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This Day in Arkansas History

August 12, 1864

Confederate forces attacked seventy men under the command of Lieutenant John Anderson of the Sixth Kansas Cavalry near Lee’s Creek, just north of Van Buren (Crawford County) as they escorted mail and a sutler’s train. This was one of only a few organized movements by Confederates carried out against fortified Union settlements. Though no casualties were reported, this engagement demonstrates the danger Union troops faced outside of their fortified outposts.

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Elias Morris

In 1895, Elias Camp Morris became the first president of the National Baptist Convention, the largest denomination of black Christians in the United States. He held the post until his death in 1922. In 1877, Camp moved to Helena (Phillips County), where, two years later, he became an ordained Baptist minister. Also active in local business and Republican Party politics, he was a delegate to the Republican National Convention on several occasions.

 

In 1895, Elias Camp Morris became the first president of the National Baptist Convention, the largest denomination of black Christians in the United States. He held the post until his death in 1922. In 1877, Camp moved to Helena (Phillips County), where, two years later, he became an ordained Baptist minister. Also active in local business and Republican Party politics, he was a delegate to the Republican National Convention on several occasions.

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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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