Nestled comfortably on the Arkansas–Oklahoma state border, the city of Fort Smith, also known as Belle Point, originated in 1817 when a military outpost was established there. The settlement around it started growing as a result of it being a well-known base for those looking for fortune and land in the Wild West, as well as a center for the fur trade.
Throughout its history, Fort Smith established a legacy for its law enforcement heritage, which includes the infamous Judge Isaac Parker, also known as "Hanging Judge Parker.” Judge Parker sentenced 160 people to death. Half of these were executed, and the rest either died in prison or were pardoned.
Fort Smith also has a lot of history involving the fight for women's rights. Arkansas was the first state in the south that allowed women to vote in 1917, and a woman named Dymple Johnson was the first woman to cast her vote in the Fort Smith election in November of the same year. Fort Smith was also the home of Dr. Minnie Sanders, one of the first female physicians in the south. Dr. Sanders had to be declared a "person" by a judge before being able to serve on a jury in Illinois.
One of the things tourists and residents enjoy the most about Fort Smith these days is its active cultural and musical life. Local bands constantly present live performances downtown, and the symphony orchestra is the oldest of its type in the state. Additionally, the many theaters and venues consistently put on plays and dance performances to be enjoyed by all.
As in the early days, when the fur trade attracted a number of businesses to the area, Fort Smith has a bustling commercial life, with Central Mall being the largest shopping center in the state, making it a must-visit place to visit when you are in the mood for a feel of the Old West with a modern touch.
My great-great grandmother, Mary Luella (Molly) Spencer, was known for being kind to the prisoners there at Fort Smiith. She would deliver the prisoners their food. All this despite her first husband, who was a lawman or bounty hunter, being shot dead off his horse while “collecting” a lawless man from his residence. The first husband’s last name was Ayers. I know that on Ancestry.com, I have found a newspaper clipping from back then praising my great-great grandmother for her prison duties. I am her great-great grandaughter though her child, Clyde, by her third husband by the last name Dean. Clyde had a son, James, who had a daughter, Diana. Diana is my mother.
My great-great grandmother, Mary Luella (Mollie) Spencer, was known to be kind to the prisoners at Fort Smith. She would bring them their food. All this despite her first husband, who was a lawman or bounty hunter, being shot dead off his horse while collecting a lawless man from his residence. This first husband’s last name was Ayers. I have seen a newspaper clipping from then and there on Ancestry.com praising Mollie’s work with the prisoners. I am related to Mollie through her child, Clyde, that she had with her third husband by the last name Dean. Clyde had a son, James, who had a daughter, Diana. Diana is my mother.
My great-great grandmother, Mary Luella (Mollie) Spencer, was known for her kindness to the prisoners at Fort Smith. She would bring them their food. All this despite her first husband, a lawman or bounty hunter, being shot off his horse while arresting a lawless man from his residence. This first husband’s last name is Ayers. I have seen a newspaper article from then and there on Ancestry.com praising Mollie’s work at the prison. I am related to Mollie through her third husband with the last name of Dean.
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My great-great grandmother, Mary Luella (Mollie) Spencer was know for her kindness to the prisoners at Fort Smith. She would bring them their food. All this despite her first husband, a lawman, being shot dead off his horse while arresting a lawless man from his residence. This first husband;s last name was Ayers. There is a newspaper article from then and there about Mollie’s good work at the prison.