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This Day in Arkansas History

March 6, 1920

Charles H. Murphy Jr. was born in El Dorado (Union County). Murphy’s father had him manumitted by court order when Murphy was sixteen years old so that he could transact business legally for himself. When Murphy’s father had a stroke, Murphy became the leader of the family business at age twenty-one. The family’s lumber, banking, and oil interests in southern Arkansas eventually became the Murphy Oil Corporation.

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Quitman Street Scene

Quitman, the oldest town in Cleburne County, was once the home of the Quitman Male and Female College, a Methodist school. Founded in 1871, the school remained in operation until about the time this Main Street photo was taken, near the turn of the century. During its existence, approximately 3,000 students walked through the doors of the two-story frame structure that served as the main school building.

 

Quitman, the oldest town in Cleburne County, was once the home of the Quitman Male and Female College, a Methodist school. Founded in 1871, the school remained in operation until about the time this Main Street photo was taken, near the turn of the century. During its existence, approximately 3,000 students walked through the doors of the two-story frame structure that served as the main school building.

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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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