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This Day in Arkansas History

June 10, 1873

The Southern Memorial Association of Washington County (SMA), which had been formed exactly one year before, dedicated the Confederate Cemetery at Fayetteville (Washington County), which contained about 500 relocated graves at that time. With soldiers from Arkansas, Missouri, Louisiana, and Texas interred in the cemetery, the dedication service drew an estimated 3,000 people. The SMA was organized to collect scattered Confederate graves in northwestern Arkansas into one central location. The result was the construction of the Confederate cemetery, which remains under the group’s care. The SMA may be the oldest organization of its type in continual operation.

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Ferd Havis

Ferdinand Havis, though born a slave and receiving only a brief common school education, was elected a Pine Bluff (Jefferson County) city alderman, state representative, assessor, and county clerk. He learned the barbering trade at an early age and later owned a profitable barbershop. He became a prominent local businessman, called by some the “Colored Millionaire.” Havis died at his home at 920 West Barraque on August 25, 1918, and is buried in Bellwood Cemetery in Pine Bluff.

 

Ferdinand Havis, though born a slave and receiving only a brief common school education, was elected a Pine Bluff (Jefferson County) city alderman, state representative, assessor, and county clerk. He learned the barbering trade at an early age and later owned a profitable barbershop. He became a prominent local businessman, called by some the “Colored Millionaire.” Havis died at his home at 920 West Barraque on August 25, 1918, and is buried in Bellwood Cemetery in Pine Bluff.

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About the Encyclopedia

The CALS Encyclopedia of Arkansas is a free, authoritative source of information about the rich history, geography, and culture of Arkansas. It is updated regularly to ensure the people of Arkansas have an accurate and accessible resource to explore our heritage. We invite you to browse our text entries and media galleries to learn more about the people, places, events, legends, and lore of the 25th state. We are continually adding new entries, photographs, maps, videos, quizzes, lesson plans, and more, so check back frequently to see what’s new.

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