George Richard Haynie

GEORGE RICHARD HAYNIE was born on a farm in what is now Caney Township, Nevada County, Arkansas November 14, 1870. His father was Edmond Theodore Haynie (b.1851-d1926) son of Wilburn Haynie and his wife, Martha Ann (Satterwhite) Haynie. His mother was Georgie Ann (Bass) Haynie (1855-1927), daughter of Lundy Bass and his wife, Elleanor (Rister) Bass. Both families were early pioneers to Southern Arkansas.

George Richard Haynie was the 2nd child of 15 children and attended the schools the community afforded. On Sept. 12, 1888, he was married to Mary T. Williams, daughter of Moses Hickman Williams (1814-1886) and his wife, Mary Levinea (Martin) Williams (1835-1893), who also lived in Caney Township, Nevada County, Arkansas.

In 1891, George R. Haynie held his first public office, that of Constable of Caney Township. In 1892, he made a trip over the county with Congressman Thomas C. McRae who was meeting in debate J.0.A. Bush, member of the Populist (or People's) Party, and editor of the “People's Tribune" at Prescott, Arkansas. In 1894, G.R. Haynie moved his family to Prescott, Ark., where he studied law in the office of Christopher C. Hamby. He was admitted to the Bar Jan. 1896. That same year, he was elected Alderman of the City of Prescott. In 1897, he was elected Mayor of Prescott; was elected to the State Senate 1898 and served 4 years. The Senatorial District was composed of Hempstead and Nevada Counties. He was again elected mayor in 1902 and served until 1906. Was a delegate from Nevada County to the State Democratic Convention in 1896 when it met in Little Rock; again in 1904 when it met in Hot Springs. He was a member of the Prescott School Board from 1906 to 1912 and was its president a part of that time. Was elected Head Consul of the Woodmen of the World in 1908. Attended the National Convention of that organization in 1908 when it met in Detroit; again in 1914 when it met in New York City. The 8th Judicial District honored him in 1910 by electing him Prosecuting Attorney. He served two terms of two years each, as elected Circuit Judge in the above-named District Nov. 1914 and served until Dec. 1922. Was unsuccessful Candidate for Governor in 1920. Established Law Office at Camden, Ouachita County Jan. 1923. Mayor of Camden two consecutive terms. Resigned April 15, 1934. Elected County Judge of Ouachita County, August 27, 1940.

George W. Haynie and his wife first joined the Methodist Church. On moving to Prescott, they placed their letters in with the Cumberland Presbyterians. This church later formed organic Union with the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. He was elected Elder in 1903. In 1913, he was a delegate to the General Assembly which met eat Louisville, Ky. After moving to Camden, he was made an Elder there. as Chairman of the Building Committee when the Church was restored after being damaged by fire in 1938. Was sent as a delegate to the General Assembly which met at Montreat N.C. in 1939.

The children of George R. Haynie and his wife, Mary T. (Williams) Haynie, are Presbyterian and each married a Presbyterian. They are: Mary Winnie (Mrs. Joe R, Hamilton), Fannie Ann (Mrs. D.B. Brown), Ottis Richard, Lawrence Edmond, and Bracy who died at Camden, AR July 31, 1950. Grandson: Charles Richard Haynie, who is the son of Bracy Haynie and his wife, Gussie (Stewart) Haynie.

On Aug. 8, 1944, G.R. Haynie was elected Chancellor of the First Division of the Seventh Chancery District, State of Arkansas. For brothers and sisters of G.R. Haynie, see sketch of Edmund Theodore Haynie, this volume.