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This Day in Arkansas History

August 28, 1909

Trailblazing black lawyer and politician Lloyd Garrison Wheeler died at the age of sixty. In 1869, upon completion of his legal training at Union Law College, forerunner to the Northwestern University School of Law, Wheeler moved to Arkansas and became involved in the state’s Republican Party. He vacillated between private practice and public service, leaving the former to serve a stint as county attorney for Pulaski County, as well as on the Pulaski County Board of Commissioners. Wheeler was also involved in the historic 1873 legal case in which four Black men won a judgment against Main Street Saloon after they were refused service.

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William Fuller

After observing the cultivation of rice in Louisiana, William H. Fuller was convinced that similar soil conditions in Arkansas would make the crop successful in the state. After four years of study, he convinced Lonoke County farmers to give him $1,000 if he could successfully produce thirty-five bushels per acre off a seventy-acre farm. His success in 1904 is considered by many to be the advent of commercial rice production in Arkansas, resulting in some calling Fuller the “Father of Arkansas Rice.”

 

After observing the cultivation of rice in Louisiana, William H. Fuller was convinced that similar soil conditions in Arkansas would make the crop successful in the state. After four years of study, he convinced Lonoke County farmers to give him $1,000 if he could successfully produce thirty-five bushels per acre off a seventy-acre farm. His success in 1904 is considered by many to be the advent of commercial rice production in Arkansas, resulting in some calling Fuller the “Father of Arkansas Rice.”

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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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