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himself, from whom the place took its name, did not come into Texas until 1819. He came to Texas with Gabriel Martin, his brother-in-law. Gabriel Martin settled on the south side of Red River. John Stiles [photo] settled on what is now known as Whiterock, ten miles northeast from Clarksville, in 1823.

James Clark had a commission under General Jackson to supply food for the Choctaw and Chickasaw Indians while they were being moved from their lands in Mississippi to their new territory. In order to gain a clearer understanding of the true situation existing at this time with reference to Jonesboro, its position, etc., a great deal of research would be required, particularly through the archives of the Capitol of the territory of Arkansas, together with a good deal of research in the Capitol of the United States Government, especially in connection with the proposed treaties between the United States and the Indians in designating and laying off these new territories.

One very significant point in connection with the history and settlement of Red River County is the fact that some of her early settlers, headed by "Old Man" John Stiles, as he was affectionately called, defied the whole United States Government and its army. In about 1817 an order was made by the United States Government to run a line from a point on Red River at about Lanes Port due north to the Missouri line. In order that we may more easily understand this situation and this


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The History of Clarksville and Old Red River County
Pat B. Clark   1937