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This Day in Arkansas History

September 4, 1908

Author Richard Wright was born on a farm in Roxie, Mississippi. After Wright’s father left the family, Wright and his mother and brother eventually moved to Elaine (Phillips County). Wright wrote fiction and nonfiction. His many works, influenced by the injustices he faced as an African American, protested racial divides in America. His most famous work, the autobiographical Black Boy, was a controversial bestseller that opened the eyes of the nation to the evils of racism.

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Agricultural Wheel Constitution

The constitution of the Agricultural Wheel stated that the organization was for “the improvement of its members in the theory and practice of agriculture and the dissemination of knowledge.” Founded in 1882 by a group of disgruntled farmers in Des Arc (Prairie County), the organization, originally named the Wattensas Farmers Club, developed into a national force with members in ten other states. Forays into politics and mergers with other groups ultimately led to the demise of the Wheel by the beginning of the twentieth century.

 

The constitution of the Agricultural Wheel stated that the organization was for “the improvement of its members in the theory and practice of agriculture and the dissemination of knowledge.” Founded in 1882 by a group of disgruntled farmers in Des Arc (Prairie County), the organization, originally named the Wattensas Farmers Club, developed into a national force with members in ten other states. Forays into politics and mergers with other groups ultimately led to the demise of the Wheel by the beginning of the twentieth century.

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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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