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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Phillips County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1890.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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William S. Burnett is the able editor and proprietor of the Helena Daily and Weekly World, which paper is firmly established as a representative journal of this portion of the State. Mr. Burnett’s birth occurred in this county, and he has become well known for his perseverance, enterprise and progress, as well as for many other admirable traits of character, and to a very great extent he enjoys the esteem and confidence of his fellow-man. After acquiring a common-school education, he entered the office of the Democratic Star of Helena as an apprentice at the printer’s trade, but completed his knowledge of the business in the Southern Shield office. He then began an independent career as publisher of the Helena Clonen, in 1864, but after conducting this paper for a short time, he sold out, and established the Des Arc Crescent, of which paper he had the management from 1866 to 1869. At the latter date, he sold this paper also and returned to Helena, where, in conjunction with Mulkey & Burke, he established the Weekly World in 1871, and afterward also began the publication of the Daily World. At a later period he sold his interest in these journals, and in 1874 he began editing the Daily Mail, but in 1876, again disposed of his paper. From that time until 1885 he gave his attention to other branches of business, then purchased the Daily World, which he is now successfully conducting, it being the second oldest daily in the State. Under his judicious management it has become recognized as an influential paper, and has done good work in advancing the interests of Eastern Arkansas. Its editorial policy has been directed by a man of good judgment, and its columns always contain something instructive and interesting. He has always supported the men and measures of the Democrat party, and has himself held responsible positions as a township and county officer.

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This family biography is one of 103 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Phillips County, Arkansas published in 1890.  For the complete description, click here: Phillips County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

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