August 28, 2012

J. N. Smithee, the founder of the Arkansas Democrat, was a prominent figure in the history of Arkansas journalism and an important Democrat during the years after Reconstruction. On May 5, 1878, Smithee fought a duel with Arkansas Gazette co-owner John Adams over allegations against Smithee’s honor that Adams had published in the Gazette. He was reportedly injured during the duel, which was reportedly the last duel fought in Arkansas.