Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1912-05-11

Pitts, himself a fine lawyer and three daughters. Mrs. Yell and daughters dispensed such generous hospitality ever extending a welcome so cordial, that both old and young enjoyed. a visit with them. The last big we'd ding of Ante-bellum days was that of Miss Lizzie Yell to Joseph Black, editor of the True Democrat of Lit tie Rock, which took place at the family residence March 19, 1861. the Rev. J. A. Stanley, officiating. The most-lavish hospitality prevailed the infair festivities ranking almost as important as the wedding. Num- erous parties were given for a week afterwards, as in those days there were no pre-nupitial entertainments, no wedding presents from the gen. eraI public.
 The Pine Bluff bar was the ablest in the state. One of it's pioneer members was Wm Porter Grace, who came from Kentucky in 1S47, and in 1853 was married to Miss Harriet Boyd, whose father was a prominent citizen and whose brother in law and brother were the firm of Mason and Boyd, merchants. Mir. Grace liv- ed a long and useful life, attaining distinction in his profession and in later years was called the Nestor of the bar. He had no children, but his mantle has fallen on his nephew, Judge A. B. Grace, whose compre- hensive knowledge of law and pre- cedent, has caused his consecutive re- elections to the office he has filled thirteen years. His administration of justice has called forth popular ap- proval A grand nephew bears the name of Wm. Porter Grace.
 Judge Reed Fletcher was gradu- ate of the law school of Lebanon, Tenn He came from Nashville, Tenn, in 1851 and began to practice law. He soon attained eminenfe in his profession, being frequently ap- pointed to preside as Judge of the Cir cult in which he practiced. He was appointed U. S. Attorney for the Eastern district of Arkansas by Pre- sident Buchanan. In 1855 he married Eliza, daughter of pr. Wood Tuck CT.
 Marcus l.. Bell, another, whose name belongs in the long list which preceded him, who were noted as ever striving to promote the best in- terests of town and county, came to Little Rock from Tennessee in 1S49 when 20 years old, served as secre- tory to his uncle, Gov. Roane, and studied law under Judge English. In December 1852 he married his cousin Juliet, daughter of Judge s c. Roane and in 1853 came to Pine Bluff and began the practice of law. A second marriage gave him two sons, Marcus l.. and c. Neel Bell, the older of whom has son Marcus l.. Bell which brings the name into the third generation.
 Other prominent members of the bar were D. w. Carroll and partner R. w. Millsaps, E. w. Martin, T. F. Sorrells, Herman Carlton, w. F. Owen, R. C. Thompson, John w. Mes- senger and Judge J. c. Murray, the last named being the father of John Edward Murray our beloved Military hero and Arthur Murray, editor of the lPressEagle.
 The leading physicians were Dr. Cornell, A. w. Brewster whose old home is standing on the corner of Main and 9th. Dr. Womack, David s. Mills, J. F. McGregor, w. T.. Hyslop a dentist, Dr. Fricke and Dr. F. o. Rozell. The last mentioned came to Pine Bluff in 1850 and died in 1859, leaving a widow and six children. The oldest daughter, Mrs. Lillian Rozell Messenger has attain ed celebrity through her literary work and has published several books of poems. One of her most beauti- full poems ''In the Heart of America was read at the opening ceremonies of the Atlanta Exposition. Dr. J. F. McGregcr was one of three brothers who came from Lebanon, Tenn The oldest. Thomas McGregor married Frances Roane and the McGregor plantation, ten miles above here was their home. Don McGregor entered the Southern army and was killed at the battle of Murfreesboro. He was Lieutenant Colonel in the 1st Ropimanf If Arkansas Infantry