Born 4.1 miles west near Nankipoo on Aug. 21, 1896, Roark Bradford won wide fame for stories of Mississippi River and Delta characters, including “How Come Christmas,” “Ol' Man Adam an' His Chillun,” “John Henry,” “Kingdom Comin',” and “This Side of Jordan.” The play “The Green Pastures” was adapted from his stories. He died Nov. 13, 1948.