ARCLAY-L Archives

From: Bob & Cathy Barnes <>
Subject: A little Clay Co. history...
Date: Wed, 26 Nov 1997 12:18:59 -0600

December 16, 1898
From The Clay County Courier, published in Corning, Ark.

Ferguson & Wheeler. General Merchants and Operators of Some Several Wood
Working Industries. One of Corning’s leading business firms in
mercantile lines, and the largest lumber manufacturers in Northeast
Arkansas is Ferguson & Wheeler. The personnel of the firm is Wm.
Ferguson and G. B. Wheeler of Poplar Bluff, Mo., where the main office
of the concern is located.
They have in operation eight extensive sawmills in the vicinity of
Poplar Bluff, and two near the town of Corning. Some eighty-five men
find employment in the mills of this place, which places in the trade
channels of Corning annually thousands of dollars for labor alone.
Their mills are equipped for all classes of sawing including stave
cutting and hickory wagon stock. Through this firm millions of feet of
Arkansas timber is annually represented in foreign ports, which has had
its effect in prestiging the forest lands of our country the world
throughout.
The retail commercial house operated under the supervision of this
excellent firm and the direction of their able manager, Mr. W. H.
Lasater is one of the largest retail establishments in the county, noted
for its high excellence of wares, and the rule of low prices. Mr.
Lasater has, since becoming a resident of Corning, distinguished himself
as a business man of sterling type, and among all classes his friends
are legion.
Mr. Lasater is an Illinoisian by birth, born and raised in Hamilton
Co. He has been identified with the firm for sixteen years, eight of
which have been passed in Corning. He takes active interest in social
circles, is a K. of P. K., of H., Woodman of the World and the auxiliary
lodge of the latter, the Woodmen circle.

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