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This Day in Arkansas History

May 20, 1865

William Sebastian, who represented Arkansas in the U.S. Senate from 1848 until 1861, died. Also a farmer, lawyer, and judge, Sebastian served his state until the Civil War ended his career. At the beginning of the war in 1861, most Southern senators resigned their seats in Congress, but Sebastian was one of two who did not. He and Andrew Johnson were instead expelled from the Senate on July 11, 1861, along with their fellow Southerners. Sebastian returned to Helena and continued to practice law. Sebastian County, formed on January 10, 1851, was named for him. In 1877, twelve years after his death, the U.S. Senate revoked its resolution of expulsion and paid compensation to Sebastian’s children.

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Bernie Babcock

When her husband died in 1897, Bernie Babcock decided she could support herself and five children with her writing. During the next sixty-five years, she authored over forty popular novels and numerous other pieces. In 1903, she became the first Arkansas woman to be included in Authors and Writers Who’s Who. She was also the first president of the Arkansas Branch of the National League of Pen Women. In the early 1950s, she retired to a small home atop Petit Jean Mountain, where she died in 1962.

 

When her husband died in 1897, Bernie Babcock decided she could support herself and five children with her writing. During the next sixty-five years, she authored over forty popular novels and numerous other pieces. In 1903, she became the first Arkansas woman to be included in Authors and Writers Who’s Who. She was also the first president of the Arkansas Branch of the National League of Pen Women. In the early 1950s, she retired to a small home atop Petit Jean Mountain, where she died in 1962.

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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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