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This Day in Arkansas History

February 4, 1874

William Allan Oldfield was born in Franklin (Izard County). He was elected as a Democrat to the Sixty-first U.S. Congress and to the nine succeeding Congresses, serving from 1909 until his death in 1928. During that time, he served as a member of the House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means and was chosen as chair of the Democratic Congressional Committee, campaigning across the country for Democratic candidates and incumbents. He was reelected to the Seventy-first Congress, his tenth consecutive term, but he died before he could take office. His wife took his place in Congress, becoming the first woman in Arkansas elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

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Elliot Sheeks

Women played a prominent role in the establishment of the Church of the Nazarene in Arkansas. In the late 1800s, one such woman, Elliot Sheeks of Memphis, Tennessee, conducted revivals and helped form churches in Arkansas. Ordained as a minister in 1899, she organized a mission in Little Rock (Pulaski County) approximately a year later. She also served as the Arkansas District secretary until approximately 1915.

 

Women played a prominent role in the establishment of the Church of the Nazarene in Arkansas. In the late 1800s, one such woman, Elliot Sheeks of Memphis, Tennessee, conducted revivals and helped form churches in Arkansas. Ordained as a minister in 1899, she organized a mission in Little Rock (Pulaski County) approximately a year later. She also served as the Arkansas District secretary until approximately 1915.

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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, and audio files, so check back frequently to see what’s new.

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