Early Days of Ogden
Ogden Established in 1878, Derives its Name from the Wife of Judge W.M. Bates
Little River News
January 31, 1934
By Mrs. I.N. Hutt, Ogden
Early records show that in 1838, Mr. Nunneley and family lived on the present site of Ogden. He owned many acres of land that were farmed by his slaves. He and his wife died and were buried here on a hillside near what is called Hopson’s Spring. Mr. and Mrs. Nunneley are the grand parents of Mrs. C.H. Park of Ashdown. Other settlers were the Paul Bagley’s and the Christopher Waddell’s.
In 1878 Judge M.W. Bates came and gave the place the maiden name of his second wife, who was an Ogden. He owned the first cotton gin, saw mill and store. He also helped to build the first railroad, known as P & G (Pittsburg and Gulf) and gave the lot for the depot. His son in law, Dr. Bright, was the first physician and was followed by Dr. Allen Bellar of Ashdown. Miss Gabrielle Avondeigner taught the first school in an old Methodist church having seven pupils. They were Paul Hamilton Phillips, Carrie Phillips (Mrs. Jim Sanderson, Sr.), Sam and Lizzie Bates, Mae and Matt Nichols, and Lottie Crouch.
School lasted a full nine months and the salary was — per month. Other residents here at the time were the W.S. Crouch’s, W.J. McDowell’s, Paul Hamilton’s (grand parents of Dr. P.H. Phillips and Mrs. Jim Sanderson, Sr.), Mrs. Weaver and grandchildren, Matt Frank’s, Ollie and May Nichols.
Rev. Ed Steele of Richmond circuit was the first pastor. The first telephone was in the residence of W.S. Crouch.
Along about 1900, others came. Some of these were Polk Hean and family, and J.D. Budd, the latter starting a boom in Ogden. He, with his business partner, G.E. Hymer, interested men from various states in the timber and farming business, are making Ogden one of the most thriving towns of its size in the southwest. Lewis Wheelis of Ashdown followed Miss Avondeigner here a teacher and Dr. I.N. Hutt of Fouke, came in 1903 as a young physician and has practiced here ever since.
Remaining residents here of 30 years ago are Mrs. W.S. Crouch and daughters, Mrs. Addie McDowell and Mrs. Madie Duncan, Mrs. W.J. McDowell, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Budd, Oscar Taylor, Charles M. Welch, Mr. And Mrs. T.F. Ball and daughters, Mrs. Grace Furlow and Mrs. Stella Wardell, Mrs. Elma Wood Gill, Mrs. Lilly Adcock, Mrs. Vesta Furlow and J.G. Smithson.
