Lemke, W. J. (Walter John), 1891-1968

Journalist and historian Walter John (W. J.) Lemke (1891-1968) served as a charter member of the Washington County Historical Society and as editor of the historical journal Flashback, while also establishing the Arkansas Genealogical Society. He researched a number of historical topics, including the Civil War and the Baptist Church in the South. In addition, Lemke helped found the department of journalism at the University of Arkansas in 1928, and was involved in several organizations, such as the Arkansas Press Women’s Association and the Arkansas High School Press Association.

Source:

Walter John Lemke Papers, 1821-1969, Special Collections, University of Arkansas. Accessed July 7, 2011. http://libinfo.uark.edu/specialcollections/findingaids/Lemke/default.asp#1 .

Journalist and historian Walter John (W. J.) Lemke (1891-1968) served as a charter member of the Washington County Historical Society and as editor of the historical journal Flashback, while also establishing the Arkansas Genealogical Society.

He researched a number of historical topics, including the Civil War and the Baptist Church in the South. In addition, Lemke helped found the department of journalism at the University of Arkansas in 1928, and was involved in several organizations, such as the Arkansas Press Women's Association and the Arkansas High School Press Association.

Journalist and historian.

Walter John Lemke was the head of the Journalism Dept. at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville from 1928 to 1959. He founded the Arkansas High School Press Association and helped to found the Arkansas Press Women's Association. Because of his interest in state and local history, he founded the Arkansas Genealogical Society and the Washington County Historical Society and served as president of the Arkansas Historical Society and as editor of the Arkansas Historical Quarterly and the Washington County Historical Society's Flashback. He also served on the Prairie Grove Civil War Battlefield Commission. He died in Fayetteville on 4 Dec. 1968.