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This Day in Arkansas History

February 17, 1907

Marjorie Florence Lawrence, a star soprano who rebuilt her career after being stricken with polio, was born in Dean’s Marsh, Victoria, Australia. After having sung in many of the world’s leading opera houses, Lawrence made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera Company of New York in 1935 and became a fixture there until 1941. She later established a home in Hot Springs (Garland County) and advanced the study of classical music by holding coaching sessions at her home.

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Robert Ward Johnson

Robert Ward Johnson, a prominent pre-Civil War politician who served in both the U.S. House of Representatives and and the U.S. Senate during the 1850s and 1860s, attempted to return to the Senate in 1878. After his defeat, it was discovered that a supporter had offered bribes to two African-American legislators for their votes (U.S. senators were not then directly elected). The embarrassing discovery ended Johnson’s public service. He died only a few months later.

 

Robert Ward Johnson, a prominent pre-Civil War politician who served in both the U.S. House of Representatives and and the U.S. Senate during the 1850s and 1860s, attempted to return to the Senate in 1878. After his defeat, it was discovered that a supporter had offered bribes to two African-American legislators for their votes (U.S. senators were not then directly elected). The embarrassing discovery ended Johnson’s public service. He died only a few months later.

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"Lawless Negroes" newspaper clipping Atkins Race War of 1897 Civil War to Gilded Age, Criminal Activities Rows of uncovered wooden vats with wooden walking path in between them Atkins Pickle Company Businesses, Foodways four way intersection with stop signs and two story brick buildings Atkins Pope Memorial East Asian style gate on steps next to multistory building ATA Martial Arts Martial Arts Karen Aston Basketball White woman with curly hair posing in fancy dress Association of Southern Women for the Prevention of Lynching Early Twentieth Century, Women African-American men and women with Acorn banner on covered porch with film crew in the foreground Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now Parties and Interest Groups, Poverty Association of Arkansas Counties group of white girls in white shirts and long skirts standing in line two-by-two Associate Reformed Presbyterians Faiths and Denominations Single story red brick church building with three white crosses in the ground Assemblies of God Faiths and Denominations White man and woman formal dress laughing at party with two white people foreground Harry Scott Ashmore Editors and Publishers White man with long hair and beard in long coat Action at Ashley's Station Civil War Hubert Carl Ashley Folk African-American woman smiling in collared top Eliza Jane Ashley Foodways Portrait painting of white man formal dress with pocket watch chain Chester Ashley Business Leaders, State Figures Alonzo Warren Ashley Educators and Administrators

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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