MONT. Co. Genealogy
POLK Co.
Genealogy
BOOKS FOR SALE
POLK COUNTY GENEALOGY SOCIETY
All proceeds for genealogy research go to NHPP, Inc. (501-C-3 Nonprofit) for use in the Genealogy Library, to buy books, materials and maintain the library.
The genealogy and history of Polk and Montgomery crosses over the county lines in many ways. In order to get a clear view of most of the families, especially those involved in the sawmill business, one needs to check out both counties.
Also, land mass was taken from Montgomery County and added to Polk County, along what is now Highway 8 East. So if you are looking for families in the Big Fork area you should play close attention to the resources in Montgomery County.
It was also easier and quicker to reach Polk County than it was to cross over the mountain to Mount Ida, the Montgomery County seat. So many people went to Polk County to be married or to do business. Only in cases where a document had to be filed in their own county seat did they go to Mt. Ida. Mena also had the only railroad (1896) until Womble (now Norman) was reached by rail in 1907. This also was instrumental in businessmen and farmers going to Mena. Mt. Ida never had rail service and Hot Springs could only be reached by rail by Womble and making connections with another line, or going to Mena and going south to intersect with another line. Fort Smith and Kansas City, Shreveport, Texas and Oklahoma could be reached from Mena on a direct line.