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This Day in Arkansas History

July 15, 1914

A large crowd of people gathered in Paris (Logan County) for the hanging of John Arthur Tillman. The sheriff had his men under instructions to shoot anyone who might get close to the jail because of rumors that Tillman would be rescued by an armed party. One rumor, reported in the Arkansas Gazette, was that Tillman’s father had recently purchased a high-powered rifle and ammunition, not to rescue his son but to assassinate him in order to spare him the ordeal of hanging. Arthur Tillman was the last person executed by hanging in the state of Arkansas. Accused of murdering a girlfriend, Tillman insisted upon his innocence to the day of his death.

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Charles Watkins

Charles Watkins of Montgomery County served as the first parliamentarian of the U.S. Senate, a position he held for many years. He first went to Washington DC in 1906 to serve on the staff of Senator James P. Clarke. By 1923, he was appointed the Senate clerk, and in 1935, his duties were expanded to parliamentarian. Watkins was greatly admired for his knowledge of the procedures of the Senate, and in 1958, he coauthored Senate Procedures: Precedents and Practices. He retired at age eighty-five in 1964 and died two years later.

 

Charles Watkins of Montgomery County served as the first parliamentarian of the U.S. Senate, a position he held for many years. He first went to Washington DC in 1906 to serve on the staff of Senator James P. Clarke. By 1923, he was appointed the Senate clerk, and in 1935, his duties were expanded to parliamentarian. Watkins was greatly admired for his knowledge of the procedures of the Senate, and in 1958, he coauthored Senate Procedures: Precedents and Practices. He retired at age eighty-five in 1964 and died two years later.

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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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