Category Archives: Biography

Bessie Lura Amos Largent, Pioneer Woman in Early Oklahoma

Bessie Lura Amos Largent was born 129 years ago on Christmas Eve, 1891, in Sebastian County, Arkansas, to William Wilburn Amos and Ursula Calhoun Amos. Bessie was the first born to this farm family that rented land in the region … Continue reading

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Florence Beatrice Brown Phillips: Life in early 20th century Rhode Island

Florence Beatrice Brown Phillips, August 1, 1899-December 3, 1973. (Earl and Florence Brown Phillips) Florence Beatrice was born on August 1, 1899, to Samuel Francis Brown and Hattie Tyler Perkins Brown. She was an only child. When Florence was born, … Continue reading

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John Calvin Lawson, Farmer in Arkansas and Indian Territory (Oklahoma)

John Calvin Lawson, August 4, 1864-Jan. 30, 1955. John Calvin Lawson was born in Arkansas in 1864 to Calvin A. Lawson (1825-1907) and Jane Ann Fritts (1835-1902). In the 1870 census John C. is 6-years-old; Calvin is 40 and a … Continue reading

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Claude Christopher Largent: Teacher in Early Oklahoma

Claude Christopher Largent, July 2, 1888-July 25, 1975. Claude Largent was born to George Washington Largent and Mary Lue Smith in Booneville, Arkansas, on July 2, 1888. George Washington (GW) was a farmer and Mary Lue, who was half Indian … Continue reading

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George Washington Largent, Arkansas Farmer

George Washington Largent, August 15, 1855-Feb. 26, 1924 George Washington Largent’s life has a bit of mystery about it. His gravestone lists his birth date as August 15, 1859. The month and day are probably correct, though the year of … Continue reading

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The Mysterious Mr. Lee

Almost 200 years ago, in 1819, a scientist from England, Thomas Nuttall, journeyed up the Arkansas to near this spot, the Three Forks, the confluence of the Arkansas with the Verdigris and Grand rivers. Nuttall was exploring what had been … Continue reading

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Narrative History Rescues the Past

“Narrative History Rescues the Past”–You’re not likely to see this headlining the latest news feed, though subtle truth rarely makes the news. Moreover, narrative history is rarely sensational, rarely fantastic, and is (unfortunately) not imaginary, rather based on real people … Continue reading

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George Washington and Providence

Jeremy Belknap, a patriot, scientist, historian, and minister in the late eighteenth century, wrote during the War for Independence to his friend Ebenezer Hazard, praising General George Washington: “A man is never more truly noble than when he is sensible … Continue reading

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Leadership? If Only Washington was President

If George Washington was President of the United States today, in 2016, would we have problems with anarchy in the streets, and the lack of leadership in domestic conflicts? In 1782/1783, the American Revolution was drawing to a close, and … Continue reading

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In Praise of Every[hu]man

Pre-eminent American historian Carl Becker in 1931 sounded a theme for the 1930s when he pronounced, “Everyman His Own Historian.” The great American composer Aaron Copland in 1942 composed “Fanfare for the Common Man,” a wonderful piece for horns and … Continue reading

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