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.

1924 – 2006

Dump



When Dump was just a baby, his Aunt thought he was chubby so she started calling him Dumplin’. As he got older that name didn’t fit anymore, and it got shortened to just Dump. I think there may have also been a dislike for his given first and middle names, which were Artemus Montgomery.

His mother died of appendicitis, when he was only 4 years old. He was mostly raised by his older sister until he was about 11 years old and his father remarried.

In December of 1942, just before his 18th birthday, Dump joined the Navy. Because he was not yet 18, his father had to sign for him. He said he didn’t want to do it, but knew his son would join up some how anyway. Dump went to San Diego where he graduated from Hospital Corps School as a Hospital Apprentice, Second Class on April 23, 1943. He soon set sail bound for Wellington, New Zealand on the M. S. Sommelsdyk, and crossed the Equator on August 6, 1943. After 2 yrs 11 mos 18 days, Dump was honorably discharged on November 30, 1945.

On April 15, 1947, Dump and Lena were married at the Baptist Church in Havana. In March 1948 their first son was born. In February 1949 they were blessed with another son. Their lives took them from Arkansas to California, then back to Arkansas. From working in the oil fields, to raising chickens, and being a serviceman for others who were raising chickens.

In his spare time, Dump would enjoy fox hunting and coyote hunting. He would raise his own hunting dogs, and spent many, many nights listening to his dogs run. He passionately enjoyed watching his sons play baseball. He never missed a game.

On July 16, 2006, Dump passed away leaving his behind his wife of 59 years, his two sons, 5 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren.

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.