The Bienville Democrat. [volume] (Arcadia, Bienville Parish, La.) 1912-1980, 1921-04-07
NATIVE OF BIENVlLLE
PARISH GETS FIRST PRO.
DUCER AT HAYNESVILLE

Although Bienville parish has not
yet entered the realm Of proven oil
fields, one Of its native Sons, Mr..
James E. Smitherman, who was born
and raised in this parish and whose
parents now reside at Liberty Hill
was last week changed from pro
motcr to a successful oil operator, hay
ing engineered the drilling and bring
ing in Of the first we'll in the new
Haynesville Oil Field. From state
meDts made by men who are pioneers
in the Oil game, We feel safe in pre-.
dieting that the bringing in of this well
marks the opening Of one of the great
est fields in this section Of the country.
The HayneSville well is flowing from
5000 to 1000 barrels Of high gravity
oil and according to reports there is
a greater market for this oil than any
other that is now being produced in
either Louisiana or Arkansas.
Mrs. Howell Jones, of Arcadia, is a
sister Of Mr.. Smitherman, and it is
useless to say that she is very much
elated over his success. He also has
scores of friends in this parish who
are glad Of his good fortune.
Sundays Shreveport Times has the
following to say regarding the history
Of Mr.. Smitherman's operations and
success in the Haynesville field:
after rising to the heights of emf
hence in the legal profession through
years Of application and hard work
James L. Smitherman, Of Smitherman
II Tucker, attorneys, Of Shreveport
visions another pinnacle, the result o,
application to fixed purpose and the
courage of his convictions.
"A little more than a year ago, Mr.
Smitherman decided to enter the ranks
of oil explorers He made a minute
study Of the locality near HaynesvilIe
He consulted with John Y. Snyder
geOlOgist, Of Shreveport, who made the
first detail survey Of the field He
was convinced that this part of the
state, about u miles from the wonder
field near Homer, had potentialities of
duplicating the marvellous record of the
discovery pool in Claiborne parish. He
was given the aid and support of E. G.
Palmer and Mrs. II. 4. Layne, OF
Shreveport.
He frankly stated his plans to the
people Of Haynesville and enlisted
their cooperation Mr.. Smitherman Sc.
cured this cooperation to the extent
that the little community which has
sprung into fame overnight looked
upon him as a partner in a mutual ad
venture. Sid Beene, a faithful friend
of Mr. Smitherman, gave valuable as
sistance, aiding in the blocking out OF
acreage and otherwise smoothing the
path for the undertaking.
"Mr. Smitherman and his associates
took over the Taylor No. l, a vel
which had been drilled, but held un
profitable by the original driller. They
consulted the operation and although
they did not meet with success, never
theless indications were such as to war
rant second test The first vel
showed oil, but was finally abandoned
"The venturesome operators met witt
the obstacles which usually arise il
the path Of the pioneer. But through al
the people of Haynesville, and especial
~ Mr.. Beene, stayed loyalty by the side
Of Mr. Smitherman and lent every en-
enlargement in the venture. Mr.. Smith
erman said frankly that he and his as
sociates could not have succeeded with
out the loyal support of the people O