Biographical Sketch of Dr. Charles W. Horton
June 23, 1872 – April 28, 1937
Doctor Charles W. Horton was born June 23, 1872 in Missouri to the farming family of John William and Martha Isabella Lowe Horton. In the 1880 U.S. Census the family was living in Shoal Creek, Barry, Missouri.
Doctor Davis’ daughter, Bonnie, wrote in 1966: “My father settled at Hiwasse in Benton County in 1900 upon graduating from Barnes Medical School in St. Louis. He began his medical practice there, married my mother, Dona Banks a year later, and spent the next thirty-seven years ministering to the needs of the people of Hiwasse and vicinity, and I believe I can say that with the passing of my father, Dr. Charles Horton, in April 1937 there was also the closing of era.”1
Doctor Davis and Dona had one son, John L. and one daughter, Bonnie N.. Doctor Davis remained in the U.S. Census of Benton County from 1900 through 1930. On November 6, 1934 Dona Banks Horton passed away. He remarried on January 9, 1935.
A writer in the Benton County Pioneer writes of Dr. Horton: “Dr. Horton’s practice extended for miles around Hiwasse town. He was congenial, well liked by everyone. He was the writer’s doctor when I came down with typhoid fever and doubtless saved my life. At that time he came to see us every day except Sunday, driving two ponies to his buggy. However it wasn’t long until he purchased for himself an automobile. His auto could have been the first one to make its debut in Hiiwasse, but I am not positive as to that.“2
Doctor Horton died at home the afternoon of Wednesday, April 28, 1937 following an illness of several months from influenza and heart trouble. The writer of his obituary includes the following: “….and was highly esteemed by the people of that community and the surrounding district as well.”3 Funeral service was held in the Christian Church of Hiwasse followed by burial in the Mount Pleasant cemetery near Hiwasse.
1 The Benton County Pioneer published by The Benton County Historical Society, Bentonville, Arkansas Vol. 11, No. 4 October 1966
2 The Benton County Pioneer published by The Benton County Historical Society, Bentonville, Arkansas Vol. 17 No. 3 Summer 1972
3 Benton County Democrat, Bentonville, Arkansas, April 29, 1937
John T. Mitchell, BBA
April 16, 2022