R. D. ("UNCLE BOB") MITCHELL OBITUARY 1862-1945

TRAIN KILLS AGED HAVANA RESIDENT

   R. D. ("Uncle Bob") Mitchell, aged 83, of Havana, was killed when struck by a Rock Island freight train at the main crossing in Havana at 10 a.m. Saturday.

   While crossing the track, Mr. Mitchell, who was deaf, encountered a friend, Teem Kennedy, also of Havana, and waved to him.  Lawayne McBride, aged 16, who was walking a few yards behind Mr. Mitchell, assumed that the elderly man saw the oncoming train, as also did Mr. Kennedy.  When Mr. Mitchell continued across the track, the youth ran to stop him, but was an instant too late.  His body was carried about 75 feet by the train and was thrown to the gravel right-of-way.

   Mr. Mitchell was born in Cleburne county in 1862 and moved to Havana in 1900 to engage in the mercantile business.  He retired in 1920.

   Surviving are two sons, Robert, of Havana, and Jim, of Brinkley, and a daughter, Mrs. Louise Arnold of Louisville, Ky.

HAVANA BUSINESSMEN - 1908

Back row - Dr. England, physician; next two young men are unidentified railroad workers; Joe Melton, Blacksmith; Will Swilling, Barber; Marion McBridge, Farmer; Mr. Morgan, Merchant; Bert Walkup, Druggist.
Front row - Harrison Cooper, Merchant; Bill Beavers, Merchant and Trader; Jim Wilkins, Merchant; Clarence Cooper, Merchant; Charley Wilkins, Merchant; E. B. Lawson, Merchant; and Bob Mitchell, Merchant.

BAPTIZING IN LICK CREEK

The young man 6th from the left and kind of back behind is Papa Yandell waiting his turn to be baptized. He was born in 1905 so this picture was taken in the early 1920s. Probably about 1924. Notice the girls all have on their coats for modesty. One of the young ladies was his future bride (Jimmie), but we have not been able to identify her because of the condition of the photo. The scene definitely looks like something from the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou! I would love to have more information about this picture, but most everyone from that time is gone.

THE COW HORN

This horn came from a cow that Mary Dosier Weaver milked in a tin cup when she was a little girl, about the time of the Civil War (1860-1865). It was prepared by Eli Dosier and given to his sister Aunt "Kizzy", who latter married John Baker. Aunt Kizzy requested that at her death the horn be given to her niece, Cora Lee Weaver Steward (Mary Dosier Weaver's oldest child). In later years Cora Steward requested it be given to her daughter, Jimmie Steward Yandell. It was requested by Jimmie Yandell that at her death, the horn be given to her daughter, Lena Yandell Kennedy. It was also her wish that the horn be passed on to future generations for it to be enjoyed by all. Lena's eldest son had this history penned by a caligrapher and the horn mounted suitable for display.

YELL COUNTY BATHING BEAUTIES

These ladies were from Yell County. I only know that one of them was my Grandmother, and possibly one other was her sister. They all may never get the recognition due them.

THE OLD STUCCO HOUSE

Ruth (dau. of Charles Henry and Willie) in front of Stucco House.
Lynn playing baseball at Havana High School located across Highway 10 from Stucco House.
Lynn still at bat....
The Old Stucco House....

Cousin Oresta and Uncle Jim built the old stucco house in Havana. Oresta was engaged, and he wanted to build the house for his bride. Oresta was born in 1895, so I assume this all took place about 1915. Meanwhile, He joined the Army and left to serve his country. While away, Oresta got a letter from his fiance that she was breaking off the engagement. The stucco house was no longer needed.

Uncle Jim's brother, Great grandpa Charles Henry Wilkins, needed to move his father-in-law to Havana. But, father-in-law didn't want to live with Charles Henry and Willie, so he bought the stucco house, which was larger. Here is a small scenario of those I know who lived in the stucco house:

Great-great grandpa Vinsett lived and died in the stucco house. He is the Civil War vet who would sleep with his pistol, and/or keep it hanging over his headboard. Charles and Bermel lived in the north side of the stucco house. That is where my daddy, Charles, Jr. was born. Oda and Clinton (sister to Charles, Sr.) lived in the south side of the stucco house. Their sons, Jack & Lynn, were born there; as well as an infant that didn't survive.

When I was 4 years old, I lived in a house next door to the stucco house. There were two little boys who moved into the stucco house, who became my playmates. One day the little 4 year old boy kissed me. That little boy moved away and so did I. Years later we met up again, and today we have been married 37 years.

The stucco house has now been torn down, maybe some of the memories and stories will be able to survive.

SHIBLEYS PLANTED TREES

Gill Cemetery,

Van Buren, Arkansas