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This Day in Arkansas History

May 20, 1992

Charles Chester Reid died in Little Rock (Pulaski County). He was admitted to the Arkansas bar in 1887, at age nineteen, but only after receiving a waiver from the circuit court, as he was a minor. He soon opened a practice in Morrilton (Conway County). In 1900, Reid won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat. Upon leaving office, he again resumed the private practice of law, this time in Little Rock.

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Bernie Babcock

When her husband died in 1897, Bernie Babcock decided she could support herself and five children with her writing. During the next sixty-five years, she authored over forty popular novels and numerous other pieces. In 1903, she became the first Arkansas woman to be included in Authors and Writers Who’s Who. She was also the first president of the Arkansas Branch of the National League of Pen Women. In the early 1950s, she retired to a small home atop Petit Jean Mountain, where she died in 1962.

 

When her husband died in 1897, Bernie Babcock decided she could support herself and five children with her writing. During the next sixty-five years, she authored over forty popular novels and numerous other pieces. In 1903, she became the first Arkansas woman to be included in Authors and Writers Who’s Who. She was also the first president of the Arkansas Branch of the National League of Pen Women. In the early 1950s, she retired to a small home atop Petit Jean Mountain, where she died in 1962.

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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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