters: Independence Co, Little Red River, Strawberry River, Jonesboro	Infantry		*NSDAR List Revolutionary Soldiers buried in Arkansas listed in e-membership,
Boulard, Louis	Buried Arkansas Co. at or near Arkansas Post;  Chapters:  Arkansas Post, Grand Prairie		Plaque honoring 26 Rev. War Soldiers hangs in Courthouse Square in DeWitt	*Arkansas Historical Markers, p.14; *AR DAR Yearbook 1991-92, p 86
Boyd, William	Fayetteville, Washington Co.;  Chapter: Marion			*Eno, Clara, Fifty-Five Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Arkansas, Arkansas History Commission.
Bradley, James	1759-1822; Buried Hempstead Co (also reported in Lafayette Co ;)  Chapters:  John Cain, Benjamin Culp, Mine Creek, Texarkana, Paraclifta	NC Private	Grave marked by Texarkana Chapter DAR	*NSDAR List Revolutionary Soldiers buried in Arkansas listed in e-membership,
Bradley, Lawrence * future app. must prove lineage of child	b. 1758, d. 1828, and buried in the Sulphur Rock Cemetery near Batesville, Independence Co.;  Chapters: Independence, Little Red River, Strawberry River, Maria Van Buren	NC Militia	Grave was marked 1967 by Independence Co. Historical Society and AR SAR	*Arkansas Historical Markers, p.105; *NSDAR List Revolutionary Soldiers buried in Arkansas listed in e-membership,