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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of St. Francis 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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E. L. Vadakin, the popular editor of the Forrest City Times, owes his nativity to the State of Illinois, having first seen the light of day near the little town of Sullivan in 1864, as the son of H. F. and A. (Clements) Vadakin. H. F. Vadakin was born in Vermont, but when quite young immigrated to Illinois, settling near Sullivan, where he became well known to the citizens for many miles around as an efficient and courteous druggist. His business was of many years’ standing, and his death in 1888 was sincerely mourned, both by his personal friends and those who knew him through reputation. Mrs. Vadakin died when E. L. was a little child. At the age of fourteen, the subject of this sketch entered a printing office and there laid the foundation of his future career. After a few months his brother-in-law purchased the paper, which was located at Stewardson, Ill., but soon sold it. Mr. Vadakin remained with the successor, receiving $10 per month for his services. His next move was to Tower Hill, Ill., where, as no other employment presented itself, he worked for three months on a farm. About this time a campaign paper was started in the town, and afforded work for our subject for some time, but unfortunately it was short-lived, and as it sunk into obscurity, the editor also failed to materialize, having neglected to give Mr. Vadakin any compensation for his labor. The latter, as might be supposed, found himself in rather straightened circumstances, but at this juncture, a railroad advertising agent stopped in the village, and taking a fancy to Mr. Vadakin, induced him to accompany him to Cincinnati, Ohio, promising to use his utmost endeavors to secure for him a good position in some one of the printing offices of that city. This he was unable to do, but he did furnish him a home for some time. Eager to become self-reliant, and not dependent on the bounty of his friends, Mr. Vadakin returned to his old home in Illinois, and accepted the position in one of the printing offices for the sum of $2 per week, and board. An uncle, who was a member of the Union Printing Company at Little Rock, then came to his assistance, and secured him work in an office in that city, where he remained for three years. At one time, while serving his apprenticeship, he had charge of the Union Job Office at Little Rock, Though his promotion was gradual, it was none the less sure, and he is today one of the expert printers in Arkansas. After working on the Democrat, at Lonoke, Ark., for some time, the proprietor purchased the Times at Forrest City, appointing Mr. Vadakin the manager, he to receive half of the net profits. The paper had almost died out, having become exceedingly unpopular from the effects of a newspaper controversy, but Mr. Vadakin brought it to the front, and it is now one of the best county papers in the State, besides being the leading publication of St. Francis County. In May, 1886, Mr. Vadakin was united in marriage with Miss Lillie B. Landvoigh, and to their union one child has been born, Dora Annette. Mr. Vadakin and his father-in-law bought the Times, and own it in partnership. He is a member of the Episcopal Church, and in politics a Democrat.

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This family biography is one of 87 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of St. Francis County, Arkansas published in 1890.  For the complete description, click here: St. Francis County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

View additional St. Francis County, Arkansas family biographies here: St. Francis County, Arkansas Biographies

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