Survey

The Arkansas History Commission recently announced the relaunch of its online digital archives. The digital archives currently contain photographs, documents, lesson plans and music. We also participate in an online consortium called Ark-Cat. Ark-Cat provides detailed descriptions of primary source materials maintained by Arkansas archives, special collections, libraries, historical societies, and museums and brings together collection guides from these repositories to help you to more easily locate historical archival material.
The Arkansas History Commission isn’t the only agency utilizing the Internet to provide patrons with readier access to information.
A large number of libraries, archives and museums around the country are increasingly turning to providing online content for their patrons in order to address multiple challenges, including changing patron demands and a renewed interest in history. The online content is being shared via both individual institutional websites and through a variety of collaborative projects. The collaborative projects at both state and national levels now provide researchers with seamless access to digital resources held at multiple repositories with the biggest advantage being the opportunity to provide researchers with the ability to conduct research across multiple institutions from one location.
Alabama’s site, Alabama Mosaic (http://www.alabamamosaic.org/ ), currently has 33 contributing institutions for their collaborative digital collections. Their online repository contains digital materials pertaining to their history, culture, people and places. Massachusetts’ collaborative digital collection is called Digital Commonwealth (https://www.digitalcommonwealth.org/ ) and has more than 130 contributing institutions providing “ access to photographs, manuscripts, audio recordings, and other materials of historical interest.” The Mountain West Digital Library http://mwdl.org/ ) is a multi-state collaboration with material from six states. It provides free access to over 900,000 resources from Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Arizona, Montana and Hawaii.
Currently, Arkansas does not have or participate in a digital collaborative like those cited here. There are many Arkansas libraries, archives and museums that currently share their unique holdings through online digital collections on their institutional websites.
If you are someone who uses archives for research – either online or in person -- we’d like to ask you to share your opinions in a brief survey. As a student, scholar, researcher – whatever your interest in history – we have put together a short, anonymous survey to help us gain a better understanding of when, where and how you are using archives. We hope you’ll take a few minutes of your valuable time to share your opinions with us. Your feedback is important to us and very much appreciated!

SURVEY: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Q35BLGN

Wednesday's Wonderful Collection: Josiah H. Demby Papers

Josiah H. Demby was born in Georgia around 1840 and moved to Arkansas prior to 1860. He served in the Civil War as First Lieutenant in Company G, 4th Regiment, Arkansas Cavalary, United States Army. He was discharged June 13, 1865. After the war, he served in General R.F. Catterson's militia that helped to maintain order against the Ku Klux Klan active in southern Arkansas.

He served as a State Representative in 1868 for Scott, Polk, Montgomery, and Hot Spring counties and in 1879 for Montgomery County. He died February 13, 1918, in Hot Springs.

Finding aid:

• Military discharge (Reel MG00202)
  
  • 1865 June 13: Josiah H. Demby
• Catterson's Militia History
  
  • Undated: "History of Catterson's Militia" by Major J.H. Demby
  • 189[?] November 11: Letter, J.H. Demby, Hot Springs, to General Powell Clayton
  • 1957: "Major Josiah H. Demby's History of Catterson's Militia" edited by Ted R. Worley, Arkansas Historical Quarterly, Volume 16, Summer 1957
• Witness affidavits
  
  • 1913 January 8: Sarah Ann Meeks
  • 1913 January 13: Clemont W. Cearley
  • 1913 January 15: M.O. Campbell
  • 1913 January 20: Thomas J. Rawles
  • 1913 January 21: J.L. Wacaster
  • 1913 January 23: A.C. Ussery

Wednesday's Wonderful Collection - Chester Ashley Papers

Chester Ashley was a United States Senator from Arkansas from 1844-1848. Ashley was born at Amherst, Massachusetts, on June 1, 1791. About three years later he moved to Hudson, New York, where he grew up. In 1813 he graduated from Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts. Later, he graduated from Litchfield Law School and was admitted to the bar in 1817. Chester Ashley commenced the practice of law in Hudson, New York. After moves to Edwardsville, Illinois, in 1818, and St. Louis, Missouri, 1819, he settled in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1820. In July of 1821, Chester Ashley married Mary W.W. Elliott in St. Genevieve, Missouri. In 1844, he was elected to the United States Senate where he became chairman of the Committee on Judiciary. He was re-elected to the Senate in 1846. Senator Ashley died at Washington, District of Columbia, on April 29, 1848, at the age of 57.

This collection consists of the papers and correspondence of Chester Ashley, including letters from and/or concerning: William W. Adams, Solon Borland, R.C. Byrd, Elias N. Conway, Edward Cross, T. Curran, R.E.C. Dougherty, J.H. Egner, J. Gould, J. Gray, T.B. Hanley, [J.M. Hoge], Dr. A.S. Huey, Thomas Johnson, William H. Lindsey, William E. Moore, Thomas W. Newton, General William Pelham, Will Phillips, Grandison D. Royston, Sam C. Roane, Daniel Ringo, General Henry M. Rector, W.K. Sebastian, A.H. Sevier, Creed Taylor, John C.P. Tollison, George Watkins, D.T. Witter, William E. Woodruff, Archibald Yell, and many others.

This collection is available on microfilm only.

Chester Ashley correspondence 1829-1848

• 1. 1829 March 16: [Joseph] H. Egner, Batesville, Arkansas Territory, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas Territory. Land purchase of Charles Kelley. 2 pages
• 2. 1829 December 23: A.H. Sevier, Washington City, [District of Columbia], to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas Territory. Land claims in Arkansas. 3 pages
• 3. 1835 January 27: D.S. Newhall, Lilly Wait and Company, Boston, Massachusetts, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas Territory. Written on statement of account and requests payment of bill. 2 pages
• 4. 1835 March 10: William Ashley, Hudson, New York, to Chester Ashley, at Little Rock, Arkansas Territory. Financial affairs. 4 pages
• 5. 1835 March 28: William Ashley, Hudson, New York, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas Territory. Financial affairs of William Ashley and some news of Hudson. 3 pages
• 6. 1835 August 18: Rich Pryor, Spring Hill, Hempstead County, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley. Purchase of land. 2 pages
• 7. 1835 September 3: John J. Burk, Plaquemine, Louisiana, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas Territory. Sale of a negro boy, Jim Crow, to Clements and [Desobry] by John A. Brown and aftermath. 2 pages
• 8. 1835 September 20: Josiah Clark at Scotia, Pope County, Arkansas Territory, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas Territory. A debt owed by Clark to Ashley. 4 pages
• 9. 1835 November 18: Cincinnati Type Foundry (N. Guilford, Treasurer), Cincinnati, Ohio, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas Territory. Collection of judgment against Cocke, Little, Patton and Lea. 13 pages
• 10. 1839 February 1: [R.] Frary, Hudson, [New York], to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. The insanity of Ashley's sister, [Lavaette], and Ashley's father's financial matters. 6 pages
• 11. 1839 May 26: Roswell Beebe, Washington City, [District of Columbia], to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Land. 4 pages
• 12. 1839 November 20: Stillman Field at Leverett, Massachusetts, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. An inquiry about a small demand of money against William W. Adams and news of recent election results in Massachusetts. 2 pages
• 13. 1839 December 8: C.L. Jeffries, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Requests reimbursement of money spent on the improvement of Chester Ashley's property. 3 pages
• 14. 1840 [June 24]: [Sunday Polk] to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Introduces Reverend William C. [Christopher] Yeager. 2 pages
• 15. 1842 May 14: E. Wand and William H. Lindsey to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Payment of debt from land bought from Ashley. 3 pages
• 16. 1842 June 11: Grandison D. Royston, Benton, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. A barrel of ice being shipped to Ashley and other things. 2 pages
• 17. 1843 September 11: R.L. Phillips, postmaster at Washington, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. A note obtained by a Mr. Crow for Ashley to defend him. 2 pages
• 18. 1843 November 2: Creed Taylor at Bear Range, New Gascony, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Business contract with M. Taylor and news of Bear Range and hands there. 4 pages
• 19. 1844 November 1: G[randison] D. Royston, Washington, Hempstead County, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Ashley's Senate race. 2 pages
• 20. 1844 November 18: William E. Woodruff, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, United States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. Requests Ashley's aid in getting Alden Mills Woodruff admitted to the United States Military Academy at West Point. 2 pages
• 21. 1844 November 22: W.W. Witson, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Senator in Congress, Washington City, District of Columbia. Inquiry about land around the Arkansas River owned by Ashley, in the neighborhood of Robert Harris. 2 pages
• 22. 1844 November 25: T.M.R. Bankhead, House of Representatives, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley at Washington City, District of Columbia. Bankhead's efforts to obtain an office held by a Mr. [Rector] and asking Ashley to let him know of Mr. Tyler's views on the subject. 3 pages
• 23.1844 November 26: W.E. Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley at Washington City, District of Columbia. Happenings in Little Rock. Mentioned are Mr. Woodie, Dr. Borland, Mr. English, Aunt Laura, Fran, Mr. Logan, Mr. T. Scott and Judge Cross. 2 pages
• 24. 1844 November 28: W.E. Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Ashley's election to the office of Elector for United States President and Vice-President and taxes on Ashley's land in Lafayette County as well as news of home in Little Rock. Enclosed is letter from Governor Drew notifying Ashley of his election to the office of Elector for United States President and Vice-President. 7 pages
• 25. 1844 November 29: A.H. Sevier, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Asks Ashley to pay a sum of money Sevier owed to a Mr. Johnson for him, if he is delayed in Little Rock. 2 pages
• 26. 1844 December 4: George C. Watkins, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, United States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. A political letter that includes news of Watkins' private business such as his partnership with Mr. [Curran] and a land purchase from Judge Cross. 3 pages
• 27. 1844 December 4: D.[T.] Willis, Washington, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, United States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. Requests that a Mr. Wheat, a Whig, be permitted to remain the Register at Washington. Also mentioned are Archibald Yell, Bob Phillips, Mr. Tyler and A.H. Sevier. 4 pages
• 28. 1844 December 6: Thomas W. Newton, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, United States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. Information about real estate bonds and the law changing the time of holding election from October to the first Monday of August. 3 pages
• 29. 1844 December 11: Carl Watkins, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, United States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. Federal court case of Chancery vs. Chester Ashley, Mr. Beebe and Carl Watkins. Also included are some actions of the Arkansas House. Other names mentioned are Mr. Russell, Mr. Trapnall and A.H. Sevier. 4 pages
• 30. 1844 December 13: Daniel Ringo, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Seeks help in locating a land claim and talks about [A.H. Sevier] and the legislature. 3 pages
• 31. 1844 December 16: Morian Rose, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Senator in Congress, Washington City, District of Columbia. Information of Johnson County Land Office and requests C. A. to use his influence to secure the appointment of William W. Floyd to the office of Registrar at that land office. 3 pages
• 32. 1844 December 18: William C. Mitchell, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Requests Ashley use his influence in behalf of claims of William C. Mitchell. 2 pages
• 33. 1844 December 19: Mark Bean, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Seeks assistance in obtaining a fort located somewhere between Evansville and Old Fort Wayne. 3 pages
• 34. 1844 December 23: John Williamson, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, City of Washington, District of Columbia. Asks Ashley to speak with the United States Secretary of the Treasury on behalf of Laban C. Howel concerning money owed to the United States by Howel. 3 pages
• 35. 1844 December 27: Thomas M. R. Bankhead, House of Representatives, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Concerns House of Representatives and tells how Bankhead got his name. 2 pages
• 36. 1844 December 28: J.C. Gaines, Senate Chamber, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Senator in Congress, Washington City, District of Columbia. Mr. Benton's bill and the annexation of the Territory of Texas. 4 pages
• 37. 1844 December 29: R.E.C. Dougherty, Pleasant Grove Cottage, [Pine Bluff], Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Requests that Ashley check at the Patent Office in Washington to see if a patent has ever been issued on certain lands in which Dougherty is interested. Also tells of the effects of a recent overflow. 3 pages
• 38. 1844 December 29: A.G. Mayers, House of Representatives, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. State Bank bonds and Colonel Benton and the annexation [of Texas]. 2 pages
• 39. 1844 December 30: D.H. Bingham, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, United States Senate, Washington, District of Columbia. Completion of the "Memphis Road." 4 pages
• 40. 1845 January 4: A. Harris, Fort Gibson, to A. H. Sevier, Chester Ashley and Ed Cross, Washington, District of Columbia. Requests their aid in seeing that the Secretary of War confirms the election of William P. Denckla as sutler at Fort Gibson. 2 pages
• 41. 1845 January 7 (postmark): W.E. Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. News at home including the legislature, Fan, Miss Broom, Elliott, Hen, Misses Brown, Old Jeffries, and Captain Lemon. 3 pages
• 42. 1845 January 8: George W. Clarke, Van Buren, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, United States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. Introduces William P. Denckla. 2 pages
• 43. 1845 January 10: D. Butler, Little Rock, Arkansas, to [A.H.] Sevier, [Chester] Ashley, and [Edward] Cross. Desire that pay of Military Storekeepers of Ordnance be raised to a previous level and requesting they discuss it with Colonel Talcott. Also mentioned are appropriations for the arsenal at which Mr. Butler is located. 4 pages
• 44. 1845 January 14: George A. Thorne, Brooklyn, [New York], to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Asks Ashley to take the enclosed letters of recommendation to the "Secretary." 3 pages
• 45. 1845 January 25: Thomas H. Blake, General Land Office, to Chester Ashley, House of Representatives, [Washington City, District of Columbia]. A sum illegally paid by Mary E. Walters for a certain section of land. 2 pages
• 46. 1845 January 30: Samuel Johnson, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Concerns current politics and asks Ashley's support for General William Pelham for Surveyor General. 3 pages
• 47. 1845 February 9: John Wilson, 14 Wall Street, New York, New York, to Chester Ashley, United States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. Missourian Wilson's views on Oregon. 8 pages
• 48. 1845 February 25: William M. McPherson, St. Louis, Missouri, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Introduces Captain William C. Templeton. 2 pages
• 49. 1845 April 18: R.C. Byrd, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Seeks aid in obtaining position as bank attorney for the Arkansas State Bank for [J.] Gould. 2 pages
• 50. 1845 July 19: G[randison ] D. Royston, Washington, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Informs Ashley of the price of some white mules available for sale by a Mr. [Eads]. 2 pages
• 51. 1845 July 31: [Burt] Johnson, Chickalah, Yell County, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Lists citizens who receive their mail at Mr. Johnson's post office and their party affiliations. Written on Ashley's letter to Johnson. 4 pages
• 52. 1845 August 6: R.C. Byrd, Pecan Point, Jefferson County, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Answers Ashley's request to send a list of persons for the purpose of political correspondence. Also the location of the land office in Champagnolle. 2 pages
• 53. 1845 August 24: G[randison] D. Royston, Washington, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Royston's current activities and future political plans as well as Ashley's actions. 4 pages
• 54. 1845 August 27: T.B. Hanley, Helena, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Discusses Archibald Yell and his lack of support in Phillips County, Arkansas. 4 pages
• 55. 1845 September 7: James H. Crow, Arkadelphia, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Assures Ashley of democratic satisfaction with his actions in Congress and asks his opinion on creation of Dallas County, Arkansas. 2 pages
• 56. 1845 September 20: John C. P. [Tolleson], Helena, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Mr. Polk's actions and political sentiment in his county. 3 pages
• 57. 1845 September 24: [I.]M. Hoges, Bentonville, Arkansas to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Governor Yell and public sentiment in (Bentonville) and Madison, Carroll, and Marion counties toward Ashley. Also mentioned are Mr. Robinson, Mr. Campbell, Mr. Shaw, and Ewing Hogan. 4 pages
• 58. 1845 September 28: Joseph Gray, Hickory Hills, Dallas County, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Praise of Ashley's service in the United States Senate and attempt to erase fear that some friends of Governor Yell wish to supplant him. 3 pages
• 59. 1845 October 2: Jesse H. Hicks, Helena, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Ashley's trouble (conflict, differences) with Governor Yell. 4 pages
• 60. 1845 October 16: J. Gould, Warren, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, United States Senator, Little Rock, Arkansas. Current politics including Ashley's support, J. Gould's candidacy for the House, the office of state senator from Gould's area, and the state convention. Also informs Ashley of Dr. Thomas W. Chowning's marriage to Martha [V.] Barnett, all of Bradley County, Arkansas. 4 pages
• 61. 1845 October 22: D.T. Witten, Washington, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Support of Ashley for United States Senator. 4 pages
• 62. 1845 October 23: F. [Fleming] Jordan, Arkadelphia, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. The support in Dallas, Pike, Sevier, and Clark counties for Ashley's reelection to the United States Senate. 3 pages
• 63. 1845 October 30: Thomas M. Hughes, Hot Springs, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Asks for a loan of money. 2 pages
• 64. 1845 October 30: D.T. Witten, Washington, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, United States Senator, Little Rock, Arkansas. Democratic party in Arkansas, Ashley's reelection and a financial settlement concerning charges owed to Witten for services rendered. 3 pages
• 65. 1845 November 7: H.A. Blevins, Hempstead County, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Support in Pike County, Arkansas, and certain individuals. 4 pages
• 66. 1845 November 10: T.B. Hanley, Helena, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Arkansas politics, especially the race between Governor Yell and Ashley. Mentioned are Sebastian, Homer, Thompson, Biscoe, Hicks, Butts, Martin, Irvin, James B. Jackson, John [McCray], John C. Johnson, Alonzo Thomas, William N. [Stanton], Bob Johnson, Solon Borland, Culon, and others. 4 pages
• 67. 1845 November 11: H. Hamilton, Lewisburg, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Support of Simmons for Ashley and Bob Johnson for Governor Yell. 2 pages
• 68. 1845 December 1: H.A. [Hiram A.] Whittington, Chalybeate Springs, [Hot Spring County], Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, United States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. County convention in [Hot Spring County] and support for Ashley in [Hot Spring] and Montgomery counties. Also Whittington's views on Sam Reyburn. 3 pages
• 69. 1845 December 6: [Creed Taylor], Bear Range to Chester Ashley, United States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. River mail, the weather, Dr. Desha and a Mr. Bass who desires to purchase land. 3 pages
• 70. 1845 December 9: T.B. Hanley, Helena, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, United States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. Counties and individuals in Phillips county who support Ashley. Also requests Ashley check on the name and description of a soldier to whom a certain tract of land was patented. 3 pages
• 71. 1845 December 27: Joseph Adkins, Clarksville, Johnson County, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Johnson County meeting adopted resolutions favorable to Ashley's Senate reelection. Adkins' desire and qualifications to be appointed to the office of Register at the Land Office at Johnson County. Asks Ashley to appear in behalf of his petition for more time for his mail route. 3 pages
• 72. 1845 December 27: D.J. Baldwin, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, United States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. Reminds Ashley of James Erwin's claim for compensation. Also the Texas negotiations of the President. 3 pages
• 73. 1846 January 26: William R. Dunn, Magnolia, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Letter accompanies a petition for a post route from El Dorado, Arkansas, to Monroe, Louisiana. Thanks Ashley for his assistance in obtaining the post office at [Magnolia]. 2 pages
• 74. 1846 February 3: Creed Taylor, Bear Range, New Gascony, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, United States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. Bear Range happenings including a runaway slave, Robert, and the cotton. Also Taylor's dealings with the post office; political news of the area and a request concerning the mail boats. 4 pages
• 75. 1846 February 9: Allen Martin, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Letter accompanies petition to Congress asking that the price for surveying mountain and swamp lands be raised. Also mentions sickness in Arkansas. 2 pages
• 76. 1846 February 27: Joseph M. Meriweather, Bradley County, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Post offices in and mail routes between the towns of Princeton, Camden, and Pine Bluff, Arkansas. 3 pages
• 77. 1846 March 7: J. Gould, Warren, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, United States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. Political (races) careers of both men, a petition for a new post office at Thornton's house in Dallas County, the mail route from Bartholomew to Warren, and a recommendation of Benjamin W. Martin to fill the office of post master vacated by James Nowland. 4 pages
• 78. 1846 March 7: Joseph J. Simmons, Lewisburg, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. The claim of Leroy P. Evans. Also Yell, Sevier, and Johnson and the senate race. 4 pages
• 79. 1846 March 19: Isaac W. Smith, Missouri, Clark County, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Thanks Ashley for his aid in securing Mr. Smith's appointment as postmaster of Missouri, Arkansas, post office. Also Ashley's support for reelection in [Clark] county. Lists the most influential men of both parties who have access to his post office. 2 pages
• 80. 1846 March 20: G. Marshall, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Seeks aid in obtaining the appointment of surveyor to run the line or lines between the Creek and Seminole Indians. 2 pages
• 81. 1846 March 22: Will Phillips, Belfast, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. The "Woodruff Matter." 2 pages
• 82. 1846 March 27: A. Gordon, Lewisburg, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Ashley's support for reelection to the Senate. 4 pages
• 83. 1846 March 27: T.B. Hanley, Helena, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, M. C., Washington City, District of Columbia. The senatorial race between Ashley and Yell. Mentioned are Bob Johnson, Mark W. Izard, Charles T. [ ], Dr. Griffin, Penson Lambert, Thompson, Sevier, Mr. Porter, General [?icklin], Billy Black, the Robesons, Billy Woodruff and Colonel [Henry L.] Biscoe. 4 pages
• 84. 1846 March 28: J. Gould, Warren, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, United States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. A post office at the house of Thornton. Suggests Thornton for postmaster. Support of Ashley by Dr. A.A. Huey, Dallas County. Notes that the "Banner" has come out for Yell. 3 pages
• 85. 1846 April 3: D.G. Baldwin, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, United States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. Requests Ashley take care of fee owed to Mr. John Wassel for services rendered to Ashley and Watkins. 4 pages
• 86. 1846 April 6: D.H. Bingham, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, United States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. The erection of a bridge located at Main Street. 3 pages
• 87. 1846 April 13: Grandison D. Royston, Washington, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, United States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. Tells of support for Ashley in certain Arkansas counties. 4 pages
• 88. 1846 April 29: B.F. Hallett, Boston, Massachusetts, to Chester Ashley. Discusses Mr. Wright. 4 pages
• 89. 1846 May 10: H.A. Blevins, Hempstead County, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Thanks Ashley for speeches and reports he sent Blevins. Also the race between Ashley and Yell. Mentioned are Borland, Will Woodruff, the Huddlestons, Jim Dixon, Henry Brewer, Royston, Allen Blevins, Dr. Gett, Dr. Mitchell, Robert Phillips, Mr. Morning, John Fields, H.W. Smith and Bankhead. 4 pages
• 90. 1846 May 27: Justus D. Pooler, Rockport, Hot Spring County, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Names of those who receive their mail at that post office and their party affiliation. 3 pages
• 91. 1846 May 31: G[arrett] Greer, Crooked Creek, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Names of his neighbors who have not received any documents from Ashley. Also Ashley's support in Newton and Carroll counties and requests that Ashley try and restore the franking privilege. 4 pages
• 92. 1846 June 10: P.T. Crutchfield, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Senator in Congress, Washington City, District of Columbia. Requests one of Governor Thomas' pamphlets that speaks of the expected offer of Governor Yell for colonel of the mounted regiment, and of the volunteers in the state. Crutchfield also offers political advice concerning the volunteers. 3 pages
• 93. 1846 September 21: Benjamin P. Jett, Washington, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Things in Arkansas with Ashley's reelection to the Senate. Mentioned are Mr. Bertrand, "Old Poindexter," Pryor of Polk County, and Jett's brother. 3 pages
• 94. 1846 October 6: William H. Wolfe, Owensville, Saline County, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Asks if Ashley will lease the north half of a certain area of land (the west half of the north part quarter of section thirty, township one south, range sixteen west) to Wolfe. 2 pages
• 95. 1846 October 14: T.B. Hanly, Helena, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. The possible candidacy of Hanly for the judgeship of his circuit. Also the Mexican War and the Ashley and Yell race. Mentioned are A.H. Sevier, Butts, Jackson, [Thomas] Biscoe, "old rough and ready" Drew, Hempstead, Brown, Sebastian, and Colonel Fletcher. 4 pages
• 96. 1846 November 29: P.T. Crutchfield, [Little Rock, Arkansas], to Chester Ashley, Senator in Congress, Washington City, District of Columbia. Crutchfield's desire to be appointed an examining agent by the Treasury Department. 2 pages
• 97. 1846 December 7: Howel, Snapp and Co., Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, United States Senator, Washington City, District of Columbia. Explains a mail delivery failure. 2 pages
• 98. 1846 December 8: William F. Moore, Phillips County near Helena, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, United States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. Asks the price of a tract of land Ashley intends to sell. 2 pages
• 99. [1846] December 14: A. Williams, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley. A position held by Mr. Pelham and why he should be removed and replaced by Williams. 4 pages
• 100. 1847 February 1: J.B. Keatts, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Requests Ashley call the government's attention to the fact that they owe Keatts money for services rendered. 2 pages
• 101. 1847 February 7: William. G. Jenkins, for John Simpson, Pleasant Hill, Franklin County, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Inquires whether patents were ever issued for his land at Batesville and the land of neighbor D.H. Karnes. Includes a short note from Colonel Jenkins thanking Ashley for several documents. 4 pages
• 102. 1847 June 10: Richard M. Young, General Land Office, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Asks Ashley's opinion concerning the removing of the land office in the Champagnolle district from its present location to Camden or El Dorado, Arkansas. Accompanying letter are extracts from the letter of an agent of the Treasury Department. 4 pages
• 103. 1847 September 30: Mat[hew] Bolls, Grand Lake, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. The Boatright claim and his bond. Requests Bolls be able to surrender Ashley's old bond and take a new one for the Boatright claim. 3 pages
• 104. 1847 October 23: Sam C. [Roane], Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Discusses mainly Mr. Thornton and warns Ashley not to make war on Drew only. Also tells news of his cotton crops. Others mentioned are Johnson and Oldham. 3 pages
• 105. 1847 November 26: E.G. Elliott, Vera Cruz, Mexico, to Chester Ashley, United States Senate, Washington, District of Columbia. Asks Ashley's help in getting a transfer from Mexico to Washington. 2 pages
• 106. 1847 December 21: William F. Moore, residence near Helena, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, United States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. Asks Ashley's help in obtaining land certificates for bounty for his son, William E. Moore, John A. Gilbert, John W. Fleener and Matt. S. Fence who served in the Mexican War and also the entire Company K, Arkansas Mounted Gun Men. 3 pages
• 107. 1848 January 2: I.M. Lamb, Helena, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Requests the name, description and address of the soldier who was issued a patent on a certain section of land listed in the letter. 2 pages
• 108. 1848 February 8: James Penney, Paraclifta, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Inheritance of land on death of a soldier. Also talks of Penney's political inclinations. 2 pages
• 109. 1848 April 3: Charles A. Downer, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Thanks Ashley for recommending Downer to the President last spring to fill an office in the Army, and requests that Ashley recommend him again. 2 pages
• 110. 1848 April 5: W.E. Butts, Helena, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Recommends John M. Snyder for a Lieutenancy in the Marine Corps from Crittenden County, Arkansas. 2 pages
• 111. 1848 April 8: [?] to Chester Ashley, U.S. Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. Requests Ashley pay a debt incurred by his father before his death, informs of his father's financial standing with others and tells plans of a friend to get a school in Hudson. 3 pages
• 112.[?] December 30 (fragment): G[randison] D. Royston to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. His willingness to accept a comfortable office.

Chester Ashley financial papers Bulk, 1827

• 1. 1827 April 15: Freight bill of Chester Ashley on Steamboat, Catawba. Payment received by Richard Hovendon per James Regnault. 2 pages
• 2. 1827 May 5: Bill with John R. Thomas paid in full. 2 pages
• 3. 1827 August 14: Chester Ashley's account current to September 1826 with Brown and Graham. Receipted in full. 2 pages
• 4. 1827 December 17: Chester Ashley. On account with Martin Andrews. Received in full. 4 pages
• 5. 1837 May 6: Morris and Jones and Company, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Hill and Markham, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Letter accompanies bills for articles ordered. 2 pages

William E. Ashley correspondence 1837-1851

• 1. 1837 April 22: Mary [W.W.] Ashley to William E. Ashley, College Point, Long Island, New York. Death of "General" and other news. Mentioned are Chester Cunningham, William Bird, [Uncle] Henderson, family members, Charles, Charles Marsh, Mrs. Yager, Henry, Dr. Patience, Dr. [Watkins], Joseph Ashley. 4 pages
• 2. 1839 March 23: Mary W.W. Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas, to William E. Ashley, College Point, Flushing, Long Island, New York. Friends, relatives and William's finances. 4 pages
• 3. 1839 March 23: Mary W.W. Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas, to William E. Ashley, College Point, Flushing, Long Island, New York. News of family and friends and happenings in Little Rock, Arkansas. 4 pages
• 4. 1839 July [16]: Mary W.W. Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas, to William E. Ashley, College Point, Flushing, Long Island, New York. News of family and Little Rock, Arkansas. 4 pages
• 5. 1840 February 5: Mary W.W. Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas, to William E. Ashley, St. Paules College, College Point, New York. Instructions to William. Mentioned are James De Baun, Mr. Mulinburg, Uncle Joe, Joseph Ashley, Aunt Laura, Fran, Mr. Beebe, his aunt, Mr. Van Crocklin, Judge Cross, and his grandparents. 4 pages
• 6. 1840 October 10: Mary W.W. Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas, to William E. Ashley, College Point, Long Island, New York. News of Little Rock (Ashley lost in a recent election), family and friends. Mentions Judge Fulton, Mrs. A.H. [Juliette E. Johnson] Sevier and others. 4 pages
• 7. 1841 June 15: Mary W.W. Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas, to William E. Ashley, College Point, Long Island, New York. Chester Ashley's safe return to Little Rock after a trip to New Orleans, the visit of Aunt Eller, Mr. Royston and Mary, and Eller's change for the better. Also the approaching marriage of George Watkins to Mary Crease and possibly Hempstead to Elizabeth Beal; and Cousin Mary to Colonel Waters. Others mentioned are: Judge Cross, Chester Cunningham, William's sister and Aunt Fanny. 4 pages
• 8. 1842 February 25: Mary W.W. Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas, to William E. Ashley, College Point, Long Island, New York. Little Rock life (economy) as well as news of family and friends. Mentioned are Judge Cross, William's sister, Joseph and Henry, Mr. Easeman, Aunt Eliza, Mr. Henderson, Cousin Sarah Ann, Margarett, Colonel Whorton Rector, Chester Cunningham, Cousin George, William [Dunn], and Dr. Muhlenberg. 4 pages
• 9. 1842 October 1: [Fanny] to William E. Ashley, College Point, Long Island, New York. Discussion of a recent letter from Dr. Muhlenberg concerning William and family news. 4 pages
• 10. [1842 December 22]: Unidentified to Master Will Ashley, College Point, Long Island, New York. Poem. 2 pages
• 11. 1844 January 21: John Henderson, Hadad, Arkansas to William E. Ashley, Hartford, Connecticut. News of Little Rock, Arkansas, family and friends. 4 pages
• 12. 1851 June 11: [Creed] Taylor, Bear Range, New Gascony, Arkansas, to William E. Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. The sale of land. 3 pages

Chester Ashley papers supplement I 1839-1844

• I. Correspondence
  
  • 1. 1844 December 3: [Carl] Watkins, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Business which concerned C.A. [Carl] Watkins and Governor John Pope. 2 pages
  • 2. 1844 December 26: Mark Hopkins, Williams College, to Chester Ashley, Washington City, District of Columbia. Thanks Ashley for maps and also informs Ashley about his former classmates, Mr. Porter and Mr. Hyde. 2 pages
• II. Printed materials
  
  • 1. 1839 November 19: Grammar School of St. Paul's College, Report of William E. Ashley. 3 pages
• Miscellaneous letters
  
  • 1. 1822 November 9: James Meir, By [Meir and Redman], Shawneetown, Illinois, to Robert Crittenden, Post of Arkansas or David E. McKinney, Little Rock, Arkansas Territory. Legal proceedings against Gabriel Greathouse. 2 pages
  • 2. 1828 April 19: Charles Talor of [?] Barrington to Colonel Henry W. Dwight, Representative in Congress, Washington, District of Columbia. Requests Colonel Dwight get A.H. Sevier to settle the affairs of the estate of Solomon B. Judd. 4 pages
  • 3. 1840 August 22: Hiram [Rethbum], Auburn, New York, to Cornelius John Dewitt, New York City, New York. Papers [served]. 2 pages
  • 4. 1844 December 25: Mark Hopkins, Williams College, to A.D. Bache. Copy of letter acknowledges receipt of four sheets of the map of the New York bay and harbor requested by Chester Ashley. 1 page
  • 5. 1853 February 28: Martha J. Plainfield to [?]
  • 6. [1855] September 21: Cousin Emily to "Not forgotten Cousin" [Jenny]. Includes a letter to Jenny from M. A. Cudwirthy.
  • 7. 1862 September 25: W.J. Nichols, Camp Chase, Virginia, to Laura S.N., Chesterfield, Massachusetts. Civil War and Nichols' Camp at Washington, District of Columbia. Mentioned are Jennie, Wasie, the Chesterfield boys, Aunt Elisa and David. 4 pages
  • 8. [?] March 21: Unidentified, Baltimore, Maryland, to "My own dear love" 2 pages

Chester Ashley papers supplement II 1835-1846

• I. Correspondence
  
  • 1. 1835 November 11: M.W. Litchfield, Whitingsville Winchester, Connecticut, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Deed of land in Arkansas Territory belonging to Riley Whiting. 2 pages
  • 2. 1846 March 15: Alexander Adams, Northfork, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, United States Senate, Washington City, District of Columbia. Support in Izard, Fulton and Marion counties for Ashley in the senate race against Governor Yell. 2 pages

Chester Ashley papers supplement III 1842-1845

• I. Correspondence: Chester Ashley
  
  • 1. 1844 December 8: James Yell, Little Rock, Arkansas, to Chester Ashley, Washington, District of Columbia. Requests Ashley recommend him to President Polk to fill the office of district attorney. 1 page
  • 2. 1845 May 8: [?] Riggs, Washington, District of Columbia, to Chester Ashley, Little Rock, Arkansas. Drafts of Judge Johnson. 1 page
• II. Correspondence: William E. Ashley
  
  • 1. 1842 August 29: Edward Cross, Washington, District of Columbia, to William E. Ashley, College Point, Long Island, New York. Answer to Ashley's letter requesting money. Mentions Governor and Mrs. John Pope, Aunt Laura, Aunt Jackson, A.H. Sevier, and Governor William Savin Fulton. 1 page

Murder, Mayhem and Lies: Investigating Some of Arkansas’s Historical Cold Cases

The Arkansas History Commission and the Southwest Regional Archives (SARA) will be hosting their annual history symposium on Saturday, October 18 from 9 a.m. until noon at the 1914 Schoolhouse at Historic Washington State Park in Washington.  The symposium’s theme, “Murder, Mayhem and Lies: Investigating Some of Arkansas’s Historical Cold Cases,” will feature speakers Brian Irby, Amanda Paige and Peggy Lloyd. Topics will include On the Hunt of the Texarkana Moonlight Phantom, a look into the unsolved 1946 serial killings in Texarkana; E.A. Hitchcock Investigates: The Case of the Missing Chickasaw Money, which will explore the investigation into the defrauding of the Chickasaw nation during their removal to Oklahoma during the 1830s; and The Maxwell Case, the 1949 court case, State of Arkansas v. Herman Maxwell, which was appealed to the Supreme Court and ended in an execution, contributing to the early stirring of the Civil Rights movement at Hope.  

The seminar is free but registration is required. Check-in will begin at 8:15 a.m.  Teachers can earn up to three professional development hours through attendance.  Registration is limited and deadline for registration will be Monday, Oct. 13.

The Arkansas History Commission, located in Little Rock, is the official state archives of Arkansas and maintains the largest collection of historical materials on Arkansas in the world. The Southwest Arkansas Regional Archives is a resource center for historical research, dedicated to the purpose of collecting and preserving primary source materials that bring together the unique history, culture, and heritage of Southwest Arkansas. SARA is located in the former Washington Elementary School at 201 Highway 195 South, Washington, Arkansas.

For more information about the symposium or to register, contact us at history.commission@arkansas.gov or call us at 501-682-6900.

August Acquisitions

A list of acquisitions made by the AHC in August:

Books

AHC

Cherokee Intermarried White 1906, Vol. 1, by Jeff Bowen

The Hobo’s Trail:  Through the Depression, by Earnest L. Best

Harrison Helps, by Ladies Aid Society, M.E. Church South

Jenkins’ Ferry History and Family Descendants:  Leola, Arkansas, by Thomas L. Green

SARA

Avery, Cole, Brown and May Families by Anna L. Spencer.

Davis and Other Family Lines by Anna L. Spencer.

Accessions

AHC

Byrd Ross Collection – 2 cu. ft.

Caroline Lester Genealogical Collection – 0.75 cu. ft.

SARA

Muldrow Family photograph

Hempstead County marriage records -.25 cu. ft.

NEARA

Mammoth Spring collection - 18 cu. ft.